PhD in Asian Studies/Civilization (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are determined by the Graduate School and vary by student status and residency. Refer to the Graduate School website for current rates..

Students conduct advanced research in literature, religion, and intellectual history across East, South, and Southeast Asia. They complete a master's thesis within their first two years of study. They develop three areas of specialization with support from faculty advisors. By the third year, they pass written and oral exams in each specialization. They must show fluency in a major Asian language. They also need reading knowledge of a second Asian language and one European language. Doctoral candidates are encouraged to spend a year in Asia. This time is used for language training or dissertation research.

Focus areas include Asian religions, East Asian literature and culture, South Asian literature and culture, Southeast Asian literature and culture, Theory and method (minor).

Students complete 12 to 14 courses over the first two years, including a master's thesis. They then pursue three areas of specialization and complete a dissertation after passing candidacy exams. The program requires ongoing enrollment in research courses throughout the degree.

Graduates pursue academic careers in universities and research institutions, specializing in Asian literary, religious, or cultural studies.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and have at least three years of study in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese. A 25-page academic writing sample and three recommendations are required. English language proficiency is mandatory.

In Person, Full-Time, Minimum 10 Semesters. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

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