Admissions and Degree Requirements
If you are having difficulties with the application, contact the Director of Graduate Studies.
Admission Requirements: Heading link
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:
- Baccalaureate Field: A substantial background in French literature is essential, as is fluency in written and spoken French.
- Grade Point Average: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
- Minimum English Competency Test Score – TOEFL 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (New Paper-Based—after August 2018); 550 (Institutional Testing Paper-Based—prior to August 2018), OR, IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR, PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three required from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s recent academic work. Letters are accepted in English or French.
- Statement: 300-400 words, in French; the statement should address the applicant’s (a) reasons for wanting to engage in graduate study; (b) previous training in French language, literature, and cultural studies; and (c) career goals.
- Other Requirements: Applicants must submit (1) a sample of their academic writing in French (a research paper in which an analytical and critical argument is developed and which cites appropriate sources is preferred) and (2) a Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
Degree Requirements: Heading link
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the program requirements as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
A minimum of 32 semester hours are required for successful completion of the degree. 24 hours of course work must be taken in the Department of French and Francophone Studies. Within these hours are a number of required, selective, and elective courses.
A comprehensive examination in the second year is required. This exam has both written and oral components.