French/Francophone Studies (PhD) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The PhD covers major periods, genres and media of French cultural production with an inclusive approach. Faculty research spans the sixteenth century to the present, with strengths in gender/sexuality studies, film/media theory, French and critical theory and Francophone literature.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of French and Italian | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Students often join Northwestern's Interdisciplinary Cluster Initiative (e.g., African Studies, Gender Studies); the programme hosts conferences and visiting writers and scholars.

Career pathways

Academia, research and cultural institutions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The Graduate School baseline English proficiency for PhD applicants: IELTS Academic 7.0; TOEFL iBT minimum 90 for PhD and 80 for master's (exams before 21 Jan 2026; 4.5 on the newer scale after that date); MET 61 for PhD and 54 for master's; scores taken within two years of entry; Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials not accepted; waived for applicants with a degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction. Programmes may set higher minimums.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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