South Asia Regional Studies, PhD

South Asia Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the history, languages, society, literature, and art from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bhutan. America's oldest and most distinguished South Asia program, faculty work in multiple disciplines and offer study in nearly 15 South Asian languages.

The Department of South Asia Studies (SAST) offers PhD and MA degrees, attracting exceptional students from around the world. Candidates for the PhD develop a deep familiarity with the history, methodology, and practice of a chosen discipline relevant to the study of South Asia, and a broad knowledge of allied disciplines. Additionally, our PhD candidates will show a demonstrable proficiency in at least two relevant research languages as detailed in the department requirements.

In addition to the completion of coursework and language requirements, PhD candidates are expected to act as Teaching Assistants and/or teach their own classes for four semesters. PhD candidates, through the course of their time in the department, are expected to make two presentations to the South Asia Colloquium and to successfully pass their Qualifying and Candidacy Exams. 

For more information: http://www.southasia.upenn.edu

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Curriculum 

A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Students must take SAST 6200-301: SAST Proseminar: History, Methods, and Theories of South Asian Studies, and one course in each of the following foci: Anthropology, Arts & Literature, History, and Religion.  At least 1 or these 4 courses must be focused on premodern content and at least 1 on modern content.  The foci courses (NOT including language courses and independent studies) must be taken with four DIFFERENT core Faculty of the South Asia Studies department and members of the South Asia Studies Graduate Group in the first three years.  These professors include: Prof. Daud Ali, Prof. Kashi Gomez, Prof. Greg Goulding, Prof. Ketaki Jaywant, Prof. Lisa Mitchell, Prof. Davesh Soneji.

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Candidates who demonstrate advanced knowledge in their language of concentration and/or advanced knowledge of a second research language may be excused from part of these requirements. Candidates who satisfy language requirements at the South Asia Summer Language Institute or other summer courses, or in advanced language programs abroad may likewise be excused from taking additional language courses. Any CUs not required for language study may be reallocated to electives. The exemption from further language study does not result in a reduction of the total number of 20 CUs required for the degree.

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Elective CUs may be used for research connected with the preparation for third year Candidacy Exams (formerly ‘Preliminary Exams’) and a dissertation proposal. This is typically SAST 7999, SAST 8999, and/or an Independent Study. 

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.