PhD Asian Languages and Cultures at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Programme overview

The PhD in Asian Languages and Cultures is an interdisciplinary degree with focus areas in Buddhist, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian and Southeast Asian studies. Faculty expertise spans cultural studies, intellectual history, linguistics, literature, performance studies, philosophy, religion and visual culture.

Faculty: College of Literature, Science, and the Arts | Department: Asian Languages and Cultures | Duration: Three years of graduate coursework; average of five to seven years to complete including dissertation | Intake: Fall; applications close December 1 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ann Arbor, MI, United States

What you will study

Graduate coursework at the 500 level and above, a first-year mentoring committee then a three-member Mentoring Committee, a high level of proficiency in the Asian language most relevant to the research (modern and in some cases pre-modern forms), a fourth-term review dossier, preliminary examinations and a dissertation. Prior master's work does not fulfil any PhD requirement.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

At least a bachelor's degree; applicants must have proficiency in at least one Asian language and some background in Asian culture, plus a background in related humanistic disciplines. Required through Rackham by December 1: online application, academic statement of purpose (about 800 words), personal statement (about 500 words), at least one English writing sample of 10-30 pages, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers, and application fee or waiver. US citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply for FLAS fellowships.

Intake: Fall; applications close December 1

Duration: Three years of graduate coursework; average of five to seven years to complete including dissertatio

Apply through the official page: https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/

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