Spanish and Portuguese (PhD) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The PhD in Spanish and Portuguese focuses on Latin American, Iberian and US Latino literary and cultural traditions and encourages research across departmental and disciplinary borders. Students work with faculty in Anthropology, History and Performance Studies and with programmes including Comparative Literary Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Latino Studies and African Studies.

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

What you will study

Doctoral training in Latin American, Iberian and US Latino literatures and cultures with interdisciplinary links; the programme participates in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applications are submitted electronically through the Graduate School. Northwestern Graduate School (TGS) English proficiency minimums for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 90 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026), IELTS Academic 7.0, MET 61. Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted; individual 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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