
The PhD in Asian Languages and Cultures is an interdisciplinary program allowing for specialization in areas such as Buddhist studies, Chinese studies, Japanese studies, Korean studies, South Asian studies, or Southeast Asian studies. The program typically requires three years of graduate coursework, with the overall degree completion taking an average of five to seven years, including dissertation research and writing. Students are expected to develop a high level of proficiency in an Asian language relevant to their research, potentially including both modern and pre-modern forms.
The program structure involves graduate coursework, the formation of a Mentoring Committee, language proficiency development, and a fourth-term review process.
Specific language requirements are determined by the student's Mentoring Committee Chair and must be met by the time preliminary examinations are completed.
Tuition is assessed per credit hour for less than full-time enrollment. Candidacy status has a different tuition rate. Refer to the University of Michigan Office of the Registrar for the most up-to-date figures and detailed information.
For full-time enrollment (9+ credit hours) in Fall & Winter terms, non-resident tuition is $30,685. For Spring & Summer terms, non-resident tuition for 5+ credit hours is $17,030. Mandatory fees are additional and these figures are for the 2025-26 academic year.
The program usually requires three years of graduate coursework. The overall degree completion, including dissertation research and writing, typically takes an average of five to seven years.
While specific language requirements are set by the Mentoring Committee Chair, previous graduate work from other programs does not fulfill PhD requirements. Students may be eligible for an MA if they meet all MA requirements upon withdrawal from the PhD program.
The specific deadline is typically in December for Fall admission. You should confirm the exact dates on the university's official admissions pages.
Doctoral funding packages usually include tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend. Additional support may be available for conference travel, research, and writing, contingent on maintaining good academic standing.
This interdisciplinary program allows for specialization in areas such as Buddhist studies, Chinese studies, Japanese studies, Korean studies, South Asian studies, or Southeast Asian studies.