What is the language requirement at the Ph.D. level?
Students must have completed the equivalent of 2 years of foreign language study at the university level. This can be done concurrently with coursework in the program, if not completed by the time of entry to the program. We offer courses in Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Classical Chinese; however, Ph.D. students do not receive credit for such courses toward the 36 required units.

Can I transfer credits to the program?
You can transfer up to 1/6 of program requirements, with departmental approval. The credits must have been earned through an accredited institution, and not have counted toward another degree.

Are there opportunities for research/study abroad?
While the ACS program does not sponsor programs abroad, students are encouraged to pursue their own research opportunities.

How easy is it to go on to other institutions with an M.A. from CIIS?
M.A. graduates have gone on to schools such as the University of Wisconsin, University of Toronto and the Graduate Theological Union. However, much still depends on the ability of the individual student and their academic networking skills. A student should investigate the requirements at "target" Ph.D. programs. Preliminary research is very helpful. Most often, a M. A. Thesis is helpful in entrance to a higher level university. Also, the Graduate Record Exam scores are most often the FIRST criteria used. If a student cannot do well on the graduate record exam, they cannot get into a high level university Ph. D. program.

My particular background lies in Zen Buddhism. Will I be able to continue research in this area?
We teach Chinese Zen in ACS at the highest level. If it is Japanese Zen we do not teach Japanese here and we cannot support Ph. D. research in this area easily.