East Asian Languages and Literatures, PhD

Requirements

Each newly-admitted PhD student is required to take the qualifying exam by the third semester. He or she must take at least 24 credit courses beyond those counted towards the MA degree. Apart from having a command of English and their language of concentration, students must have knowledge of a second East Asian language equivalent to two years of study or exempted through a language placement test.

Students in the Language/Linguistics track must fulfill two scholarly papers in lieu of traditional comprehensive exams in order to advance to candidacy. Students in the Literature track must take written comprehensive exams in three areas (at least one of which will be outside the students’ areas of specialization) followed by an oral exam. After being advanced to candidacy, all PhD candidates must complete an original dissertation and pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

For details on the PhD requirements, visit: manoa.hawaii.edu/eall/phd-requirements/.