John K. Fairbank
Following the war, Murphey received an M.A. degree in international and regional studies in 1948 and his Ph.D. degree in Far Eastern history and geography from Harvard University in 1950, where he studied with John K. Fairbank. Murphey taught Asian studies and geography at the University of Washington from 1952–1964. In 1964, he went to University of Michigan as professor of Asian studies and geography. His title was changed to professor of history in 1982.