Graduates

PhD Program

Graduate students at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor can focus their work on Armenian studies topics in the social science and humanities departments. Although CAS does not offer a graduate degree program, we collaborate and are able to cost-share with partner units (see below) to support students who are working on topics related to Armenian studies. The depth and breadth of Armenian studies courses and the renowned faculty of area specialists provide for an outstanding program that has garnered international recognition. One-on-one mentorship, excellence in language instruction, deep intellectual engagement, and a broad array of funding opportunities are the hallmarks of our work with graduate students affiliated with the center. Graduates affiliated with our center have secured careers in both academia and the public sector. If you are interested in pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in Armenian Studies, visit the relevant departments below or contact us.

Admissions

Applicants for graduate programs may apply to the relevant departments or centers at the University of Michigan listed below.

All graduate programs housed within the listed units are administered by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. The admissions page on the Rackham Graduate School’s website provides detailed instructions for applying for graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Please contact the respective units for details regarding application deadlines and supporting documents required for your application.

CAS offers Armenian Studies Fellowships to incoming graduate students who expect to focus their graduate studies on themes relevant to Armenian studies. For more information about CAS fellowships for incoming students, please visit our Fellowships for Incoming Graduate Students funding page. The center also offers travel and research funding to current students. Please visit the Current Student Funding page to learn more about eligibility criteria, applications requirements, and deadlines.

MIRS Program

The Center for Armenian Studies (CAS) supports graduate students who wish to concentrate on Armenia and the Armenian diaspora while earning their Master of Arts in International and Regional Studies (MIRS). While Armenian Studies is not a standalone MIRS track, students can pursue Armenian Studies by selecting one of two existing MIRS specializations:

Through the REEES or MENAS tracks, students may integrate coursework focused on Armenian language, history, and culture into their curriculum by taking at least 18 credit hours of courses available in Armenian Studies. CAS works closely with both programs to provide academic guidance, funding opportunities, professional development, and access to a vibrant community of scholars focused on Armenia and the Armenian diaspora.

Degree Structure

The MIRS degree requires 36 credit hours and combines interdisciplinary coursework, professional development, and independent research or experiential learning.

Students complete:

Core coursework in research methods and design
A two-semester graduate colloquium
Regional coursework across multiple disciplines
A capstone experience, which may take the form of:
- A master's thesis
- Advanced research seminars
- An internship or practicum related to the student's specialization

The program's flexibility allows students to develop a customized course of study aligned with their academic interests and professional goals.

Learn More

Prospective students interested in incorporating Armenian Studies into the MIRS degree are encouraged to contact the International Institute Academic Services team (ii-gradadvising@umich.edu) to discuss academic pathways, faculty mentorship, funding opportunities, and course planning.

Prospective students FAQ

What should I include in my research/academic statement?

The research statement is the most important document in your application package. It should cover your current work, future plans, and career goals. It should situate your work within the larger context of the field and discuss your unique contribution to the field. In this document you need to discuss one or a few big questions/proposed research topics that interest you, the reason you are interested in these questions, and your approach/plan to address them during your graduate studies. Be very clear in describing your research interests, including topic, period, and your approach. Your honors and awards, specific research or lab work as well as any teaching you did should be included in the research statement. The aim is to present how your past work prepared you for your graduate studies.

In your research statement you should also include the names of faculty you want to work with. A list of faculty members with their short bios and research interests is available on each department’s website. You are strongly encouraged to familiarize yourself with the teaching and research interests of the faculty and even contact individual faculty members to explore topics of interest.

Finally, you should also discuss why you are interested in attending U-M and the specific department to which you are applying, and why this university and department are a good fit for you. In general, a 2-3 page essay should be enough to present your research/academic statement.

What should I include in my personal statement?

The personal statement is a chance for you to present yourself and aspects of your life that are relevant to be considered for graduate school. You should discuss experiences that led you to be interested in the specific research field/topic and offer a narrative that ties into your research statement. You can include personal experiences (cultural, geographical, financial, educational, etc.) that affected your educational opportunities and provide some context to aspects of your life that influenced and motivated your decision to apply for graduate school. Please avoid including too detailed and overly personal information in your statement; the most important thing is to produce a compelling narrative about your past and future trajectory as a student and scholar.

How many recommendation letters do I need?

For a complete application, you need to provide three letters of recommendation that evaluate your academic performance, strengths, potential, and talents. You need to register your recommenders during the online application process. They will receive individual links to submit their letters online. You can monitor the receipt of the letters or remind your recommenders about missing letters.

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