Performance Studies at Northwestern University

Programme overview

In t he Department of Performance Studies we explore performance in all its forms, extending and deepening understandings of how people embody worlds and imagine socio-political possibilities through action and inquiry . Students majoring in performance studies engage performance both as an object of study—something to be documented and analyzed—and as a method of study—something to be experienced and enacted. Our courses are a rehearsal for taking risks in the world-at-l arge, a workshop for generating feedback and dialogue through bodily expression, and a laboratory for testing ideas

Faculty: School of Communication | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

The department sponsors ongoing “performance hours” featuring student-directed productions ; end-of-term “salons” inviting students to showcase their coursework-based projects; opportunities to collaborate with graduate students ; and other platforms to present their research and practice . Students pursuing the honors program begin by proposing a thesis topic and enlisting a faculty member to serve as advisor.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 71,802 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 (full-time $23,934 per quarter, fall/winter/spring); a single rate for all full-time undergraduate degree programmes; excludes room and board, student health, activity and athletics fees and health insurance. Source

Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply through Early Decision, Regular Decision or QuestBridge.

First-year deadlines for 2026-27: QuestBridge October 1, 2026; Early Decision November 1, 2026 (decisions December 2026); Regular Decision January 4, 2027 (decisions March 2027). Transfer: Early Decision March 1, 2027; Regular Decision April 1, 2027 (priority deadline for Bienen transfer applicants January 4, 2027).

Apply through the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir (QuestBridge for QuestBridge applicants). The nonrefundable application fee is $75 or a fee waiver. Northwestern is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

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.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/

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