To Apply
Required Degrees
- B.A. in French (or equivalent) for the M.A. program
- M.A. in French (or equivalent) for the Ph.D. program
Our Selection Criteria
- evidence of an intellectual commitment to the advanced study of literature and culture
- potential for excellent scholarship, research and teaching
- proficiency in French (including an excellent command of the language in speaking and writing, for both teaching and academic work)
- previous academic record
- scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Elements of the Application:
Graduate School Application through ApplyYourself
- Statement of Research Interests (2-3 pages long). Your statement of research is one of the most important elements of your application.
- It should address:
- Your previous academic or intellectual work in French Studies (or related fields)
- Your current and anticipated research interests
- If applicable, any teaching experience you may have
- It should address:
- PLEASE NOTE: The graduate school's new application includes 3 essays, with specific instructions for each. Our program requirements are slightly different. Our department will most closely read your FIRST ESSAY, which is your statement of research interests. Please limit your responses to the other 2 essays to ONE page. These essays are OPTIONAL, and should be completed only if your think their content will strengthen your application by addressing aspects of your training, background, or interests not explored elsewhere in your application
- Writing Sample. Along with the Statement of Research Interests, an example of your academic writing is a crucial portion of your application.
- Expected criteria:
- 10-20 pages long
- In French (two writing samples, one in French, are acceptable)
- Demonstrate your potential for academic writing and critical thought
- Expected criteria:
- Letters of Recommendation. Letters should speak to your previous academic work, potential for excellence in scholarly research, writing, and teaching, and proficiency in French. They are usually from college professors or other individuals familar with your intellectual work and promise. Please have your recommenders send their letters directly to the French and Italian department. Please advise them to not upload their letters on ApplyYourself.
- Demonstration of Proficiency in French. Your application should attest to your command of French, in both your writing sample and your letters of recommendation. Furthermore, it should be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Recorded answers to our questionnaire
- A scheduled phone interview with one of our faculty members. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies to set up an appointment
- Note: TAships are awarded contingent on the applicant's proficiency in French
- Note: TAships are awarded contingent on the applicant's proficiency in French
- GRE Scores
- Official Transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended
- Application Fee
International Applicants
In addition to required materials, international applicants must send:
- certified copies of all academic records, including diplomas and records of grades or exam results. If the originals are in a language other than English or French, certified English translations must be provided.
- scores for the following tests: For more information please see the graduate school website
Application Deadlines
- Primary Deadline: December 15th for consideration for Graduate School Research Fellowships.
- January 1 to be assured consideration for graduate instructorships.
Application Checklist
Please note that we require certain items of your application dossier to be sent directly to us at the department. The remaining elements should be uploaded to the Graduate School's electronic application system, or forwarded to them. Please use the address below.Items to be sent to: |
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Items to be sent to: |
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Contact Information
- For questions concerning the graduate program, contact Professor Juliette Cherbuliez, Director of Graduate Studies in French, at cherbuli@umn.edu or 612-626-0418.
- For questions about applying to the graduate program, contact the Graduate Secretary, at frit0164@umn.edu or 612-624-4308.
- Further information is available from the Graduate School.