UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
MA/PhD in Asian Cultures and Languages
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 48 credit hours minimum courseworkTotal Coursework
- 30 credit hours for MA phaseMA Phase Coursework
- 18 credit hours for PhD phasePhD Phase Coursework
- Academic career focusCareer Path
- Specializations in East Asia or South AsiaAreas of Study
The MA/PhD program in Asian Cultures and Languages (ACL) is designed for students aiming for an academic career focused on the literature and languages of China, Japan, Korea, or South Asia. The program does not offer a standalone Master of Arts (MA) degree; it is structured as a pathway to a doctoral degree. Students can enter the program with either a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in a different field. The program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, divided into two phases. The first phase, leading to the MA, involves 30 credit hours and culminates in a Master's Report. Students undergo a formal review to determine their progression to the PhD phase. The second phase, the PhD, requires an additional 18 credit hours of coursework beyond the MA, along with dissertation credits. Throughout the program, students must demonstrate competency in at least one modern foreign language relevant to their research.
Curriculum
The MA/PhD program is structured in two phases, with specific coursework requirements for each. The MA phase includes a Master's Report, and progression to the PhD phase is contingent on successful completion of this report and a formal review.
- MA Phase (First ~2 years)
- Major Area of Specialization
- Graduate Research Methods
- Asian History/Culture (Major Area)
- Advanced Language Courses
- Electives
- Masters Report
- PhD Phase (Beyond MA)
- Major Area of Specialization
- Minor Area of Specialization
- Graduate Research Methods
- Dissertation Courses
Careers
The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in the study of Asian cultures and languages.
- Professor
- Researcher
- Academic
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MA/PhD in Asian Cultures and Languages?
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree is required. For East Asian specialization, at least two years of college-level Chinese, Japanese, or Korean with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent competence, is mandatory. Prior knowledge of a South Asian language is typically expected for that specialization, though outstanding applicants without it may be considered.
- How do international students demonstrate English language proficiency?
- International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. This requirement is waived if you hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language.
- What is the tuition for this program?
- Tuition rates for graduate students vary by college and program. International students should refer to the University Registrar's Office and the My Tuition Bill site for the most current graduate tuition rates, as this information is subject to change.
- What is the program structure and duration?
- This is a combined MA/PhD program, not a standalone MA. The MA phase requires 30 credit hours and typically takes about two years, culminating in a Master's Report. The PhD phase requires an additional 18 credit hours of coursework plus dissertation credits.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- This program is designed to prepare students for academic careers. Graduates typically pursue roles as professors or researchers specializing in Asian cultures and languages.
- How do I apply to the MA/PhD program?
- Submit the online graduate application through the relevant college's portal, not ApplyTexas. You will need to provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, transcripts, and application fees. International applicants also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's or Master's DegreeA Bachelor's or Master's degree is required for admission. For East Asian specialization, a Bachelor's in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or East Asian Studies is typical. For South Asian specialization, a Bachelor's in area studies or a traditional discipline with a South Asia concentration is common.
Language Proficiency (East Asia)For East Asia specialization, at least two years of college-level Chinese, Japanese, or Korean with a grade of B or higher in each course, or equivalent demonstrated competence, is required before admission.
Language Proficiency (South Asia)For South Asia specialization, knowledge of a South Asian language is typically expected. Outstanding applicants without prior language knowledge may be considered.
TOEFL/IELTSNot specified, but required for international applicants unless a bachelor's degree is from a US institution or an English-speaking country.
Students specializing in East Asia must have completed prior language coursework or demonstrated equivalent competence. Language coursework taken after admission will not count towards the MA degree. A formal review determines progression to the PhD phase. Competency in at least one modern foreign language for research is required for the PhD.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University Registrar's Office for current graduate tuition rates. Rates vary by college and program.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University Registrar's Office for current graduate tuition rates. Rates vary by college and program.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fee information is subject to change. Students are advised to consult the General Information Catalog and the My Tuition Bill site for the most up-to-date details. Payment deadlines are critical; failure to meet them can result in registration cancellation.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application for graduate admission through the relevant college's portal (e.g., College of Liberal Arts).
2. Submit Application MaterialsProvide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (1-2 pages), GRE general test scores, and a PDF copy of current transcripts.
3. Pay Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee. The fee is $65 for domestic students and $90 for international students.
4. Send GRE ScoresHave GRE scores sent directly from the ETS testing center to the Office of Graduate Admissions using university code 6882. Scores are valid for 5 years.
5. Submit TOEFL/IELTS Scores (International Applicants)International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless they hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language.
6. Ensure Document ReceiptIt is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required documents are received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the stated deadline.
Scholarships
Graduate School FellowshipsNot specified
College & Department FellowshipsNot specified
Externally Funded FellowshipsNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MA/PhD in Asian Cultures and Languages?
+
A Bachelor's or Master's degree is required. For East Asian specialization, at least two years of college-level Chinese, Japanese, or Korean with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent competence, is mandatory. Prior knowledge of a South Asian language is typically expected for that specialization, though outstanding applicants without it may be considered.
How do international students demonstrate English language proficiency?
+
International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. This requirement is waived if you hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language.
What is the tuition for this program?
+
Tuition rates for graduate students vary by college and program. International students should refer to the University Registrar's Office and the My Tuition Bill site for the most current graduate tuition rates, as this information is subject to change.
What is the program structure and duration?
+
This is a combined MA/PhD program, not a standalone MA. The MA phase requires 30 credit hours and typically takes about two years, culminating in a Master's Report. The PhD phase requires an additional 18 credit hours of coursework plus dissertation credits.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
This program is designed to prepare students for academic careers. Graduates typically pursue roles as professors or researchers specializing in Asian cultures and languages.
How do I apply to the MA/PhD program?
+
Submit the online graduate application through the relevant college's portal, not ApplyTexas. You will need to provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, transcripts, and application fees. International applicants also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.