phd language requirements

Department of History

Language requirements.

• Utility Menu

Department of Linguistics

Ph.d. program.

The main components of the Linguistics Ph.D. program are as follows:

• Course Requirements
• Language Requirement
• Generals Papers
• Dissertation
• Extra Funding Availability

All requirements, including two generals papers, should ideally be completed by the end of the third year, but in no case later than the end of the fourth. The dissertation prospectus is due on October 15 of the fall term of the fourth year. Failure to meet program requirements in a timely fashion may result in termination of candidacy. 

First-year students are advised by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) until they select a major field from the regular departmental faculty. Thereafter, progress toward completion of the Ph.D. requirements continues to be monitored by the DGS, but primary responsibility for overseeing study shifts to the major advisor. Students are free to change their major advisor at any time. By the end of the second year they should also select a co-advisor, who serves as a secondary advisor and faculty mentor.

Harvard Linguistics Graduate Student Handbook

Progress to the Degree (updated 7/1/2015)

A B+ average must be maintained in each year of graduate study. Grades below B- cannot be counted toward departmental requirements; two grades below B- in required courses will result in termination of candidacy. Ordinarily, a grade of Incomplete can only be converted into a letter grade if the work is made up before the end of the following term. No grade of Incomplete can be used to satisfy a departmental requirement.   No two programs of study are alike, but students should typically plan to complete the requirements for the degree according to the timetable below. Departures from this schedule must be approved by the main advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.   Years G1 and G2: Course requirements are satisfied. By the end of the G2 year, the first generals paper should be well underway.   Year G3: Teaching duties begin. The first generals paper should be defended before the end of the fall term, and the second generals paper by the end of the spring term.   Year G4: Teaching duties continue. A thesis prospectus, naming a dissertation committee, is due on October 15 of the fall term; the committee must be chaired or co-chaired by a member of the Department of Linguistics and must include at least two members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Dissertation Completion Fellowship applications are due at midyear.   Year G5: The thesis is completed and defended in the spring.

A.M. Degree  (updated 7/1/2015)

Graduate students who have completed two years of residence, who have fulfilled all the course requirements and language requirements for the Ph.D., and who have successfully defended one Generals paper, are eligible to petition for a Master’s (A.M.) degree.  

Note that there is no master’s program in Linguistics.                     

• Courses 2023-24 AND Fall 2024
• Undergraduate
• Generals Papers (updated 7/1/2015)
• Extra Funding
• Secondary Fields
• Recent Dissertation Titles
• Financial Aid

Course Descriptions

Full course descriptions, fall 2024 courses are subject to change, fall 2024 courses, fall 2024 course schedule, fall 2024 asl course schedule, spring 2024 courses, spring 2024 course schedule, fall 2023 courses, fall 2023 course schedule, american sign language (asl) at harvard.

Quick links

• Make a Gift
• Directories

MA/PhD Degree Requirements: Language Requirement

All students must demonstrate intermediate-level reading competency in a language other than modern or Middle English.

The UW Department of English language requirement reflects the importance of translingual, cross-cultural competencies to academic work. It is based in the premise that English-only knowledge inevitably produces cultural and intellectual parochialism. While it is true that English functions increasingly as an academic lingua franca, at the same time, ongoing historical shifts (including, for instance, the emergence of transnational media, genres, and cultural flows; proliferating mass migrations and diasporas resulting from war and climate change) continue to move the study of language, rhetoric, literature and culture away from a focus on mono-cultural phenomena. The study of cross-cultural phenome invite (and arguably require) both second (and sometimes third) language knowledge and, equally important, the ability to work across languages.

We therefore encourage students to consider second language knowledge as something to be used in their research and (if applicable) their pedagogy, rather than just something to be certified . Increased attention in their research areas to scholarship emerging outside the Anglo-American sphere and published in languages other than English can indeed enrich intellectual debate and engagement in the humanities.

Language Requirement Options

The requirement may be satisfied in any one of the following ways:

Prior to the qualifying exam:

• A 3.0 or higher in the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence (or more advanced), taken within three years prior to entrance; or
• A score on a UW language test that demonstrates competency at the level of the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence; or
• Native-speaker ability in another language; or
• Completion of Advanced Old English language and literature ( Engl 513 ) with a grade of 3.0 or better

Prior to completion of the dissertation (i.e., at any point during coursework, qualifying exam preparation, or dissertation writing, as feasible and appropriate):

• Completion of the Translation Seminar course offered by the Department of English with a grade of 3.7 or better; or
• Important : while students may choose to complete the translation during the dissertation phase, they must secure a faculty adviser and identify a specific translation project no later than when their prospectus is approved.

All credits earned in fulfilling the language requirement by coursework at the 100-400-level are in addition to the graduate credits required for the degree.

The PhD Supervisory Committee may set an additional language requirement if this is judged necessary for the particular specialization.

Translation Project

As noted above, students may choose to satisfy the language requirement through a translation project. If a student chooses this option, the translation project should be designed in a way that reflects and advances the student’s research interests. It may involve translation of either primary or critical materials germane to the student’s focus; the translated material should be substantial (a journal article, a chapter of a novel, a short story, etc) and the translation should be accompanied by a brief (3-5 page) translator’s analysis of the process of translation, the challenges encountered, and the ways in which the translator opted to resolve them. Alternately, a translation project might involve a substantial, article-length analysis of an existing English translation; in this case, the analysis is grounded in the student’s ability to read and engage the work in the original, but the focus is on assessing the quality of the existing English translation and its effects.

A translation project may be completed in one of several contexts: in the Translation Seminar; in another course or independent study, with permission of the instructor; under the supervision of the student’s committee chair, or another committee member. Students should be aware that many but not all English department faculty are willing and prepared to supervise translation projects – so it is vital to plan ahead. In the event that the supervising instructor does not have knowledge of the source language, the project may also be reviewed by a second faculty member with the relevant language expertise, either inside or outside of the department.

Students who complete a translation project outside of the Translation Seminar must submit the following forms to the English Graduate Office at [email protected] in order to satisfy the program's language requirement:

• Translation Project Proposal
• Translation Project Assessment
•   Facebook
•   Instagram
•   Twitter
•   Newsletter

Graduate School

• Request Information

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following methods:

+ Education

Secondary school education.

If you completed secondary school in the U.S. or in a country on  this list ,* then you satisfy the basic English language proficiency requirements.

Post-secondary Education

You satisfy the English proficiency requirement if you completed post-secondary coursework in the U.S. or a country on this list, * and:

• the coursework consisted of  least 16 semester credits, or 24 quarter credits, and
• ESL coursework was not part of the qualifying number of credits, and
• the coursework was completed within the past 2 years, and
• the coursework was completed while living in the U.S. or in a country on this list *

* Not all countries where English is an official language or is widely spoken are included on the English proficiency exemption list . The English Language Requirement is set by a  University-wide ESL Policy committee which includes representatives from: Undergraduate Admissions Office, Graduate Admissions Office, Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), and the UMD Graduate School.

The TOEFL iBT may be taken at the test center or at home.

Test Date Requirement

Your exam date should be within two years of your graduate program start date.

Minimum Scores for Admission

• Total Score: 79
• Writing Subscore: 21
• Reading Subscore: 19

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your  program 's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not consider MyBest Scores: Sum of Highest Section Scores of the TOEFL iBT Score Report to meet the minimum total score requirement for admission. Applicants should self-report their highest Total Score from the one test date in the Application for Admission. Applicants should also submit the official TOEFL iBT scores via ETS.

How Do I Submit My TOEFL Score? 

Official TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from the  Educational Testing Service (ETS)  to the University of Minnesota.

• The ETS institution code for the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses is  6874 .
• The ETS institution code for the Duluth campus is  6873 .
• Unless otherwise instructed by your program, enter departmental code 99 .

Please allow 4-6 weeks for scores to be sent and matched to your application. If you have already submitted an application, check your  application status  to find out if we have received your official TOEFL scores. 

VISIT THE TOEFL SITE

We accept the  IELTS Academic  test.

• Total Score: 6.5
• Writing Subscore: 6.5
• Reading Subscore: 6.5

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your  program's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

• The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake.

How Do I Submit My IELTS Score? 

Official IELTS scores can be sent electronically to the Graduate Admissions Office. 

When prompted, please select the following:| Institution/Organization -  University of Minnesota Graduate Admissions Department/Person - All Campuses

Official IELTS scores can also be sent by physical mail to the Graduate Admissions Office. 

VISIT THE IELTS SITE

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• The Duolingo English Test will be accepted with the score and test date requirements listed below, unless a higher score is required by your graduate program of interest. Please visit the Duolingo preparing for the exam , scheduling the exam , and FAQs sites for more information. 

 Minimum Scores for Admission

• Overall Score: 115 or above
• Literacy Subscore: 115 or above

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements.  Check with your  graduate program of interest  to determine if they have additional English proficiency requirements. 

How Do I Submit My Duolingo Score? 

Refer to the Duolingo instructions for submitting your scores to the University of Minnesota.

+ PTE Academic

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of graduate program start date. 

• Total Score: 59
• Writing Subscrore: 59
• Reading Subscore: 59

How Do I Submit My PTE Score?

Request official score reports from the appropriate testing center using the following mailing address:

Graduate School Admissions Office University of Minnesota 309 Johnston Hall 101 Pleasant Street SE Minneapolis, MN  55455

VISIT THE PTE ACADEMIC SITE

+ Cambridge C1 Advanced

• Total Score: 180
• Writing Subscore: 180
• Reading Subscore: 180

How Do I Submit My Cambridge C1 Advanced Score?

VISIT THE CAMBRIDGE C1 ADVANCED SITE

English Proficiency for Teaching Assistants

The English proficiency requirements on this page reflect the minimum operational standards for admission to Graduate School.  Individual programs and Teaching Assistantships may have additional requirements.  Please contact your program or refer to the eSETTA test page for additional information.

Official scores will appear in your application AFTER you submit the application and pay the fee.

• About the Grad School
• Staff Directory
• Office Locations
• Our Campuses
• Twin Cities
• Mission & Values
• Strategic Plan
• Policies & Governance
• Graduate School Advisory Board
• Academic Freedom & Responsibility
• Academic & Career Support
• GEAR 1 Resource Hub
• GEAR+ Resource Hub
• Ask an Expert
• Graduate School Essentials
• Transferable Skills Checklist
• Grad InterCom
• First Gen Connect
• Advising & Mentoring
• Individual Development Plan (IDP)
• Three-Minute Thesis
• Application Instructions
• Application Fees
• Big 10 Academic Alliance Fee Waiver Program
• Application Status
• Official Transcripts & Credentials
• Unofficial Transcripts & Credentials
• Recommendation Letters
• International Student Resources
• Admissions Guide
• Change or Add a Degree Objective
• Readmission
• Explore Grad Programs
• Preparing for Graduate School
• Program Statistics
• Recruiting Calendar
• Funding Opportunities
• Prospective & Incoming Students
• Diversity of Views & Experience Fellowship (DOVE)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
• Current Students
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• Distinguished Master's Thesis Competition
• Diversity Predoctoral Teaching Fellowships
• Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
• Excellence in Teaching Award
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• Graduate SEED Awards
• Harold Leonard Memorial Fellowship in Film Study
• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship
• Judd Travel Grants
• Louise T. Dosdall Endowed Fellowship
• Mistletoe Fellowship
• Research Travel Grants
• Smithsonian Institute Fellowship
• Torske Klubben Fellowship
• Program Requests & Nominations
• Bridging Funds Program
• Best Dissertation Program
• Co-Sponsorship Grants Program
• Google Ph.D. Fellowship
• National Science Foundation Research Traineeship
• National Science Foundation Innovations in Graduate Education Program
• Training Grant Matching Funds
• Fellowship Dates & Deadlines
• Information for Staff & Faculty
• About Graduate Diversity
• Diverse Student Organizations
• McNair Scholars Resources
• About the Community of Scholars Program
• Graduate Recruitment Ambassadors Program
• Community of Scholars Program Writing Initiative
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Diversity Recruitment Toolkit
• Summer Institute
• Diversity Office Staff
• What's Happening
• E-Publications
• Submit Content
• News Overview
• Events Overview

• Guidance for International Students
• PhD/Master's Application Process

If you are an international applicant to a PhD or Master's degree program, you have the same general requirements as all other applicants.

Note: Applicants to a non-degree program, including Exchange Scholars , Visiting Assistants in Research , and Visiting Students , should visit the relevant page for information about admission to those programs.

Bachelor's Degree or International Equivalent

All entering students must have earned a bachelor's degree or its international equivalent prior to enrolling at the Graduate School. You may submit an application before receiving your degree, or while your degree is still in progress, as long as the degree will be completed prior to matriculation.

Some countries grant an undergraduate or bachelor's-equivalent degree in three years. In such cases, completion of a three-year degree will meet the application requirement.

English Language Testing (TOEFL/IELTS)

TOEFL or IELTS is required of almost all applicants whose native language is not English.

If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. You must have studied in residence at the undergraduate institution for at least three years to qualify. No exemptions are made on the basis of an advanced degree (e.g., MA/MS or PhD) from any institution. For more information, please see Standardized Test Requirements .

Although the Graduate School does not have test minimums for admission, individual departments may have a minimum requirement and will use these scores when they review your application. Please check with the department or program to which you are applying to see if it has a minimum requirement. The Graduate School requires incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL Speaking section or a 7.5 or below on the IELTS Speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.

Entry Term/Intake

All PhD and Master's students begin their studies at Yale in the fall term. No spring term entry is permitted. Application for admission to any of the Graduate School's programs begins in the summer or fall of the academic year prior to the one in which you propose to matriculate. Please submit your application by the program deadline .

Visa Questions and Processing

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) serves as the immigration adviser for all entering international students and their accompanying family members. Beginning in March, OISS will contact you with the necessary visa and immigration information if you have accepted Yale's offer of admission.

GPA and GPA Conversion

You may self-report a GPA and GPA scale in the “Academic History” section of the application. Please do not convert or recalculate your GPA. If your college or university does not report or compute a GPA, you should omit it.

Translations

All academic records and letters of recommendation uploaded to your application must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Fee Waivers

International students are eligible to request a fee waiver .

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="phd language requirements"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

English language proficiency requirement.

What You Need to Know

How to Meet the Requirement

Accepted exams, test score guidelines, how to send your scores to cornell.

• Exemptions to the Requirements

Graduate Field Requirements

• To be successful in Cornell’s rigorous graduate and professional degree programs, students must be highly proficient or fluent in English.
• Students in doctoral degrees or research master’s degree programs (MA, MS, MFA) who are appointed as teaching assistants (TAs) must demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency. Students who have not met the higher threshold will be supported through Cornell’s International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) in the Center for Teaching Innovation.
• Applicants can demonstrate English Language proficiency using IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores or can provide proof of an exemption.
• Some graduate fields and programs have additional language requirements. They may require higher IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores or may request an interview before offering admission.

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency.  There are 3 ways this may be done:

• Submit Scores – Provide official IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT test scores that meet the Graduate School’s minimums.
• Request a Standing Exemption in your application for admission – On the first page of the application form, you will attest that you meet one of the standing exemptions outlined below. Provide documentation if required.
• Request a Special Exemption – In exceptional cases, applicants may ask for a special exemption. Guidelines and the request process are outlined below.

IELTS Academic

Both IELTS and TOEFL provide at-home testing solutions in most countries. Applicants are expected to take an in-person test whenever possible. However, if a safe in-person option is not available for you, you may take an online or at-home version instead. We do not  accept any other English Language Proficiency exams (e.g. Pearson, Duolingo DET, etc.).

Research Degree Applicants (Ph.D., D.M.A., M.A., M.S., M.F.A.)

Professional master’s degree applicants , (m.arch., m.eng., m.f.s., m.h.a., m.i.l.r., m.l.a., m.m.h., m.p.a., m.p.h., m.p.s., m.r.p., m.s.l.s., m.s.b.a.), ielts academic:.

• An overall band score of at least 7.0
• Speaking: 22 or above
• Reading: 20 or above
• Listening: 15 or above
• Writing: 20 or above
• When you register for the exam, you may select up to 5 institutions to which you would like to have your scores sent. Cornell University has multiple IELTS accounts so please be sure to select Cornell University Graduate Admissions when registering for your IELTS test date.
• You may also ask your test center to send additional score reports to institutions not originally listed on your test registration form. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center. Paper TRFs (Test Report Form) are not accepted.
• Your IELTS Academic scores must be valid as of your program’s application deadline (scores are valid for 2 years after your test date).
• Have scores delivered electronically to Cornell University Graduate School, Institution code 2098. Department codes are not needed;  if ETS requires you to select a department code, you may choose code 99 “undecided.”
• Your TOEFL scores must be valid as of your program’s application deadline (scores are valid for 2 years after your test date).
• If you have taken the TOEFL iBT more than once within the last 2 years, have ETS send us your most recent score report. ETS will automatically include your MyBest scores along with the traditional scores from your selected test date. If your most recent scores do not meet the Graduate School’s minimum sub-score requirements, but your MyBest scores do, let the Graduate School and your proposed field of study know that you would like us to consider your MyBest scores. Please note: while the Graduate School accepts MyBest scores, individual graduate fields may not accept them.

Standing Exemptions

For admissions purposes, Cornell University Graduate School does not require IELTS or TOEFL scores from applicants who meet one of the following standing exemptions. However, applicants admitted to research degrees may still need to complete the English Language Assessment before being a TA. If you meet the criteria for one of the following standing exemptions, you will indicate this in your application for admission. There is no need to contact the Graduate Admissions Office in advance.

• Speak English as a first language and are a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language . Research degree applicants who meet this exemption are automatically approved to serve as a TA without an individual English Language Assessment.
• At the time of enrollment at Cornell, will have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university located in the U.S. (Please note that you must have been physically present in the U.S. for the majority of your enrollment.) Research degree applicants who meet this exemption will need to complete the English Language Assessment and may be offered an individual support plan. 
• At the time of enrollment at Cornell, will have earned the international equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university located in a country where English is an official language , and where English is the language of instruction. The medium of instruction must be indicated on the transcript or easily verified on the institution’s website. (Please note that you must have been physically present in the exempt country for the majority of your enrollment.) Research degree applicants who meet this exemption will need to complete the English Language Assessment and may be offered an individual support plan. 
• At the time of enrollment at Cornell, will have studied and/or worked full-time for at least 2 consecutive years* within the last 10 years in a country where English is an official and widely spoken language . This experience must be noted on a transcript and/or described on a resume or CV. We will accept a combination of study and work—e.g., an applicant who completed a 1-year master’s degree in the U.S. followed by 1 year of OPT. If you are or were a student, the full-time study must have been for at least 2 consecutive academic years (potentially slightly less than 24 months) AND English must have been the language of instruction for your studies. (Please note that you must have been physically present in the exempt country for the majority of your enrollment.) Research degree applicants who meet this exemption will need to complete the English Language Assessment and may be offered an individual support plan. 

Special Exemptions

Applicants who speak English as a first language, but do not otherwise qualify for a standing exemption, may be considered for a special exemption under the following circumstances: 

• Speak English as a first or native language, but citizenship does not meet the Standing Exemption criteria.
• Full-time study or work in a primary English country was for less than 2 years, was not consecutive, or occurred more than 10 years ago.

Contact the Graduate Admissions Office  if you think you qualify for a special exemption. Note: Research degree applicants with special exemptions admitted to research degrees may still need to complete the English Language Assessment prior to being a TA.

Questions about your English language proficiency? Contact the graduate field to which you are applying. Administrators in your proposed field will guide you through the application process and will communicate with other offices at Cornell as needed to gather additional information.

Find the contact information for your field of interest.

If you still have questions after talking to your graduate field, contact the Graduate Admissions Office for more information.

Why should you consider Cornell?

• English Language Proficiency
• Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

• Application for Degree
• Credit for Completed Graduate Work
• Ad Hoc Degree Programs
• Dissertations
• PhD Program Requirements
• Secondary Fields
• Year of Graduate Study (G-Year)
• Master's Degrees
• Grade and Examination Requirements
• Conduct and Safety
• Financial Aid
• Non-Resident Students
• Registration

On the page:

Proficiency Levels

Reevaluation and timeline for meeting the requirement.

• Related Contacts and Forms

Because graduate students need to communicate their ideas in multiple ways, Harvard Griffin GSAS requires that PhD students who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking institution demonstrate a minimum level of oral English language proficiency. 

Language and communication specialists in the Professional Communication Program for International Teachers and Scholars at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning collaborate with Harvard Griffin GSAS in helping students meet this requirement. Students must demonstrate the required minimum proficiency level in order to work as teaching fellows.

Students are categorized based on their TOEFL iBT speaking score and/or IELTS Academic speaking score noted in the Harvard Griffin GSAS admissions application. 

• TOEFL iBT speaking score of 26 and above or IELTS 8 and above —Harvard Griffin GSAS oral English language requirement is met.
• TOEFL iBT speaking score between 23 and 25 or IELTS 7 to 7.5 —students should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Students who have not met the minimum level will be advised on appropriate resources or oral communication skills courses they can take in order to meet the requirement.
• TOEFL iBT speaking score of 22 and below or IELTS 6.5 and below —students should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and will likely need to take an oral communication skills course.

Whether you have met the English language requirement or still need to develop your oral English proficiency, you may  schedule a consultation to discuss your English communication skills and get connected to available resources

Students who have not met the requirement may be reevaluated after taking an oral communication skills course or after waiting one year. 

Depending on a student’s incoming proficiency level and other factors, it may take more than one term to meet the requirement. As students plan their academic and research schedules, they should factor in time for oral English language proficiency development, especially considering when they expect to teach. Students should consult their department and/or advisor if they need extra support to improve their speaking skills. 

For more information about understanding English language proficiency and incoming language test scores, please see this  guide for departments and this  guide for students created by our colleagues at the Bok Center.

Contact Info

For questions related to the Harvard Griffin GSAS policy for current students: 

Office of Academic Programs Shelby Johnson Associate Director of Academic Programs [email protected]  

For questions related to English language assessments and support:

The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning [email protected]   617-495-4869

For questions for prospective students on the English Language admissions requirement :

Office of Admissions [email protected]  

Explore Events

Department of English

College of humanities, main navigation, graduate language requirement, fulfilling the graduate foreign language requirement.

Students in all programs, except the MFA, must demonstrate proficiency in one or more foreign language.   MA students are required to demonstrate standard proficiency in one language; PhD students are required to demonstrate either standard proficiency in two languages or advanced proficiency in one language. See the policies section for each program for definitions of the specific levels of proficiency required for the degree.

There are three ways to fulfill the language requirement:

Language Placement Test

Students may take a language placement test. For instructions and authorization please see the department of Languages and Literature's resource page on fulfilling the   Graduate Language Requirement .

The language requirement may be fulfilled through coursework; please see the specific requirements of each program for details on this option.

Written Translation Exam

The language requirement may be fulfilled through a written translation exam administered by the department. Departmental examinations will be based on one or two passages (roughly 500 words total), typically nonfiction or critical prose of above average difficulty.   Students will be evaluated on the correctness and fluency of their translation, and on the amount they translate.   The exam will last 90 minutes, and students can use a dictionary; no other notes or resources are allowed. Student and examiner will both remain anonymous. For additional information, contact the Graduate Advisor.

PhD Foreign Language Requirement

PhD candidates must demonstrate standard proficiency in two languages other than English or advanced proficiency in one language.   All language requirements must be completed before a student schedules his or her qualifying examinations.

In addition to language placement exams administered by the Department of Languages and Literature and departmental translation exams, PhD students can also demonstrate proficiency through coursework in one of the following ways:

A student can demonstrate standard proficiency in two languages by receiving grades of B or better in two second-semester languages courses (1020), or the equivalent at another institution.

A student can demonstrate advanced proficiency by receiving a grade of B or better in a fourth-semester language course (2020), or the equivalent at another institution.

The Graduate School stipulates that coursework used to fulfill the language requirement must have been completed no more than six years before the date certifying fulfillment of the requirement.

MA Foreign Language Requirement

MA candidates must demonstrate standard proficiency in one language. The language requirement for MA students may be fulfilled at any time during the student’s course of study; it must be fulfilled before the degree can be awarded.

In addition to language placement exams administered by the Department of Languages and Literature and departmental translation exams, MA students can also demonstrate proficiency through coursework by receiving a grade of B or better in a second-semester language course (1020), or the equivalent at another institution. The Graduate School stipulates that coursework used to fulfill the language requirement must have been completed no more than six years before the date certifying fulfillment of the requirement.

MFA students are not required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency.

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

• Search Site
• Main College
• College News
• Undergraduate
• Applications and Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Ph.D. Degree Requirements
• Graduate Course Descriptions and Booklets
• Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (SLAT) Certificate
• Digital Humanities Certificate
• Early Modern Studies Concentration
• Caribbean Studies Concentration
• Graduate Caribbean Studies at UM
• Graduate Student Handbook
• Current Graduate Students
• Graduate Student News
• Graduate Student Awards
• Resources for Graduate Students

The Ph.D. in Literary, Cultural, and Linguistic Studies offers two major concentrations: 1) Literary and Cultural Studies and 2) Critical Studies of Language/Linguistics. Students in each concentration may opt to develop a secondary field of expertise in the other. The program is designed primarily to prepare students for careers as university professors and research scholars. Students develop advanced language, teaching, and research skills that lend themselves to other professions, as well. A variety of geographic, temporal, and theoretical concentrations allow students to carry out innovative and interdisciplinary research projects, often with a transnational focus. 

Mission 

The Ph.D. in LCLS moves beyond the traditional Spanish/French binary of Romance Studies to bridge those two critical areas of emphasis with one another, as well as with additional areas of expertise offered by our tenured and tenure-track faculty in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and Luso-Brazilian Studies. Graduate training in MLL prepares students to work as teachers and researchers of literary, linguistic, and cultural studies at universities and four-year colleges, as well as to serve in administrative, advocacy, and leadership positions in a range of educational and cultural institutions.

The Department seeks: 1) to train innovative and productive intellectuals whose work can contribute to the creation of more knowledgeable and just societies; 2) to help students prepare for fruitful and fulfilling careers in scholarship, research, teaching, community service, and related professions; and 3) to guide and support graduating students in the successful pursuit of academic or non-academic employment.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduate students should demonstrate a broad, critical understanding of literary and cultural forms, traditions, products, and processes from the geographies and time periods specific to their fields of study.
• Students working as Teaching Assistants will demonstrate the ability to teach innovative, well-crafted, well-received courses in language, literature, and cultural studies at various levels.
• MLL will equip its students as innovative and productive intellectuals, preparing them for fruitful careers in scholarship and research within and/or beyond the academy.

Guide to PhD Program

Students are expected to complete their degrees on time and with sound scholarly achievement. Every student is reviewed annually to evaluate progress toward the degree. While personal matters may understandably cause delay, lack of timely progress may result in non-renewal of the teaching assistantship and/or dismissal from the program. Some elements of the plans outlined below are suggestions (e.g. the timing for fulfilling the language requirement) while others define expected progress (e.g. the timing of exams). While most students are expected to complete the degree in five years, those entering with an M.A. may petition during their first semester to follow the accelerated 4-year plan of progress. If approved, this choice is irrevocable for funding purposes. 

• When you enter the program you will be assigned a faculty advisor whose research interests align with yours. Your advisor’s role is to assist you in choosing courses, meeting faculty relevant to your interests, deciding how to fulfill the language requirement, requesting course waivers and transfer credits, deciding whether to petition for a 4-year plan, and choosing the Breadth Exam areas and committee.
• While you’re taking courses you will meet with your advisor at least once per semester to discuss your plan of study; selections should be communicated to the DGS and the Graduate Program Administrative Assistant. First-year advisors typically chair the Breadth Exam and facilitate your exam organization.
• After passing the Breadth Exam you will select a Qualifying Exam chair and committee in consultation with your advisor. Your Qualifying Exam chair then becomes your advisor. It is fine to change advisors and committees as you move from one stage to another, as the Breadth Exam committee, Qualifying Exam committee, and Dissertation committee all serve different functions. It is also fine to work with the same professors throughout the process. Should you wish to change advisors in the middle of a stage, you must obtain approval from the DGS and your new advisor.
• Each Spring the DGS and your advisor will review your progress and help you plan for the following year. The review concerns the quality of academic and teaching performance and extra-curricular professional development, based on: 1)grades and written reports from the professor of each course taken in the previous two semesters; 2) a report from your current exam ordissertation committee; and 3) your teaching, lab, and/or tutoring supervisors. Lack of acceptable progress will be documented and communicated to student when necessary.
• Throughout the program , you should consult with your advisors and the DGS about degree requirements, progress toward the degree, and any other general program questions. You hold the ultimate responsibility for understanding and fulfilling all program requirements.
• In your first and second years , you should work towards fulfilling requirements, which are designed to provide a solid grounding in critical theory and breadth of knowledge in your field. It is expected that students will take the courses offered in their major research languages (FRE/SPA/POR/MLL), which will change every semester depending on the rotation among faculty.
• In your second and third years , you should continue to develop your knowledge in literary, cultural, and linguistic studies while exploring topics of particular interest. You should begin coursework in a relevant cognate field (e.g. History, Philosophy, Communications, etc.) to fulfill your Cognate requirement and prepare for the Qualifying Exam.
• “Independent Studies” : Students must submit a petition to take a Directed Reading (Independent Study) for approval by the DGS and the GSC. A syllabus must be submitted with the petition. In general, a student may take one or two Independent Studies at most throughout their career.
• Your course grades must reflect an overall grade point average of at least 3.3. Grades of B are cause for concern. If you receive such a grade, you should consult with your professor, faculty advisor, and/or the DGS. B- is the lowest passing grade.
• Incompletes . Courses should be completed before the end of the semester in which they are taken. Incompletes are discouraged, as no student is eligible to sit for any graduate exam or defense with an unresolved incomplete. On the rare occasion that a faculty member accords a student an Incomplete, the completed work should be submitted for grading no later than January 15th for Fall courses, or June 1st for Spring courses. The GSC generally considers work not completed within one semester as evidence of unsatisfactory progress, which may jeopardize future appointments to a teaching assistantship.
• The language requirement may be completed during the semester of the Qualifying Exam. All other requirements, including coursework (with the exception of MLL 799) must be completed before the semester in which you take your Qualifying Exam . No student will take the Breadth or Qualifying Exam if he or she carries incompletes .
• Students entering the program with previous graduate course work (M.A. degree or otherwise) can petition for two course requirements to be waived. Requests must be made during the first semester of study and accompanied by documentation that demonstrates that the coursework is equivalent to that offered in the program. In consultation with an MLL faculty expert in the relevant area of study, the GSC evaluates all waiver requests.
• Students with graduate credits that have not been applied toward an M.A. degree can request to have up to 6 credits transferred. Credits that have counted toward another degree cannot be transferred; credits more than 6 years old cannot be transferred. Requests must be made no later than the second semester of study. The GSC evaluates all transfer requests.
• The Latin requirement can be fulfilled by satisfactory work in LAT 725 or by following the LAT 101-102 sequence. Students who have taken university-level Latin within the last four years can request to have the requirement filled by equivalency. Requests must be made during the first semester. The GSC evaluates all equivalency requests.
• The language requirement can be met by demonstrating reading knowledge of two languages other than English and the language of study. Reading competency exams are given each semester. No student will be permitted to take more than one reading competency exam in a single semester. Students can prepare for reading exams on their own or by enrolling in graduate-level sections of basic language courses for zero credits. 
• Students can also fulfill the language requirement by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of one language other than English and the language of study. Holistic knowledge can be demonstrated with a grade of B or higher in a 300-level course or higher or by providing transcripts of a secondary or university-level education conducted in that language. In all cases, the language must be pertinent to the course of study and meet the approval of the students’ advisors and the GSC.

(students entering in 2021 may be grandfathered into old Breadth Exam format. All subsequent cohorts must take the exam in the new format).

The purpose of the Breadth Exam is to assess students’ mastery of fundamental issues in literary, cultural, and/or linguistic studies. The Breadth Exam demonstrates sufficient knowledge of works and problems of fundamental importance to students’ selected fields of study across a broad range of materials, time periods, and cultural forms. It also demonstrates that they master the major debates and theoretical approaches of their selected research fields. It establishes that students have the basic knowledge necessary to identify specialized topics for dissertation research and will be qualified to teach those fields when they graduate. The Breadth Exam consists of two parts, described in greater detail below:

• A research paper revised for publication;
• Design two syllabi, each in a distinct research area.

There are four possible configurations of research areas for the exam:

• three areas of literary movements/genres comprising one region over three periods; OR
• three areas literary movements/genres comprising two regions over two or three periods; OR
• two areas of literary movements/genres over one or two periods AND one area of sociolinguistics.
• two areas of critical language analysis and one area of literary movements/genres

Students are free to propose diverse configurations meeting the above definitions, or that incorporate a field represented by expertise from the research assignment that will be transformed into a publishable scholarly essay (course offerings will vary from year to year, changing possible research areas for the publishable article). Thus, diverse configurations may be proposed for consideration by student’s examination committee and the GSC. Examples include:

• Colonial, 19th-, and 20th/21st-Century Spanish America 
• 19th-, 20th/21st -Century Spanish America and Brazil/Lusophone 
• Golden Age Spain and 19th-, 20th/21st-Century Spanish America 
• Maghrebian Literature; 19th Century France; 20th/21st Century Francophone 
• 20th/21st-Century France and 20th/21st-Century Francophone ; Bilingualism 
• 20th/21st-Century France; 20th/21st-Century Spanish America; Critical Sociolinguistics 
• Critical Sociolinguistics; Bilingualism; and 20th/21st-Century Spanish America 

Breadth Exam reading lists include key genres and canonical texts of the period, and should be reflected in the syllabi crafted for undergraduate (and graduate) courses. Reading lists for critical language analysis include fundamental texts in the fields of critical discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, sociocultural theory, socio-cognitive approaches to second language acquisition, and ideologies of language.

Students whose focus in the program is literary and cultural studies should also have knowledge of the Core Reading Lists, intended to ensure basic knowledge of canonical texts beyond the students’ areas of specialization. Students may be queried on the list during the oral portion of the Breadth Exam.

The student will assemble committee of 3 faculty members, one of whom will serve as Chair of the exam and they will work with members throughout year two and submit before spring deadline at the end of the year. The Breadth Exam committee includes one faculty member from each exam area (this may include the faculty member with whom they have authored the original research paper selected for expansion but does *not* have to be the same person). Students are responsible for asking professors to serve on their committees and should seek advice from the advisor they were assigned during the first two years. The advisor does not necessarily need to be on the committee, but should serve as a resource for the student and facilitate the work between the respective committee members. Committee chairs, however, solicit questions from committee members and assemble the exam. Administrative decisions regarding the exam are made in consultation with the DGS. Students take the Breadth Exam in their fourth semester of study. Breadth Exam Format : Students will defend each of the following three artifacts (one essay and two syllabi) in a scheduled 3-hour oral examination within one week of submission of the written documents.

• SELECT a research paper completed during the first year of MLL Grad courses. Transform the paper with significant revision into a scholarly article by the end of year two (6000-7000 words). ( While it may be helpful, it is not *necessary* for the student to retain the same faculty member with whom they developed original project ).
• Accompany both syllabi with an 8-10-page paper explaining literary/cultural, pedagogical, and bibliographic choices
• Write a detailed description or summary of each source;
• Assess comparatively and critically how each source corroborates, dialogues, or disagrees with other sources and their overall argument;
• Explain how feasible or viable each source is in relation to the specific purpose or theme of the course.
• Students will defend their choice of primary (or foundational in the case of critical studies of language) and critical texts in their essays and in the oral defense, demonstrating deep familiarity with the canon and its criticism.
• If a student does not pass *any* part of the exam the student will have one month to revise the written components. It is up to the committee’s discretion (in consultation with the DGS) to request a second oral examination.

Oral defense  

Students will be asked to make an opening statement in which they supplement their written documents – the research article and two syllabi. The committee will then ask questions about the research essay and syllabi, interrogating theoretical as well as bibliographic choices, as well as scholarly debates chosen for the focus of the respective courses. The student may be examined about *any* work included in the research paper, the reading lists, and/or their annotated bibliographies.

Grading Scales

• Pass with Distinction
• Fail (with remediation – no more than one section)

Students failing one or more areas may retake the failed area(s) within one month but at least ten days before the end of the semester in a format determined by the committee. Remediation may not take place later than the beginning of the following semester. Students who fail a second time in one or more areas must withdraw from the program by the end of the academic year. Students who pass the Breadth Exam but who do not complete the Ph.D. may request a terminal M.A. degree.

Reading Lists 

Reading lists are available on-line. The Core reading lists include additional, fundamental works from all periods and all genres. Once the exam committee is established, students should consult with the members responsible for each area regarding their exam preparation. These reading lists should serve as a guide for the design and crafting of the two syllabi that will demonstrate mastery and command of major research areas.

•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2014
•  Reading List Breadth Exam - 2013
•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2010
•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2009
•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2008
•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2007
•   Reading List Breadth Exam - 2006

Studying for the exam

Each student brings a different set of prior readings to the Breadth Exam and will devise a personalized method of study. Committee members can provide general guidance and should be consulted regularly to verify understanding of terms and classifications (i.e. movements, genres, critical debates, etc.). Students should submit drafts of their publishable essay and syllabi and complete all readings before the semester of the exam to allow at least one month for additional consultation with committee members prior to the due date. The student may not consult with the committee members after turning in the written materials, and before the oral exam, however, can seek guidance from the advisor (if not on the committee) or the DGS.

Language of the exam

Students must answer one question in English and another in the primary language of study. The third area may be answered in either language. Students should make these decisions in advance of the exam and in consultation with faculty in order to prepare accordingly.. 

Protocol for Breadth Exam preparation 

• Faculty should meet with students during the late spring semester prior to the academic year of the Breadth Exam to discuss research areas, possible research essay, as well as potential courses that reflect these research areas, so that students can begin preparation over the summer.
• Faculty should discuss the scope and genre of questions they will ask on the oral exam and their suggested guidelines for preparation of the publishable essay, and the two courses the student will design that reflect major research areas and relevant scholarly debates in those areas. Faculty and students should refer to the core reading lists for guidance when crafting the syllabi.
• Students should schedule regular meetings with their examining faculty to discuss readings and any doubts or concerns they might have about their exams. Students who fail to meet with one or more of the committee members prior to the exam may have their examination postponed or suspended depending on committee’s assessment of the student’s preparation of the examination materials. The student will not be allowed extra time to complete the program.
• Faculty should not meet with students after exam materials have been submitted.
• The Oral Defense is designed as an exercise where the student should be able to engage in the major scholarly debates relevant to their selected fields with the faculty examiners.
• Students receive three possible questions per field (theoretical, primary, cognate) three weeks prior to the exam.
• Students receive (on exam distribution day) one or two of the three questions per area (to be determined in advance by each committee member).
• Students have one week to complete their exams and should turn in answers of 15-20 double-spaced, typed pages per field.
• At least one area of the exam must be written in English and one in the primary language of study. While students may consult their texts and notes, time is best spent reflecting on the questions and synthesizing ideas. Citations may be helpful in composing answers, but are not required.

An oral defense lasting 2-3 hours will take place one week after the written exam. The discussion may be in English, the language of concentration, or both (students should consult with committee members regarding language of the exam ahead of time). In addition to discussing the written exam, students will consider relationships among the different approaches represented by the list areas and projected dissertation interests. One express purpose of the oral exam is to help students transition to the dissertation proposal. Committee members will communicate exam results (pass or fail) to students at the conclusion of the oral exam. In order to pass, examinees must pass each area. Students failing one or more areas must retake the exam by no later than the beginning of the following semester in a format to be determined by the committee. Students who fail the exam a second time will withdraw from the program by the end of the academic year and may petition to receive an M.A. degree.

• 830 (“Pre-Candidacy Dissertation”) for students who have not yet passed the Qualifying Exam.
• 840 (“Post-Candidacy Doctoral Dissertation”) for students who have passed the Qualifying Exam.
• 850 (“Research in Residence”), for one credit, for students who are writing their dissertations. 
• Choosing a dissertation director.  After the Qualifying Exam, students begin work on the dissertation. The first step is to choose a director with expertise in the areas of interest. The dissertation director may or may not be the chair of the Qualifying Exam committee. Students are responsible for asking faculty members to serve as their dissertation directors and committee members. Consult with the DGS if you encounter difficulties making arrangements.
• Develop your topic in consultation with your director before the end of the semester in which you take your Qualifying Exam. Consult, read, and write as much as possible, keeping in mind that you will defend your Dissertation Prospectus at the beginning of your fourth year in the program.
• The dissertation committee comprises at least four members, typically, three from the Department and one from outside the department. The chair and at least two of the other committee members must be members of the Graduate Faculty. A well-balanced committee should have a range of expertise and experience. Students are responsible for requesting the participation of all members. Faculty have the right to decline a request to participate or to impose specific conditions on their participation.
• The duties of the committee are: to advise you on your research; to meet on a regular basis to review progress and expected results; to read, critique, and approve the dissertation prospectus; to read and comment on drafts of the dissertation; to meet, when the dissertation is completed, to conduct the dissertation defense; to ensure that the dissertation is a contribution to knowledge written in lucid, correct language, and submitted in approved form; to help prepare you for the job market.
• The Dissertation Prospectus consists of : a description of the proposed research (approximately 15-20 pages), including an overview of the subject; rationale for the project; proposed contribution to the field; outline of projected chapters; and preliminary bibliography. The prospectus should be developed in consultation with all members of the dissertation committee.
• The Dissertation Prospectus defense takes place during the semester following the Qualifying Exam. The committee must receive the prospectus in final form two weeks prior to the defense. The defense is oral and typically lasts between two and three hours. The defense provides the student an opportunity for extended conversation with committee members to help clarify and develop ideas. If the prospectus is not approved, students may present a second defense by the end of the given semester. If the prospectus is not approved the second time, the student must withdraw from the program at the end of the academic year and may petition to receive an M.A. degree.
• Admission to Candidacy for the Ph.D. takes place after the prospectus is approved. Students have limited time to complete the dissertation before their credits expire: four years from passing the Qualifying Exam or eight years from entering the program, whichever is later.
• The Dissertation is a draft manuscript for a scholarly book comprising at least 200 pages of text. In this manuscript, students are expected to develop an original idea and demonstrate how their analysis adds to existing scholarship. Throughout the process ofresearch and writing, students should work closely with all committee members, especially the director. Ways ofworking together depend on the group: students and committee members should have clear mutual expectations. At the beginning ofthe process, students should consult Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Dissertations Electronically from the Library (available on its website ) to familiarize themselves with filing procedures in advance of their completion date.
• Registration while writing the dissertation: To maintain eligibility to receive the degree, students must maintain continuous registration for at least one-credit per semester (i.e. Fall and Spring) until the semester of the dissertation defense. After the end of the guaranteed funding period (five years in the program) tuition fees are the student’s responsibility if a tuition waiver is not available.
• The dissertation defense takes place once the committee has approved a complete draft of the dissertation. The full committee must receive the approved draft one month before the defense . The defense is oral and lasts approximately three hours; it is open to the public (and to anyone you wish to invite). Committee members will ask questions first and then the chair of the dissertation committee may invite questions and comments from the audience. The dissertation will either be approved (with “pass” or “pass with distinction”) or not approved. If the work is not met with approval, a second defense may be held at a later date so long as the term of candidacy has not expired. Students are responsible for bringing required forms to the defense (e.g., departmental certificate of defense, university certificates of defense, signature pages). For further guidelines, consult with the Graduate Secretary and see the “Recommended Practices for Dissertation Committees” in the Appendix.
• Scheduling the defense . Defenses should be scheduled during the regular academic year, usually spring of the 5th year before the deadline issued by the Graduate School (unless the student has received a fellowship from CAS or another entity for a sixth year). Dissertation defenses demonstrate the culmination of the student’s scholarly research in a public forum. As such, summer defenses are highly discouraged, and should be scheduled only in the event of an emergency. Students wishing to defend in the summer must submit a formal petition to the Graduate Studies Committee requesting a summer defense with its rationale. Students are responsible for all associated matriculation fees ; however, students may petition the GSC to advocate for a tuition waiver from the Department.
• Filing the Dissertation . It is not uncommon for approved dissertations to require revision. There may therefore be a delay between the defense and the filing of the dissertation with the Graduate School. Students must file before candidacy expires (within eight years of entering the program or four years of passing the Qualifying Exam). There are four filing dates per year (Fall, Spring, and two in Summer), in advance of the last day of classes (see the current academic calendar). Unless a formal leave of absence is granted, students must be registered continuously prior to and during the semester in which they file. Students are responsible for complying with regulations and timetables set by the Graduate School , and must supply the following: 1) signatures of committee members on specified forms; 2) five copies of the dissertation in approved form on approved, acid-free paper; 3) nine copies of an abstract of not more than 350 words. Dissertations are typically published on the UM ETD and Proquest UMI databases.

Upon filing the dissertation, students must apply to graduate by filing a form with the Graduate School. There are four application deadlines per year (Fall, Spring, and two in Summer) available on the current academic calendar. Graduation ceremonies take place in Fall and Spring (the Spring one is substantially larger).  

Students graduating in Summer are eligible to participate in ceremonies the preceding Spring or following Fall or Spring. 

Advisors and advisees should meet throughout the semester (at least twice) to review progress, plan courses, configure exam committees, and review performance and accomplishments in general, and should use this form as a general guide.

This form should be updated, s igned by advisor and submitted at the end of every semester (no later than the first week of the following semester) along with the unofficial transcript through the duration of the student’s program.  Form should be submitted to both the DGS and Graduate Secretary   and it will be uploaded and archived in student’s file and reviewed by DGS and GSC. 

Graduate Student Course Tracking Sheet (as of Dec. 2020)

Michele Bowman Underwood Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

• 5202 University Drive Rm 212 Coral Gables , FL 33146
• 305-284-5585 305-284-5585
• Fax:: 305-284-2068
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni & Friends
• Medical Center
• Hurricane Sports
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

Admissions | Language Requirements

English language proficiency requirements.

Applicants who are foreign nationals and those whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. This can be shown by any of the following:

• Proof of degree from an accredited U.S. high school, college, or university.
• At least a 90 on the iBT TOEFL or iBT Home Edition.
• At least 7 on the IELTS.
• At least 115 on the Duolingo test of English proficiency.
• Proof of completion (or expected completion) of a post-secondary degree from an institution where the official language of instruction is in English*.

​​​​ For 2024, Rice will not accept the ITP Plus test to evaluate English language proficiency, but scores/interviews are able to be reported to Rice as a supplemental material via Vericant.

English Language Testing

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one testing option for for any student that needs to meet this requirement.

• The ETS Reporting code for Rice University is 6609, scores should be sent directly to Rice through the testing organization.
• The TOEFL is administered through the Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151 USA [telephone (609) 771-7100]. You can also send an e-mail to [email protected] or a center in your native country.
• Test-takers should score at least 90 on the iBT TOEFL or iBT Home Edition TOEFL. For those submitting older tests, the minimum is at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or score 250 on the computer-based TOEFL.
• Only the best composite TOEFL score is accepted; myBest scores are not accepted. For helpful information on preparing for the TOEFL, click here .

Students whose native language is not English may also use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) . IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. You can get more information about the IELTS at http://www.ielts.org or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

• International applicants who choose to take the IELTS should plan to take the Academic IELTS test or, for 2021, the IELTS Indicator.
• Scores can be reported directly to Rice using the name "Rice University Graduate Admissions."
• For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7.
• For helpful tips on preparing for the IELTS, click here .

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with [institution name] when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.

• Applicants to Rice must earn at least a 115 on the Duolingo English Test.
• To prepare or take the test, click here .

*Please allow two weeks for all scores to be reported to Rice. For more information on score reporting, click here .

Countries in which English is the Official Language of Instruction

Please ensure that your academic history includes the country of instruction as appropriate.

International Universities

Applicants with credentials from the following institutions in the designated countries above will have met the English Language Requirement in accordance with the above policy. In addition, students who have, or are expected to complete a post-secondary degree, have met the English requirement.

If this applies to you, please ensure that you enter your institution on your application exactly as it appears below and that the language is identified as English.

Applicants should not contact the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies directly regarding any waivers.

Updated November 2023

English Language Proficiency Requirements

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries (below).  If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with international credentials, you will still be required to submit English test scores if you do not hold a degree from one of the countries on the list at the bottom of this page.

Options for providing evidence of English proficiency include:

Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL iBT) Score

• For the University of Maryland to receive your TOEFL score, please use the reporting code 5814.

Pearson  (PTE Academic) Score

• PTE test takers can send their score reports to the University of Maryland through their Pearson Account.

International English Language Testing System  (IELTS Academic) Score

• The University of Maryland downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account.  IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland College Park

The Graduate School

2123 Lee Building

College Park

Maryland, 20742

Please note: The Graduate School will not accept paper IELTS test report forms.

Currently, the Graduate School is currently accepting current/valid scores from TOEFL iBT Home Edition, the IELTS Academic Online, the IELTS Indicator (Academic), and the PTE Academic Online. We will be accepting these scores through Fall 2024.

If your TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score falls within the range for conditional enrollment,   the Graduate School may admit you with an  English language condition . If so, you will be notified of this requirement in your official admission letter issued by the Graduate School.

New iBT TOEFL requirements will take effect starting with Fall 2020 admissions (see chart below). No change will be made to the IELTS and PTE requirements. Beginning in August 2019, we will accept iBT TOEFL Superscores from ETS for purposes of meeting iBT TOEFL subscore requirements. If more than one valid IELTS or PTE score is submitted we will also consider the highest sectional scores from across all exams when determining whether requirements for full enrollment have been met. Please note that superscoring can only be done with the same types of test. For example, we will not superscore between an IELTS and a TOEFL exam. 

iBT TOEFL Requirements

Please note that if the scores fall in the range of needing one of the English courses, one of the following will apply:

Intensive English:

• Graduate students whose English test scores are in the range of Intensive English must enroll in and successfully complete the Intensive language course at the Maryland English Institute. This is usually a semester-long course.*  
• While enrolled in Intensive English, students are not permitted to undertake academic coursework.  
• *Students whose total TOEFL score is in the low 80s, or who have an IELTS score below 6.0 or a PTE score below 56, run a higher than normal risk of needing to spend more than one semester in Intensive English. There are five semester-long levels of Intensive English and the students with Intensive English placement are given a test at the beginning of the semester to determine their level. Students with these lower scores are at a higher risk of not placing into the highest level of Intensive English and thus needing more than one semester in the program, which would postpone any academic coursework for at least one academic year. 

English Bridge Program:

• Graduate students whose English test scores are in the range of the English Bridge Program must enroll in and successfully complete the Semi-Intensive language course at the Maryland English Institute during their first semester.
• They can take up to two academic courses in addition to this English study. 

Advanced English Writing Class:

• Graduate students whose TOEFL or IELTS meets the sectional score requirements for full admission, with the exception of the writing score, will be admitted with the condition that they successfully complete the Advanced English Writing Class at the Maryland English Institute in their second semester of study.

Exempt from Submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Scores:

• Students who have received a degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. (with the exception of Puerto Rico) or a nationally recognized university in one of the countries on the subsequent list do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.  This exemption also applies to students who are currently studying for a degree at an institution in the U.S. or one of the countries on the list, but will receive their degree before enrolling at the University of Maryland.
• Note  that you must have studied in the country and not in an online program nor at a foreign branch campus to be granted the exemption.  Students who have done a dual degree Bachelor’s program and earned a degree from an institution in a country on the list and a degree from a country not on the list, must have spent at least 2 years studying in the country on the waiver list to be eligible for an exemption from submitting an English score.  
• Students who have transferred into a Bachelor's program at an institution in a country on the list must have spent at least 2 years studying in the country on the waiver list to be eligible for an exemption from submitting an English score.

Please be advised:

• The School of Music will only allow an applicant to the M.M. or D.M.A. to be exempt from submitting a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score if they have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution in the United States or another country on the waiver list.  Any applicants required to submit an English score must have a TOEFL score of at least 88 to be scheduled for an audition.  However, an English score sufficient for full admission must be received in order for admission to be processed.  Those applying to the M.M. are only required to score a 20 on the writing section of the TOEFL to qualify for full admission.
• The same TOEFL, IELTS and PTE requirements apply for applicants to online and hybrid programs (programs which are partially online and partially on campus), however, the scores must meet the requirements for full admission.  We can’t admit students to online and hybrid programs whose scores fall in the range of needing English study as they will not be on campus to attend the necessary English course.
• The same TOEFL, IELTS and PTE requirements apply for applicants to programs on the 12-week term calendar, however, the scores must meet the requirements for full admission.  English courses take place on the semester-based calendar, and students cannot be enrolled in courses on the semester-based calendar and the 12-week term calendar simultaneously.

NOTE:    These are the general TOEFL, IELTS or PTE requirements that have been established by the Graduate School.  Individual programs reserve the right to hold their applicants to more stringent requirements, including only considering applicants whose TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores meet the requirements for full admission.  We recommend that you check with the program that you are applying to in order to make sure that they do not have additional requirements above and beyond what is listed here.

Exemption from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (English-Speaking Countries)

Canada (English-speaking, i.e. not Quebec)

Cayman Islands

Grand Turks and Caicos Islands

New Zealand

Sierra Leone

South Africa (English-speaking, i.e. not Afrikaans)

St. Vincent

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

The British Virgin Islands- St. Kitts-Nevis, Anguilla

Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. Virgin Islands- St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John

United Kingdom

Note: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE is required.

What are you looking for?

• International Students
• Prospective International Students

English Proficiency

English-language proficiency requirements.

Effective for applications submitted for summer 2024 and later terms only.

The ability to communicate effectively in English—to read, write and speak the language fluently—is vital to your success as a USC student.

International graduate applicants are therefore expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of the application process and should carefully review the guidelines below.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (such as green card holders) are considered to be “domestic” applicants, regardless of where they have studied or reside. Domestic applicants are exempt from the university’s English-proficiency requirements.

Test Score Guidelines

Important: USC does not set university-wide score minimums for graduate admission. The scores listed below are typically used for placement purposes only—to determine if an admitted student will need to take the International Student English (ISE) examination upon arrival at USC.

English-proficiency scores must be dated within 2 years (24 months) of the date you submit your graduate application. For example, a prospective student applying to fall 2024 who submits their USC application in December 2023 will need to have taken the test no earlier than December 2021.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

USC accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, iBT Paper Edition, and the standard in-person TOEFL iBT administered in official test centers. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Sending official scores to USC: USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores are not acceptable.

USC’s institution code is 4852. No department code is required.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

USC accepts IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator (Online version) scores. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Sending official scores to USC: USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores from the testing service are not acceptable.

Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test. Contact information for the USC department to which you are applying is not required.

PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic

USC accepts PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online scores. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the PTE Academic test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test. Contact information for the USC department to which you are applying is not required.

Special Accommodations

The Educational Testing Service (TOEFL), the British Council (IELTS) and Pearson (PTE Academic) will provide accommodations for those with disabilities.

Score Minimums Set by Programs

Please note that some individual programs may set internal score minimums that are higher than those listed here. Please refer to your intended graduate program(s) for information about their English proficiency requirements.

English-Language Test Waiver

International applicants are exempt from submitting English-proficiency scores under the following circumstances:

• You hold a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) from USC or are currently enrolled in a USC degree program.
• You hold a bachelor’s degree completed in its entirety in the United States or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in a qualifying Anglophone country (as defined below). To determine degree equivalency, please refer to our country requirements .The bachelor’s degree should be earned at a regionally accredited university located in the United States, or at an officially recognized university in another country where English is both the language of instruction and the only officially recognized language of the country. The entire program needs to have been completed in the qualifying country. Dual-degree holders who completed just part of their degree in the U.S. or other qualifying country, and students who have transferred credits from a non-Anglophone country, do not qualify for this waiver.
• You have completed a master’s or doctoral degree from a country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language. The degree needs to have already been completed at the time you submit your USC application. Applicants who have not yet completed a qualifying master’s or doctoral program at the time they apply will still need to submit English-proficiency scores.
• Your native language is English. This applies to native English speakers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec), where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction.

USC does not waive the English-proficiency requirement based on any other consideration such as work experience, ESL enrollment, amount of time spent in the U.S., etc. It also cannot be waived on the basis of programs taught in English in non-Anglophone countries.

To determine if USC requires TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores for your country of study, please check our Country Requirements page.

USC International Academy

Students looking to prepare their English and academic skills for the rigors of graduate study at USC may wish to explore the USC International Academy as an option.

Exceptions: The Office of Graduate Admission does not have the authority to grant exemptions to the university’s English-proficiency policies on the basis of applicant requests. Exemption requests submitted directly to our office by applicants themselves are automatically denied. If you have extraordinary circumstances that you believe may merit an individualized exemption, please contact your intended graduate program to discuss available options.

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

• Search Site
• Main College
• College News
• Course Booklets
• Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society
• Honors Thesis
• Internships and Careers
• Course Offerings
• Research Groups
• Job Placement and Awards
• Guide to PhD in English
• Caribbean Studies Concentration
• Digital Humanities Certificate
• Medieval and Early Modern Concentration
• Application and Admissions
• Current PhD Students
• English Graduate Organization (EGO)
• PhD Dissertations
• Faculty by Fields of Interest
• Visiting Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Graduate Teaching Assistants
• Director's Message
• Master of Fine Arts
• MFA Program Guide
• Undergraduate
• Creative Writing Faculty
• Alumni Publications
• Multilingual Writing
• Sinking City Literary Magazine
• IBIS Literary Reading Series
• Lester Goran Fund
• VONA-Voices The Miami Workshop
• Give to the Program
• Creative Writing
• Course Requirements
• Qualifying Exam
• Dissertation
• Language Requirements
• Graduate PhD Faculty
• PhD Program
• English Composition
• Writing Center
• Guide to the PhD Program in English

PhD students must demonstrate basic reading proficiency in two languages or advanced proficiency in one language . Language requirements must be completed before sitting for the qualifying examination . There are several ways to satisfy this requirement.

Department of English

• 1252 Memorial Drive Ashe Bldg., Room 321 Coral Gables , FL 33146
• Phone 305-284-2182 Phone 305-284-2182
• Fax: 305-284-5635
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni & Friends
• Medical Center
• Hurricane Sports
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• English, Ph.D.

The Department of English offers a Ph.D. in English (with specializations in composition and rhetoric, English language and linguistics, or literary studies); an MFA in creative writing; and a terminal M.A. in English with a specialization in applied English linguistics. Students enrolled in the literary studies Ph.D. specialization become eligible for an M.A. English degree in the literary studies area when they successfully complete the first-stage doctoral requirements. The literary studies specialization does not offer an M.A. apart from the doctoral program. Students enrolled in the composition and rhetoric track in English must have a master's degree in hand prior to matriculation in the doctoral program. An optional path to the literary studies and composition and rhetoric doctoral programs is through the African American Studies Bridge .

The doctoral program in the literary studies area offers a rigorous course of study leading to the completion of a doctoral dissertation in any field of English, American, or Anglophone literature and culture, or in any field of literary theory and criticism. The program prepares students for active careers in research and teaching at the university, and combines a sharp focus on conceptual approaches to literary and cultural works with a commitment to broad coverage of the field of Anglophone literature. Graduate seminars taken during the first phases of the doctoral program serve to prepare students to develop research projects for the dissertation. As they progress toward the Ph.D., students are invited to consider interdisciplinary subspecialties: literary theory and criticism, visual studies, ecocriticism and environmentalism, transnational and global literature, material culture, print culture and book history, digital humanities, disability studies, gender studies, race and ethnic studies, feminist theory, lgbtq literature and queer theory, postcolonial studies. The program provides opportunities for teaching writing and literature and for administrative experience. 

The doctoral program in the composition and rhetoric area offers a vibrant intellectual community of scholar-teachers and supports research in a wide array of subfields, including literacy studies, composition theory & pedagogy, rhetorical studies, and writing centers/writing program administration. Faculty expertise in literacy, composition, and rhetoric includes emphases in migration, race and ethnicity, critical theory, historical and ethnographic methods, space and place, environmental rhetoric, science writing, visual rhetoric, and transnationalism. This multidisciplinary program with a low faculty-to-student ratio offers doctoral students close contact with faculty mentors throughout coursework and dissertation research. It also maintains close collaborations with campus programs in Communication Arts, Linguistics, and Curriculum and Instruction, among others. The program offers varied opportunities for professional development in teaching, research, and writing program administration, and is recognized for its commitment to training well-rounded professionals in the field of composition and rhetoric.

The English doctoral program in the English language and linguistics area is intended for students with a solid foundation at the master's level in the English language, applied linguistics, and related fields. Through a program of course work and seminars, doctoral students attain advanced knowledge in the core areas of English syntax and phonology and in the applied areas of second language acquisition, discourse analysis, and language variation and change. On reaching the dissertation stage, students pursue individual research in close cooperation with their faculty advisor. In recent years, students have written dissertations on code-switching, critical pedagogy, interactional competence, conversation analysis, syntactic problems in second language acquisition, classroom discourse, and psycholinguistics. Graduates of the program have taken faculty positions at universities throughout the country.

Regarding catalog course listings: graduate seminars in English reflect the faculty's current areas of research and therefore change importantly from year to year. Please consult the department website for more detailed information.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

The department requires an applicant to have a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution. 

Applicants for the Ph.D. specialization in Composition & Rhetoric may have bachelors and masters from a variety of fields beyond English but must complete a master's degree or equivalent before beginning the doctoral program. 

Applicants for the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees with specialization in Literary Studies and English Language & Linguistics language  must demonstrate competence in the fields of English literature or language, American studies, or linguistics, but the department also welcomes applications from superior students who have not had the equivalent of an English major. Such students may be asked to supplement the normal program of study by completing a small number of coverage courses.  

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses, composition and rhetoric track 1.

These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

The following Composition-Rhetoric courses are offered on a regular basis: ENGL 700 (every Fall), ENGL 702 and ENGL 703 (in alternating years), and ENGL 799 for specialized coursework.

English Language and Linguistics Track 1

In order to be granted candidacy, students must complete a minimum of seven (7) graduate courses or seminars beyond coursework taken for the M.A. and approved by the English Language and Linguistics Ph.D. advisor. At least four of these courses/seminars must be taken in the English Department .

For the doctoral minor, usually four courses (12 credits) are to be chosen by the student and the minor advisor in consultation with the student’s advisor. Although superior work in these courses is usually deemed sufficient to satisfy the requirement, formal examination in the minor remains at the discretion of the minor department.

Literary Studies Track 1

For the M.A. degree en route to the Ph.D. degree, students take a total of ten courses (for a total of 30 credits) in the Department of English and demonstrate competence in one foreign language. To ensure breadth of knowledge, the course requirements call for intensive study in different chronological and geographical areas. There is room too for electives within this stage of the program. These requirements must be completed before the beginning of the fifth semester. When the first stage requirements are completed, provided the student meets the program standards for satisfactory progress, he or she will be entitled to move into the second stage of the program.

Once this broad foundation has been built, the second, more focused stage allows students to work in an area or areas of specialization, and to begin to create an ongoing research agenda. During the three semesters typically devoted to this stage, students choose three English (Literary Studies)  courses beyond those taken already. In addition, using the 10-12 credits of minor courses that the Literary Studies Ph.D. track requires, students deepen their knowledge and diversify their skills by cross-disciplinary work. Successful completion of this coursework, demonstration of competence in either one foreign language at the advanced proficiency level (equivalent to fifth and sixth semester language study) or two languages at the adequate proficiency level (equivalent to third and fourth semesters of language study) is also required.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to count up to 6 credits of relevant graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree or earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison Undergraduate:                                                                                                                No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the degree.

UW–Madison University Special

With program approval, students are allowed to count up to 6 credits of relevant graduate level coursework, numbered 700 or above or designated with the 50% graduate course attribute, taken as a UW–Madison Special student. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

This program follows the Graduate School's Advisor policy and   the Graduate School's Committees policy.

CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED

Time limits.

Doctoral degree students who have been absent for ten or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.

A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

Grievances and appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.

Graduate programs in English are full-time programs. Students are expected to enroll full-time until required coursework is completed. Funding available for students pursuing the M.F.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study demonstrating breadth as well as depth.
• Conducts research according to recognized standards in the field and crafts persuasive and original arguments that make a substantive contribution to the field.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner that advances and articulates the value of contributions of the field of study to society
• Demonstrates knowledge and practice of pedagogy consistent with discipline and with field of study
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct.

Faculty: Professors Castronovo (chair), Auerbach, Barry, Bearden, Begam, Bernard-Donals, Bow, Britland, Dharwadker, Foys, Friedman, Guyer, Hill, Johnson, Keller, Kercheval, Olaniyan, Ortiz-Robles, Purnell, Raimy, Sherrard-Johnson, Wanner, M. Young, R. Young, Zimmerman; Associate Professors Allewaert, Cooper, Fawaz, Olson, Samuels, Trotter, Vareschi, Yu, Zweck; Assistant Professors Amine, Calhoun, Cho, Druschke, Edoro, Fecu, Huang

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

Department of English College of Letters & Science english.wisc.edu

Department of English 608-263-3751 7195 Helen C. White Hall, 600 North Park Street Madison, WI 53706

For interested applicants, please contact: [email protected]

Professor Martin Foys, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Composition and Rhetoric http://www.english.wisc.edu/comprhet-graduate.htm

Literary Studies http://www.english.wisc.edu/litstudies-graduate.htm

English Language and Linguistics https://english.wisc.edu/programs/english-language-and-linguistics/graduate-program/

Creative Writing http://www.creativewriting.wisc.edu/masters.html

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

• /​pdf/​
• Explore Graduate Opportunities
• Explore UW-​Madison's Undergraduate Opportunities
• Accounting and Information Systems
• African American Studies
• African Cultural Studies
• Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Agricultural and Life Sciences -​ College-​Wide
• Animal and Dairy Sciences
• Anthropology
• Art History
• Asian Languages and Cultures
• Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
• Bacteriology
• Biochemistry
• Biological Systems Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
• Business -​ School-​Wide
• Cell and Regenerative Biology
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Chicana/​o and Latina/​o Studies
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Civil Society &​ Community Studies
• Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Communication Arts
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Community and Environmental Sociology
• Computer Sciences
• Counseling Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
• Educational Policy Studies
• Educational Psychology
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering -​ College-​Wide
• Creative Writing, Doctoral Minor
• Creative Writing, MFA
• English Linguistics, Doctoral Minor
• English, Doctoral Minor
• English, M.A.
• Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies, Doctoral Minor
• Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies, M.A.
• Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies, Ph.D.
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Graduate/​Professional Certificate
• Food Science
• Forest and Wildlife Ecology
• French and Italian
• Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• German, Nordic, and Slavic
• Graduate -​ School-​Wide
• Horticulture
• Human Ecology -​ School-​Wide
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Information School
• Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
• Institute for Regional and International Studies
• Integrative Biology
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Kinesiology
• La Follette School of Public Affairs
• Language Institute
• Language Sciences
• Law -​ School-​Wide
• Life Sciences Communication
• Management and Human Resources
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mead Witter School of Music
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Physics
• Medicine and Public Health -​ School-​Wide
• Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics
• Nursing -​ School-​Wide
• Nutritional Sciences
• Operations and Information Management
• Pharmacy -​ School-​Wide
• Planning and Landscape Architecture
• Plant Pathology
• Political Science
• Population Health Sciences
• Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
• Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
• Religious Studies
• Risk and Insurance
• Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work
• Soil Science
• Spanish and Portuguese
• Veterinary Medicine -​ School-​Wide
• Nondegree/​Visiting Student Guide
• Pharmacy Guide
• School of Medicine and Public Health Guide
• Undergraduate Guide
• Veterinary Guide

• University of Pennsylvania
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Penn Calendar

Search form

Graduate Foreign Language Requirement

The Foreign Language Requirement for Ph.D. Students

Doctoral students fulfill the language requirement by passing translation examinations (with a dictionary) in  two  languages relevant to literary scholarship.   Masters students need pass just  one  exam. The examinations are administered only   in   mid-fall  (usually October) and  mid-spring  (usually early April); a student cannot request an exam at some other time to suit his or her convenience. 

Students taking the French, German, Spanish, or Latin summer classes that the Grad School offers for free to PhD students may request a similar exam from their summer language professors. Ultimately, the class is an enrichment course so, it is up to the individual professors. Students  not  enrolled in a summer language class  cannot  take a summer exam. Please contact Anna Smith at the Graduate School ( [email protected] ) for more information on the summer language courses.

The exam consists of two translation passages using a dictionary, generally one critical or philosophical and the other from a poem or novel. Neither passage should exceed 300 words, and the total for both should be less than 500 words. Students have a maximum of  two  hours to complete the exam using a dictionary.

The Graduate Coordinator will announce the exact date of the exam and will see if the chosen language is available via e-mail. 

Undergraduate Language Courses (Below 4000-level)

Students are permitted to register for undergraduate language courses (below 4000-level), but they receive no graduate credit for them. Some departments, like the English Dept., can offer graduate course numbers (ENGL9998) that can be used to replace the undergraduate number of a language course but the professor will have to have his/her PhD. The student will register for the graduate course number, and receive graduate credit for it, while taking the undergraduate course. Students who take the course with an undergraduate course number should register for it as an Audit. Courses registered as audits do not count toward the student's max load. An undergraduate language course should be registered as a 4th or 5th course. The Graduate Group Chair must request permission from the Associate Dean for a student to register for a 5th course for credit.

With the permission of the Graduate Chair, two or more 4000-level foreign lanaguage courses (with significant literary content) may be counted as 1 graduate-level seminar course for the purposes of the Graduate English Department seminar requirement. Students should petition the Graduate Chair for this option.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Language Requirements

Entering students are required to take the language placement examination in the East Asia language of specialization at the beginning of the semester in which they enter the program, unless that language was the primary language of instruction at the institution from which they received the BA degree. The student must fulfill the following language requirements listed below by field as applicable to his or her work.

The Primary Language

• Chinese language requirements : Fifth-year modern Chinese, or the equivalent; two years classical Chinese, or the equivalent.
• Japanese language requirements : Fifth-year Japanese, or the equivalent, for all students; one year of classical Japanese, or the equivalent; one semester of Kanbun or one year of classical Chinese.
• Korean language requirement : Fifth-year Korean, or the equivalent; Korean GR8010, “Advanced Korean in Mixed Script”
• Tibetan language requirement : Third-year modern Tibetan, or the equivalent; second-year classical Tibetan. Chinese language training also relevant (see below).
• Vietnamese language requirement : Fifth-year Vietnamese, or the equivalent. For students of premodern Vietnam, two years classical Chinese, or the equivalent.

PhD language examination requirements: language exemption is fulfilled by earning a B+ or better in required courses. Those with equivalent course(s) completed elsewhere still must pass the placement examination.

Second and Third Languages

• Required for the study of China: Pre-Qing history: three years of Japanese or the equivalent, subject to substitution of another Asian language by consultation with the advisor. A third Asian language may be recommended at the advisor’s discretion. Qing and later: advanced proficiency in a relevant language, such as Japanese, Korean, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, etc., chosen in consultation with the advisor. Demonstration of reading knowledge of a relevant European language is strongly advised. For premodern Chinese literature: three years of Japanese or the equivalent. For modern Chinese literature, three years of Japanese or two years of a European language. All students are encouraged to take a reading course in French (FRENS UN1204) or German (German UN1115) and pass the reading exam, but the advisor should decide whether this is necessary.
• Required for the study of Japan : For all students: Two years of a European language, or two years of a second Asian language in their classical or modern form, in consultation with the advisor. Pre-1800 history: two years of Classical Chinese.
• Required for the study of Korea : For all students: three years of Japanese or the equivalent; for students in premodern literature: one year of classical Chinese or the equivalent. If necessary, reading knowledge of a European language in consultation with the advisor.
• Required for the study of Tibet : For all students: reading knowledge of one European language or Japanese, chosen in consultation with advisor. For all students: three years of modern Chinese or two years of modern Chinese and one year Classical Chinese, chosen in consultation with advisor. In exceptional cases in which Chinese is not necessary for research interests, this requirement may be waived in consultation with advisor.
• Required for the study of Vietnam:  For students of premodern Vietnam: three years of Chinese, or the equivalent, or another Asian  language  in consultation with advisor. Reading proficiency in French (in consultation with advisor). For students of modern Vietnam: three years of French or the equivalent. In special cases, depending on topic and in consultation with advisor, two years of Classical Chinese, three years of Japanese, or three years of Chinese, or the equivalent of these, may also be required.

Second European Language Requirements

A second European language, if required by the advisor.

Before Footer

EALAC – Columbia University 407 Kent Hall 1140 Amsterdam Ave. MC 3907  New York, NY 10027 tel:212.854.5027

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• PhD in Literature

Degree Requirements

The following account describes a student's typical progress toward the Ph.D. It is not an official description of the degree requirements, which you will find on website of Northwestern's The Graduate School . All students admitted to the PhD program are guaranteed full funding (stipend, health insurance, and a tuition scholarship), details about which can be found here . The Ph.D. in English takes a minimum of five years, though candidates almost always take at least six years to finish. Though the Graduate School allows students nine years in which to complete their degree, but we strongly encourage students to finish by the end of the sixth.

Our current requirements ask our students to take 17 graduate-level courses during their first three years in the Ph.D. program.  In order to ensure that students become acquainted with literature from diverse historical periods and contexts, all doctoral students fulfill a breadth requirement, taking one course from each of the following seven categories:

1) Literature and Culture up to 1500 2) Literature and Culture 1500-1680 3) Literature and Culture 1680-1800 4) Literature and Culture 1800-1900 5) Literature and Culture 1900-1989 6) Literature and Culture since 1989 7) Genres, Topics, and Theories in the longue durée

We have a proposal waiting for approval that would significantly simplify this schema, requiring students to take three courses on literature written pre-1800, and three on literature written post-1800. We anticipate that these new requirements will take effect for students matriculating in Fall 2024 and thereafter.

Further details can be found in the Guide to Graduate Study .

Language Requirement

The Ph.D. in English requires demonstration of advanced reading knowledge in a second language, and must pass either a language exam (administered by the department), complete a summer language intensive, or take a graduate-level course with readings primarily in the language in question. This requirement must be fulfilled by the end of the first year.

Doctoral students at Northwestern spend most of their time on course work during this year, taking three seminars each quarter. Together with the other new graduate students in English and the Comparative Literary Studies Program, they enroll in "Introduction to Graduate Study," a course focusing on contexts of method, theory, and history for the advanced study of literature. Beyond that, the student's goal is to fulfill their Breadth requirement, to strengthen and deepen their background in literary studies, and to choose a field of specialization.

At the end of the first year, the department's Director of Graduate Study reviews each student's performance to decide whether they will continue into the second year of the doctoral program, or to leave the program with a Master's degree. This decision is based on satisfactory performance in course work and demonstrated ability to develop a significant scholarly project and carry it to completion within a reasonable time.

Graduate Assistantships

Much of the funding supporting doctoral students during their time at Northwestern is in the form of Graduate Assistantships, through which students are assigned duties (usually as teaching assistants) relevant to their work and training. In this way, doctoral students are given the opportunity to play a key role in the educational mission of the department, while at the same time acquiring skills and experience that have proven to be invaluable on the academic job market.

Teaching is an essential element of the education and training experience of PhD students at Northwestern. The Graduate School requires that all Ph.D. students serve in some instructional capacity for at least one academic quarter during their graduate education at Northwestern. This teaching requirement is unique to American higher education, and is an integral aspect of professional development. Students are expected to do comparable teaching work to other students within their program. The Graduate School strives to ensure teaching demands are as similar as possible across academic programs.

Years Two & Three

As explained above, students in their second and third year serve as teaching assistants while taking a total of 7 courses over the course of the year. During year two, students will gather a committee of three members of the graduate faculty, and will develop three distinctive and non-redundant reading lists in close consultation with them. In the Fall quarter of the third year, a two-and-a-half hour Qualifying Exam will be scheduled with the full committee.

After successful completion of the exam, students will begin the process of writing a dissertation prospectus, a concise description of a significant and original scholarly or critical project. The student's committee and the Director of Graduate Study must approve the prospectus by the end the third year.

Candidacy & Completion

Upon successful completion of all course and language requirements, the qualifying exam, and approval of the prospectus, students formally advance to candidacy in the Graduate School.

Once a student is admitted to candidacy, the examining committee normally continues as the dissertation committee. Students remain in close contact with their advisors, and many join informal dissertation working groups to hone their critical and professional skills, to critique their works-in-progress, and for intellectual companionship during this phase of their studies, the success of which depends increasingly on their initiative, motivation, and self-discipline.

• Foreign Language Requirements
• The Graduate Experience
• Graduate Advising

Please note: Students should fulfill their language requirement early in the program so it does not delay graduation.

International students whose native language is not English will have this requirement waived once the Plan of Study (iPOS) has been approved with a full committee.

U.S students who are bilingual must still demonstrate a reading knowledge in the second language. To waive the language requirement, documentation or proof in the form of a certificate, a class or indication of bilingual work in a job will be required.

Students in MAS Film and Media Studies, MA/PhD English Education, and MFA Creative Writing do not have a language requirement.

Students must demonstrate evidence of a competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English by being able to prove an intermediate reading knowledge in that language. For PhD students, the language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the PhD examinations. This requirement may be met by:

• The School of International Letters and Cultures offers online courses (iCourse for in-person students and oCourse for fully online students) in GER 550 German for Reading Knowledge, FRE 550 French for Reading Knowledge, SPA 550 Spanish for Reading Knowledge, and ITA 550 Italian for Reading Knowledge that can satisfy the requirement with a grade of B or better and count as elective credit in the program.
• Demonstrating comparable proficiency by taking a translation language exam. All students taking the Graduate Foreign Language Exam through the School of International Letters and Cultures will be charged a $100 fee. For more information about the exam, see below.*
• In-person students in Linguistics/TESOL: Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in both ENG 530 Old English and ENG 531 Old English Literature or their equivalent. Literature and WRL students: Earning a "B" (3.00) or higher in ENG 530 Old English or an equivalent, such as Old Norse. Note: these courses are currently not available online.
• Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in a 400- or 500-level course in an appropriate (approved) language. Any course in which all class meetings are conducted in the approved language will satisfy this requirement; courses conducted in English will not. The class must have been completed within six years of the semester for which the student has been admitted to the program.
• Holding a bachelor’s degree in an approved foreign language.
• Having fulfilled a foreign language requirement towards a previously awarded master's degree that has been completed within six years of the semester for which the student has been admitted to the program.
• For languages which the School of International Letters and Cultures does not offer or does not offer above the 200 level, two years (4 semesters) of successfully completed college level coursework at least at the 100 and 200 level with a C or better would fulfill the requirement. The coursework must have been successfully completed no more than six years prior to admission to the degree program.
• For questions on alternate ways to fulfill the language requirement, contact [email protected]

*Language Examination Procedure

Language competency is certified by the School of International Letters and Cultures upon satisfactory performance on a foreign language examination.

In-person student procedure

The student, in consultation with the advisor or committee chair, will select for translation a book of at least 200 pages (other than fiction or poetry), complete the Application for Graduate Foreign Language Examination at least one month prior to the examination, and deliver the form plus the approved book to the testing supervisor, who will make a copy of the passages you will be translating on the day of the examination and will return the book to you for study.

For further information about the examination and test dates, visit the School of International Letters and Cultures .

Online student procedure

Email the graduate advisor Elizabeth Downs to plan a test date. The test must take place during Department of English business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arizona time (excluding holidays). Indicate your choice of language and select from the following list:

• Come si fa una tesi di laurea by Umberto Eco
• Il Costume Di Casa. Evidenze e misteri dell'ideologia italiana by Umberto Eco
• Il secondo diario minimo by Umberto Eco
• El laberinto de la soledad by Octavio Paz
• Culturas híbridas. Estrategias para entrar y salir de la modernidad by Néstor García Canclini
• Ni apocalípticos ni integrados : aventuras de la modernidad en América Latina by Martín Hopenhayn
• Medialität der Erinnerung: Uwe Johnson und der Dokumentarismus in der Nachkriegsliteratur by Alexandra Kleihues
• Die literarische Funktion von Kleidung in den Íslendingasögur und Íslendingaþættir by Anita Sauckel
• Der Holocaust in der literarischen Erinnerung: autobiografische Aufzeichnungen von Udo Dietmar und Elie Wiesel by Antonia Barboric
• Romantismes Européens et Romantisme Français by Pierre Brunel
• Les écrivains et leurs lectures Philosophiques texts gathered by Bruno Curatolo
• L’Histoire Interdite by Thierry Wolton

Note to in-person and online students : All students taking the Graduate Foreign Language Exam through SILC will be charged a $100 fee. The fee entitles students to one exam. Payment must be received before the student takes the exam.

Please make payment through the following link .

If you have questions about payment, please contact the SILC graduate coordinator Monica Hopkins .

Things to Remember

Students should fulfill their language requirement early in the program so it does not delay graduation., in-person students.

Students wishing to graduate in May should take the exam offered in the fall or before. Those who want to graduate in December should take the exam in the spring or before. In other words, students who take the exam in the fall may not be able to graduate that December. Students who take the exam in the spring may not be able to graduate that May.

Students must successfully complete the foreign language examination before taking any required comprehensive examinations or scheduling the final oral defense of the thesis or dissertation or defending an applied project.

It can take six to eight weeks for exam results to be reported.

Students must be enrolled in at least one graduate-level English credit during the semester in which they take the examination.

Online students

We will provide the passage for translation. The passage will range from 300 to 400 words. The examination should not last more than two hours and examinees are expected to translate the entire passage. We are looking for an accurate translation that preserves both idiomatic content and the diction of the text to the best degree possible. The short passage is to be rendered into comprehensible, grammatically correct English. The text is not to be summarized, nor is it to be translated mechanically word-by-word. (Note: we will be able to tell if the student resorted to translation tools.)

The translation test will be conducted entirely online. This is a pass/fail exam. You will be notified of your results in approximately two to four weeks.

Note: Students must be enrolled in at least one graduate credit the semester they take the test in.

Petitions to Retake the Exam

Students who fail the exam may petition the Graduate College to retake the exam. The petition should include why the student failed, what the student will do to prepare for the next exam (i.e., new book, dictionary, tutoring, etc.), and why the exam is needed. Students will be required to pay another $100 fee

Note: Only two petitions to retake the exam are allowed. Normally, the student should allow three months to study for the next exam. In order to be eligible for the second or third examination, the student must submit a petition electronically via their iPOS. This must be approved by the academic unit and Graduate College prior to the reexamination.

PhD Program in English Language and Literature

The department enrolls an average of ten PhD students each year. Our small size allows us to offer a generous financial support package. We also offer a large and diverse graduate faculty with competence in a wide range of literary, theoretical and cultural fields. Each student chooses a special committee that works closely along side the student to design a course of study within the very broad framework established by the department. The program is extremely flexible in regard to course selection, the design of examinations and the election of minor subjects of concentration outside the department. English PhD students pursuing interdisciplinary research may include on their special committees faculty members from related fields such as comparative literature, medieval studies, Romance studies, German studies, history, classics, women’s studies, linguistics, theatre and performing arts, government, philosophy, and film and video studies.

The PhD candidate is normally expected to complete six or seven one-semester courses for credit in the first year of residence and a total of six or seven more in the second and third years. The program of any doctoral candidate’s formal and informal study, whatever his or her particular interests, should be comprehensive enough to ensure familiarity with:

• The authors and works that have been the most influential in determining the course of English, American, and related literatures
• The theory and criticism of literature, and the relations between literature and other disciplines
• Concerns and tools of literary and cultural history such as textual criticism, study of genre, source, and influence as well as wider issues of cultural production and historical and social contexts that bear on literature

Areas in which students may have major or minor concentrations include African-American literature, American literature to 1865, American literature after 1865, American studies (a joint program with the field of history), colonial and postcolonial literatures, cultural studies, dramatic literature, English poetry, the English Renaissance to 1660, lesbian, bisexual and gay literary studies, literary criticism and theory, the nineteenth century, Old and Middle English, prose fiction, the Restoration and the eighteenth century, the twentieth century, and women's literature.

By the time a doctoral candidate enters the fourth semester of graduate study, the special committee must decide whether he or she is qualified to proceed toward the PhD. Students are required to pass their Advancement to Candidacy Examination before their fourth year of study, prior to the dissertation.

PhD Program specifics can be viewed here: PhD Timeline PhD Procedural Guide

Special Committee

Every graduate student selects a special committee of faculty advisors who work intensively with the student in selecting courses and preparing and revising the dissertation. The committee is comprised of at least three Cornell faculty members: a chair, and typically two minor members usually from the English department, but very often representing an interdisciplinary field. The university system of special committees allows students to design their own courses of study within a broad framework established by the department, and it encourages a close working relationship between professors and students, promoting freedom and flexibility in the pursuit of the graduate degree. The special committee for each student guides and supervises all academic work and assesses progress in a series of meetings with the students.

At Cornell, teaching is considered an integral part of training in academia. The field requires a carefully supervised teaching experience of at least one year for every doctoral candidate as part of the program requirements. The Department of English, in conjunction with the  John S. Knight Institute for Writing  in the Disciplines, offers excellent training for beginning teachers and varied and interesting teaching in the university-wide First-Year Writing Program. The courses are writing-intensive and may fall under such general rubrics as “Portraits of the Self,” “American Literature and Culture,” “Shakespeare,” and “Cultural Studies,” among others. A graduate student may also serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate lecture course taught by a member of the Department of English faculty.

Language Requirements

Each student and special committee will decide what work in foreign language is most appropriate for a student’s graduate program and scholarly interests. Some students’ doctoral programs require extensive knowledge of a single foreign language and literature; others require reading ability in two or more foreign languages. A student may be asked to demonstrate competence in foreign languages by presenting the undergraduate record, taking additional courses in foreign languages and literature, or translating and discussing documents related to the student’s work. Students are also normally expected to provide evidence of having studied the English language through courses in Old English, the history of the English language, grammatical analysis or the application of linguistic study to metrics or to literary criticism. Several departments at Cornell offer pertinent courses in such subjects as descriptive linguistics, psycholinguistics and the philosophy of language.

All PhD degree candidates are guaranteed five years of funding (including a stipend , a full tuition fellowship and student health insurance):

• A first-year non-teaching fellowship
• Two years of teaching assistantships
• A fourth-year non-teaching fellowship for the dissertation writing year
• A fifth-year teaching assistantship
• Summer support for four years, including a first-year summer teaching assistantship, linked to a teachers’ training program at the Knight Institute. Summer residency in Ithaca is required.

Students have also successfully competed for Buttrick-Crippen Fellowship, Society for the Humanities Fellowships, American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), Shin Yong-Jin Graduate Fellowships, Provost’s Diversity Fellowships, fellowships in recognition of excellence in teaching, and grants from the Graduate School to help with the cost of travel to scholarly conferences and research collections.

Admission & Application Procedures

The application for Fall 2024 admission will open on September 15, 2023 and close at 11:59pm EST on December 1, 2023.

Our application process reflects the field’s commitment to considering the whole person and their potential to contribute to our scholarly community.  Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of academic preparation (e.g., performance in relevant courses, completion of substantive, independent research project). An applicant’s critical and creative potential will be considered: applicants should demonstrate interest in extensive research and writing and include a writing sample that reveals a capacity to argue persuasively, demonstrate the ability to synthesize a broad range of materials, as well as offer fresh insights into a problem or text. The committee will also consider whether an applicant demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity and offers a substantive explanation for why study at Cornell is especially compelling (e.g., a discussion of faculty research and foci). Admissions committees will consider the entire application carefully, including statements and critical writing, as well as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume/cv (if provided). Please view the requirements and procedures listed below, if you are interested in being considered for our PhD in English Language and Literature program.

Eligibility: Applicants must currently have, or expect to have, at least a BA or BS (or the equivalent) in any field before matriculation. International students, please verify degree equivalency here . Applicants are not required to meet a specified GPA minimum.

To Apply: All applications and supplemental materials must be submitted online through the Graduate School application system . While completing your application, you may save and edit your data. Once you click submit, your application will be closed for changes. Please proofread your materials carefully. Once you pay and click submit, you will not be able to make any changes or revisions.

Deadline: December 1st, 11:59pm EST.  This deadline is firm. No applications, additional materials, or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

PhD Program Application Requirements Checklist

• Academic Statement of Purpose Please describe (within 1000 words) in detail the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies and why they are significant. Additionally, make sure to include information about any training or research experience that you believe has prepared you for our program. You should also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own specific questions.  Note that the identification of faculty is important; you would be well advised to read selected faculty’s recent scholarship so that you can explain why you wish to study with them. Do not rely on the courses they teach.  Please refrain from contacting individual faculty prior to receiving an offer of admission.
• Personal Statement Please describe (within 1000 words) how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree and the research you wish to conduct.  Explain, for example the meaning and purpose of the PhD in the context of your personal history and future aspirations.  Please note that we will pay additional attention to candidates who identify substantial reasons to obtain a PhD beyond the pursuit of an academic position. Additionally, provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn (productively and positively) together.
• Critical Writing Sample Your academic writing sample must be between 3,000 and 7,500 words (12-30 pages), typed and double-spaced. We accept excerpts from longer works, or a combination of shorter works.
• Three Letters of Recommendation We require 3 letters of recommendation.  At the time of application, you will be allowed to enter up to 4 recommenders in the system.  Your application will be considered “Complete” when we have received at least 3 letters of recommendation.   Letters of recommendation are due December 1 . Please select three people who best know you and your work. Submitting additional letters will not enhance your application. In the recommendation section of the application, you must include the email address of each recommender. After you save the information (and before you pay/submit), the application system will automatically generate a recommendation request email to your recommender with instructions for submitting the letter electronically. If your letters are stored with a credential service such as Interfolio, please use their Online Application Delivery feature and input the email address assigned to your stored document, rather than that of your recommender’s. The electronic files will be attached to your application when they are received and will not require the letter of recommendation cover page.
• Transcripts Scan transcripts from each institution you have attended, or are currently attending, and upload into the academic information section of the application. Be sure to remove your social security number from all documents prior to scanning. Please do not send paper copies of your transcripts. If you are subsequently admitted and accept, the Graduate School will require an official paper transcript from your degree-awarding institution prior to matriculation.
• English Language Proficiency Requirement All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. For more information, please view the  Graduate School’s English Language Requirement .
• GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test are NO LONGER REQUIRED, effective starting with the 2019 application In March 2019, the faculty of English voted overwhelmingly to eliminate all GRE requirements (both general and subject test) for application to the PhD program in English. GRE scores are not good predictors of success or failure in a PhD program in English, and the uncertain predictive value of the GRE exam is far outweighed by the toll it takes on student diversity. For many applicants the cost of preparing for and taking the exam is prohibitively expensive, and the exam is not globally accessible. Requiring the exam narrows our applicant pool at precisely the moment we should be creating bigger pipelines into higher education. We need the strength of a diverse community in order to pursue the English Department’s larger mission: to direct the force of language toward large and small acts of learning, alliance, imagination, and justice.

General Information for All Applicants

Application Fee: Visit the Graduate School for information regarding application fees, payment options, and fee waivers .

Document Identification: Please do not put your social security number on any documents.

Status Inquiries:  Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You will also be able to check the completion status of your application in your account. If vital sections of your application are missing, we will notify you via email after the Dec. 1 deadline and allow you ample time to provide the missing materials. Please do not inquire about the status of your application.

Credential/Application Assessments:  The Admission Review Committee members are unable to review application materials or applicant credentials prior to official application submission. Once the committee has reviewed applications and made admissions decisions, they will not discuss the results or make any recommendations for improving the strength of an applicant’s credentials. Applicants looking for feedback are advised to consult with their undergraduate advisor or someone else who knows them and their work.

Review Process:  Application review begins after the submission deadline. Notification of admissions decisions will be made by email by the end of February.

Connecting with Faculty and/or Students: Unfortunately, due to the volume of inquiries we receive, faculty and current students are not available to correspond with potential applicants prior to an offer of admission. Applicants who are offered admission will have the opportunity to meet faculty and students to have their questions answered prior to accepting. Staff and faculty are also not able to pre-assess potential applicant’s work outside of the formal application process. Please email [email protected] instead, if you have questions.

Visiting: The department does not offer pre-admission visits or interviews. Admitted applicants will be invited to visit the department, attend graduate seminars and meet with faculty and students before making the decision to enroll.

Transfer Credits:  Students matriculating with an MA degree may, at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, receive credit for up to two courses once they begin our program.

For Further Information

Contact [email protected]

Department of English

• PhD Requirements

• Graduate Courses
• Graduate FAQ
• Job Placement
• PhD Testimonials

Graduate students take twelve courses over three years. One of these courses must be the departmental proseminar, usually taken in the student’s first semester; another must be an independent study course, taken in their third year.  Students also take at least one seminar focused on pre-1800 literature and one focused on global or minority literature.

The first and fourth years are typically supported by fellowship. During the second, third, and fifth years, students normally teach to earn their stipends; in the second year by serving as a teaching assistant for a lecture course, and in the third and fifth years by teaching expository writing. On some occasions, graduate students conduct undergraduate courses of their own design. Training and practice in teaching are regarded as an integral part of the graduate program.

Students are also expected to demonstrate proficiency in reading one foreign language (at the level of fluency) or two foreign languages (at the more modest level of competency). The language requirement may be satisfied either by course work (including summer courses offered at Johns Hopkins) or by written examination (for which students are expected to translate a paragraph with the aid of a dictionary).

Older Requirements

*Requirements for students who have entered the program prior to 2022 are available in the 2020-2021 Graduate Handbook .

Admissions Requirements

Application requirements.

Congratulations on taking the next step towards submitting your graduate application! To help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of requirements to complete your graduate application.

It’s also important to check with the program to which you’re applying, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree not listed on this page.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

The minimum graduate admissions requirements are:

• Expect to or hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.
• A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
• Enough undergraduate training and/or professional experience to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Records

You must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of classes from a U.S.accredited institution by one of the AACRAO regional accrediting agencies* or a recognized equivalent from an accredited institution outside of the U.S.

* Regionally accredited college or university means an institution of higher education accredited by one of the following regional accreditation associations in the United States:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• The Higher Learning Commission (formerly known as North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduates of accredited academic institutions outside the United States should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please contact Graduate Admissions with questions.

Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. Institution

Required Records : Upload unofficial transcripts (ie, a scanned copy) from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including your undergraduate institution, community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Bachelor’s Degree from an International Institution

Required Records : Upload a scanned copy of your transcript and degree certificate for each institution after high school. If your academic records are in a language other than English or Spanish, you may submit translations in one of two ways:

• Submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association or the Ministry of Education. Degree names and grades should be transcribed, not converted, into English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. 
• Submit an official World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation (opens in a new tab) . To electronically submit your WES ICAP, follow the instructions provided by WES. Select “University of California at Berkeley” as the recipient and “Graduate Admissions” 318 Sproul Hall #5900, Berkeley, CA 94720-5900 as the school/division.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). You can obtain detailed information from the TOEFL website .

We accept the internet based (iBT) and iBT Home Edition. We do not accept the TOEFL ITP or Duolingo .

For purposes of admission, your TOEFL test score must be at least 90 for the Internet-based test (IBT). Please contact individual academic departments for more information, as they may choose to require a higher score.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to UC Berkeley. Please send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. We do not accept MyBest Scores.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

You can also submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Consult the IELTS website to locate the office of the test center where you plan to take the test.

For purposes of admission, your most recent overall band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center, and no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports to us.

TOEFL/IELTS Exemption

To qualify for a TOEFL/IELTS exemption, you must fulfill one of the following options:

• Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.
• Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies.
• The following courses do not qualify for an exemption: courses in English as a Second Language, courses conducted in a language other than English, courses that will be completed after applicants submit their application, or courses of a nonacademic nature.

The TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted by applicants who do not meet the exemption criteria above.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Other Test Scores

Some programs require applicants to take a standardized test such as the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test, the GMAT or MCAT. Consult the program to which you are applying for the department’s requirements.

For the GRE, send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. No department code is needed unless specified by the specific program. ETS will not report test scores older than 5 years.

For the GMAT or MCAT, please consult your program for details.

Letters of Recommendation

The application requires at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants should check with their prospective program for questions . Your recommenders are asked to give their personal impressions of your intellectual ability, your aptitude in research or professional skills, your character, and the quality of your previous work and potential for future productive scholarship. Be sure to inform your recommenders of the program’s application deadline.

Applicants may waive the right to inspect their letters of recommendation on a voluntary basis. This option can be selected when you fill out the recommendation invite for your recommender.

The Graduate Division may verify the authenticity of academic letters of recommendation with the school or recommender.

Submit a Statement of Purpose and Personal History statement, along with any other essays the program you are applying to requires.

The Statement of Purpose should describe your aptitude and motivation to enter the program. This can include relevant details about your preparation or specialization in the field. This is a good place to share your academic plans, research interests, and future career goals. Read tips on how to craft your Statement of Purpose .

The Personal History statement describes how your own background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Read tips on how to write your Personal History statement .

Application Fee

If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the non-refundable application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

Fee Waiver : U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need or have participated in an eligible program may apply for an application fee waiver. See guidelines for waivers .

Fee Exemption : Some programs do not require the application fee payment. See guidelines for fee exemption .

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

Dietrich college of humanities and social sciences, discover the applied linguistics & second language acquisition ph.d. program, the primary goal of this program is to educate and prepare future researchers and leaders in the field of applied linguistics & second language acquisition (alsla)..

Program graduates will have developed a strong interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of the development, use, and maintenance of second languages, along with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct high-quality empirical investigations. They will learn to critically integrate old and new knowledge to produce real-world applications in the areas of language teaching, language learning, language policy, and language maintenance.

Apply for the Ph.D. program

"In this Ph.D. program, I not only learned how to answer, but also ask questions of significance to researchers from a broad range of backgrounds and disciplines. CMU truly prepared me for a life in academia where my knowledge and research skills would be valued, no matter where I ended up." — Daniel Walter (DC 2015)

Apply for the Ph.D. Program

• Admission & Application Information
• Application Portal

Attend a Virtual Info Session

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition at an upcoming info session. Coming soon!

About the Program

Program faculty.

Current Students

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition follows a four-year timeline. 

Learn More About the Ph.D. Requirements

Characteristics of the Program

Commitment to cross-linguistic and cross-cultural factors in second  language learning . Students carry out research in the context of multiple languages. Admission to the program requires advanced proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, or English as a second language.

Interdisciplinary focus linking cognitive sciences, linguistics, social  sciences, cultural studies, and education . Students work with faculty in Modern Languages, English, Philosophy, and Psychology in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences; faculty in the Language Technologies Institute of the School of Computer Science; and faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in the departments of Linguistics and Instruction & Learning, and the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC).

Active apprenticeship within a community of researchers . Beginning in the first year, students engage in hands-on research training and mentoring through collaboration with faculty.

Individualized course of study that builds on the student's prior  knowledge and experience . Students gradually assume greater control and responsibility over their research activities and course work, culminating in the dissertation.

Featured ALSLA News

Alumnus dan walter pursues interdisciplinary research in second language acquisition, alumna tianyu qin supports intercultural growth, modern languages and dietrich college alumna joins faculty, modern languages alumna promotes inclusivity through culturally responsive teaching, collaborations and connections in second language acquisition, duolingo’s alina von davier joins the department of modern languages, contact information, senior departmental administrator.

Vera Lampley Department of Modern Languages Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Director of Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition Ph.D. Program

Seth Wiener Department of Modern Languages Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

View a full list of our  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .

If you cannot find the answer to your question on our website, please contact [email protected] .

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

Imperial and University of São Paulo sign new research and education partnership

Chatham House report sets out recommendations for the next UK foreign secretary

Imperial teaching experts share breakthroughs impacting student experience

English language requirements

Explore our English language requirements for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate study.

Our English language requirements

To study with us, all home, EU and overseas applicants must demonstrate they meet the required English language competency level for their chosen course.

We have two English language attainment levels:

See our course pages to find out whether you will need to meet the standard or higher level for your chosen course.

Find your course

The requirements for meeting the standard or higher level are explained below – see 'Tests we accept' and 'English language qualifications we accept'.

How to meet our English language requirement

There are a number of different ways to demonstrate that you meet the relevant English language proficiency for your course.

You only need to do one of the following:

• Achieve the minimum score in one of the tests or qualifications we accept – see below
• Show that you are exempt from our English language requirements – see English language exemption for details
• Pass the Imperial College London  Pre-Sessional English Programme * 

*Applicable for postgraduate students only

The Business School no longer offers its own pre-sessional courses, or recognises other pre-sessional courses, as a means of meeting the English language requirement. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Business School directly.

The Department of Mathematics and Centre of Environmental Policy do not accept award of a joint degree with exempted countries as a means of meeting the university’s English language requirement.

Upgrade your academic language skills

If you have already met the English language requirement, but want to improve your academic language skills, find out more about the Imperial College London  3-week Pre-sessional and Orientation course. 

Imperial College London Doctoral Academic Communication Requirement

After meeting the relevant English language requirement for entry to a doctoral programme at Imperial, all doctoral students must also fulfil the Imperial College London Doctoral Academic Communication Requirement (DACR).

Find out more about  Imperial College London Doctoral Academic Communication Requirement (DACR) .

Student visa – proving your English language proficiency

 If you need a student visa to study with us, you will need to prove your English language proficiency.

You can prove your knowledge of English by demonstrating to us that you have:

• completed one of our accepted English language tests (see below); and
• achieved the relevant standard for your course.

We will confirm this in your Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies (CAS) – this is an electronic document that generates a reference number you need to be able to apply for your student visa. This number confirms to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that we wish to sponsor your study in the UK.

Accepted English language tests and qualifications

Here are all of the English language tests and qualifications that we accept for entry to undergraduate and postgraduate study.

You only need to meet the relevant standard in one of the following.

Tests we accept

Duolingo english test.

Find out more on the Duolingo website .

IELTS – Academic (Test-Centre/UKVI SELT/Online)

*IELTS single score re-takes are not accepted. Candidates must meet the IELTS requirements on a single test sitting.

Imperial College London considers IELTS scores to be valid for 2 years.

Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial if your application is successful.

Find out more on  the IELTS website .

LanguageCert International ESOL

*Test scores are only considered valid if taken within two years of the intended course start date.

Find out more on the LanguageCert website .

Occupational English Test

Find out more on the Cambridge website .

PTE – Academic (Test-Centre/UKVI SELT)

Imperial College London considers Pearson (PTE) scores to be valid for 2 years.

Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial if your application is successful. 

For more information regarding Pearson, please visit the Pearson website . 

PTE Academic online test results are only accepted (where valid) for entry for those starting courses up to 31 December 2023.

TOEFL (iBT) and (iBT Paper)

*ETS at Home accepted for admission

Imperial College London considers TOEFL scores to be valid for 2 years.

You must meet the entry requirement in one test from your scaled scores ( 'My Best Scores' reported by TOEFL will not be considered ).

For more information relating regarding TOEFL please visit the ETS website . 

You must email your TOEFL scores to the relevant admissions teams .

Score reports sent via post will not be processed.

Trinity College London: Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III

Trinity college london: integrated skills in english (ise) level iv, english language qualifications we accept, as level/a-level.

*For this qualification our standard and higher English requirements are set at the same level. 

Australia Territory High School Certificate (HSC)

Cambridge c1 advanced certificate in english (cae), canadian high school diploma.

*For this qualification our standard and higher English requirements are set at the same level.  Must be studied in Canada and excludes Quebec High School Diploma.

Caribbean Examination Council – Secondary Education Certificate

Cambridge certificate of proficiency in english (cpe), european baccalaureate, gcse or gce 'o' level.

For this qualification our standard and higher English Language requirements are set at the same level for 2025 entry.

2024 entry If you have applied for a course for 2024 entry that requires a higher standard of English then we require a Grade 6 in English Language in GSCE Post 2017 (or Grade B if you sat your GSCEs before 2017).

2025 entry If you are a Home student and you are applying for a course for 2025 entr y, we require a Grade 5 in English Language for all courses except MBBS Medicine , which requires a Grade 6 in English Language GCSE.

Hong Kong AS Level

Hong kong certificate of education examinations syllabus b, hong kong diploma of secondary education, indian 12th standard *cbse & cisce boards only, international baccalaureate.

For qualifications taken after 2013

For qualifications taken before 2013

International Baccalaureate MYP English e-assessed

International option of the french baccalaureat (oib), irish leaving certificate, malaysian certificate of education (sijil pelajaran malaysia), malta matriculation certificate, malta secondary education certificate, national certificate in educational achievement level 2 or level 3, scottish standard (ss) & national 5 (n5), singapore cambridge a-levels, singapore cambridge o-levels, singapore integrated programme - nus high school diploma, singapore integrated programme cambridge a levels (sipcal), ucl – undergraduate preparatory certificate in science and engineering (upcse) – english language module, usa advanced placement examination, usa high school diploma.

*For this qualification our standard and higher English requirements are set at the same level.  Must be studied in a majority English speaking country.

West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

Popular Searches

• PhD Program
• Master's Degrees
• Online & Professional Studies
• Events and Hospitality

• Program and Course Finder
• Master’s Degrees
• Our Curriculum
• Wright Library
• Departments
• Centers & Institutes
• Research Grants and Projects
• Office of the Registrar
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Support & Resources
• Accreditation

• How to Apply
• Cost & Financial Aid
• Visit & Connect with Princeton Seminary
• Admitted Students
• Visiting Scholars

• Chapel & Spiritual Life
• Health & Wellness
• Global Services
• Communities & Groups
• Accessibility & Disability Accommodations
• Community Practices & Policies

• Continuing Education
• Online Offerings

• Mission & Vision
• News & Events
• Office of the President
• Board of Trustees
• Visitor Information
• Giving to Princeton Seminary
• Slavery Report
• Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment

PhD Requirements

Prerequisites.

Please Read Before Proceeding to Application

All applicants for admission to the PhD program at Princeton Theological Seminary must hold the degree of BA, or its equivalent, from an approved college or university, and a master’s degree (MDiv, MTS, MAR, or MA), or its equivalent, from an accredited graduate program. Candidates for admission to the Practical Theology Department PhD program ordinarily should hold the MDiv degree or its equivalent. In other areas, if the master’s degree (MDiv, MTS, MAR, or MA) is absent, a minimum of two years of graduate study in religion is required. Included in the two years will ordinarily be a course in each of Old Testament; New Testament; systematic theology, philosophy or ethics; history of religions; and two courses in the history of Christianity. It is assumed that those who are enrolled in graduate degree programs when they apply for admission will have received their degrees before matriculation. If admitted to the Seminary, official transcripts for degree programs in progress at the time of application must be provided with notation of degree conferral prior to matriculation.

Candidates for programs in Practical Theology (Christian Education, Pastoral Theology, and Homiletics) must submit evidence, as early as possible in the first year of residence, that they have engaged in that form of professional practice under close supervision, or else they must arrange to do so during their period of residence.

*The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required for PhD applicants.

Modern Languages

All candidates must be fluent in English and must demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one other modern language. Additional language requirements vary depending on the applicant’s chosen field of study. It is strongly recommended that students enter the program with a reading knowledge of one modern language. The level of competence required may be roughly indicated as that to be expected from recent satisfactory completion of second-year college study of the language. Biblical Studies students must establish competence in German before matriculation as a condition of registration for a full course load. In those areas requiring additional modern languages, competency in the second modern language ordinarily must be demonstrated before beginning the second year of residence.

Language Courses and Exams

Students who wish to demonstrate modern language competency through a translation test should contact the Office of Academic Affairs, PhD Studies, for further information about testing options. The Seminary will also accept successful completion of a graduate level language proficiency course in fulfillment of the modern language requirement. These programs include the Princeton University and the City University of New York Graduate School summer language intensives for graduate students. Language proficiency certifications from graduate language programs should be submitted to PhD Studies for review.

Delayed Fulfillment of Requirements

Students who do not fulfill modern language requirements according to their departmental schedule will be classified as “qualifying candidates.” Qualifying candidates may take only one doctoral seminar or course (permission of instructor required) and must engage in further language study.

Qualifying candidates must contact the Office of Academic Affairs, PhD Studies, for information about retesting options. If the test is not passed, language study will continue during the second semester, again with only one seminar or course permitted. After the required modern language test is passed, the term “qualifying candidate” will no longer apply. A student who does not fulfill the modern language requirements by the beginning of the second year must consult with the student’s residence committee and the director of PhD Studies to determine appropriate language preparation and coursework for the second year of study.

Qualifying candidates will be considered full-time students, although they will be taking only one course or seminar. During the third year (first semester if possible), those who were qualifying candidates will make up any seminar(s) missed.

Those who have been qualifying candidates and who must take seminars or courses during the fall semester of their third year will follow the usual sequence: they will take the comprehensive examinations and write the dissertation proposal by the end of the third year. If any required seminar is not offered until the second semester of the third year, the student must petition the PhD Studies Committee for an exception to this deadline.

In no case will financial aid be extended beyond the original admission offer to compensate for time lost due to failure to meet the language requirement.

Language Substitutions

Petitions for modern language substitutions, where permitted, should be submitted (ordinarily after matriculation) by the residence committee chair to the student’s department. Substitutions may be permitted if the requested language can be shown to be more relevant to the student’s field of research, course of study, and career intentions than the language that would otherwise be required.

Modern Language Requirements

Biblical studies (old testament and new testament).

Knowledge of German must be demonstrated before matriculation. A second research language will be chosen in consultation with the student’s residence committee. In the past, choices have included, for example, Modern Hebrew, French, and Spanish.

History and Ecumenics

Language requirements vary by track, as follows:

• Early Christian Studies : Students must demonstrate proficiency in four languages–two ancient and two modern–by the end of their 2nd year in the doctoral program. Students must demonstrate proficiency in at least two of these languages prior to matriculation. Ancient languages: Greek and one of the following: Latin, Coptic, or Arabic Modern languages: French and German
• Medieval Christianity : Students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin, French, and German by the end of their 2nd year in the doctoral program (when appropriate, an alternative modern language, e.g. Spanish, may be approved). Students must demonstrate proficiency in two of the languages (including Latin and either French, German, or an alternative modern research language) prior to matriculation.
• Reformation and the World : Students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin, French, and German by the end of their 2nd year in the doctoral program. Students must demonstrate proficiency in two of these three languages prior to matriculation.
• Religion in the Americas : Students must demonstrate proficiency in one modern research language by the end of their 2nd year in the program. Ordinarily this language will be Spanish or Portuguese, though, when there is a clear and compelling rationale, students may petition their residency committee to count a different language toward this requirement. This petition must be approved by the end of the 1st year.
• World Christianity and the History of Religions : Students must demonstrate proficiency in one modern research language by the end of their 2nd year in the program. This language, which will ordinarily be relevant to the dissertation, will be determined in consultation with the residence committee.

Practical Theology (all fields)

German and French ordinarily required. A student may petition to substitute another modern language or a course in statistics for one of these (but not for both).

Religion and Society

Doctoral students will be required to demonstrate competency in two research languages to be determined in consultation with the chair of the residency committee. As a general rule the student will demonstrate competency in one of these languages before matriculation.

Theology (all fields)

German (required) and ordinarily French. A student may petition to substitute another modern language for French.

Ancient Languages

Several fields require their PhD students to demonstrate command of ancient languages, as set forth below.

* In special areas of Old Testament other languages may be required as indicated by the subject matter of the field.

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Language requirements

Most Master’s degree programmes at ETH Zurich are taught in English; some require knowledge of both English and German; and some are taught in German.

The language skills required for each Master’s degree programme are listed in the section on application documents.  A recognised language certificate (see list below) must be submitted by the application deadline at the latest.

Applications with an invalid, insufficient, or missing language certificate will not be evaluated by the department and will be rejected on formal grounds.

Recognised language certificates

The following lists contain all recognised certificates required for admission to Master’s degree studies.  Other certificates cannot be recognised.

Note: The English language certificates TOEFL, IELTS and C1 Advanced (CAE) must be no more than two years old. The C2 Proficiency (CPE) and C1 Advanced certificate with Grade A (200-210) must be no more than five years old.

Note: The language certificates Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF, ÖSD Zertifikat C1, DSH-3, Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusminister­konferenz and telc Deutsch C1 must be no more than two years old. The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 must be no more than than five years old.

Please note that this lists are conclusive. No other certificates or circumstances can be considered. If none of the below listed criteria applies to you, you will have to provide one of the recognized language certificates with your application.

The following candidates are not required to provide proof of English language proficiency:

• Holders of the Swiss Matura
• Holders of a Bachelor’s degree from ETH Zurich
• Holders of a Bachelor’s degree from EPF Lausanne
• Applicants who completed a Bachelor’s degree programme exclusively taught in English. The language of instruction must be officially confirmed by the university . No confirmations are required for Bachelor's degrees from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.  

Requirements for the confirmation on the language of instruction

Academic documents (transcript of records, enrolment confirmation, Diploma Supplement) can also be accepted as confirmations on the language of instruction if they explicitly specify English as only teaching language of the entire Bachelor's degree programme. However, if your academic documents do not mention the programme’s language of instruction, you need to submit a separate official confirmation on the language of instruction of your programme issued by your university.

The confirmation must:

• confirm that the language of instruction of your entire Bachelor's degree programme is/was only English
• be issued by the central administration of your university e.g. Registrar’s Office (confirmations issued by teachers or professors are not accepted)
• bear official stamp and signature or contain a certified electronic signature of the issuing office

Confirmations on the language of instruction which do not fulfill the exemption reasons will lead to a direct rejection of the application, since it is not possible to submit a language certificate after the application deadline.

Therefore, if you have doubts on whether you still need a language certificate, for example in case English was not the only language of instruction during your studies, we strongly recommend to take a language test and to submit a valid language certificate with your application.

• Candidates who completed a Bachelor’s degree programme exclusively taught in German. The language of instruction must be officially confirmed by the university .
• Applicants who meet one of the requirements mentioned below:
• German Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife, provided the school is located in Germany or in the German-​speaking part of Switzerland. School and matriculation certificates which document German language skills (even Level C 2) and supplementary examinations in German to obtain the German Abitur are not accepted in place of a language certificate.
• Austrian Reifeprüfungszeugnis, provided the school is located in Austria or in Liechtenstein. School and matriculation certificates which document German language skills (even Level C 2) and supplementary examinations in German to obtain the Austrian Reifeprüfungszeugnis are not accepted in place of a language certificate.
• Luxembourgian Certificat de fin d'études secondaires.
• Diplom über die bestandene staatliche Abschlussprüfung an der Oberschule at a school located in South Tyrol and where German is the main medium of instruction.
• Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts of the 'Deutsche Gemeinschaft' in Belgium.

Academic documents (transcript of records, enrolment confirmation, Diploma Supplement) can also be accepted as confirmations on the language of instruction if they explicitly specify German as only teaching language of the entire programme. However, if your academic documents do not mention the programme’s language of instruction, you need to submit a separate official confirmation on the language of instruction of your programme issued by your university.

• confirm that the language of instruction of your entire Bachelor's degree programme is/was only German

Therefore, if you have doubts on whether you still need a language certificate, for example because German was not the only language of instruction during your studies, we strongly recommend to take a language test and to submit a valid language certificate with your application.

TOEFL Score reporting

We use the ETS Online Score Verification System. Y ou need to order a report and designate ETH Zurich as the receiving institution ( our institution code is 9038 ). The results will be automatically added to your application(s).

IELTS Score reporting

We use the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Verification Service. In the online application form you will have to indicate the test date and TRF number.

Important documents

• external page call_made Admissions Regulations of ETH Zurich (in German, French and Italian)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Directive Admission Master  (PDF, 191 KB)
• chevron_right Programme Regulations (in German)

Future Students

Admission requirements.

Students will need to apply and be admitted by the Graduate School before enrolling in the Data Science for Materials Engineering certificate program.

All students must therefore meet the minimum admission requirements for graduate students outlined by the Graduate School in Policy 3.1 Graduate Admissions . Students must also demonstrate proficiency in basic programming concepts and mastery of at least one programming language.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering will conduct a holistic review of all applicants to this graduate certificate program. Students will be able to apply for this program in the quarter preceding the start of required courses. Applicants will be asked to submit the following:

• All professional, volunteer, community service, and military experience
• Any post-secondary education, including any degrees, certificate programs, other coursework, and professional development (even if not specific to materials or mechanical engineering)
• Why does this certificate program fit your educational, career, and/or personal goals, and what unique perspective you can contribute to the cohort experience?
• For each degree, certificate, or other credit-bearing coursework legibly showing credits and grades (just electronic uploads or scans are needed, the Graduate School will request official transcripts if admission is offered.)

Priority application deadline: August 1, 2024

Our next program starts on September 25, 2024.

Application opens June 2024 Apply today -->

• Plan Your Studies
• Study Programs
• Universities
• Requirements
• Living in Germany
• Accommodation
• Statistics & News

Applying For a Master’s Degree in Germany

Master’s programs in Germany offer a diverse range of options, with many taught in English. They are known for their affordability, top-notch curricula, hands-on learning, and excellent career prospects. So, it’s no wonder that master’s degrees are the go-to choice for international students in Germany. During the 2021/2022 period, 42.6% of them (148,901 students) were enrolled in master’s programs.

But don’t let the application process hold you back – we’re here to guide you through the steps and set you on the path to success in Deutschland!

Here are the main steps to apply for a master’s degree in Germany:

Research and Choose a Master’s Program

Check admission requirements.

• Gather Documents and Meet All Requirements

Secure Funding

Submit your application, wait for the admission letter, get health insurance, apply for the german student visa.

When it comes to pursuing a master’s degree in Germany, the initial step is all about research and making an informed choice. Start by assessing your career goals and pinpoint the field of study that aligns with your aspirations. Look into the curriculum to ensure it covers the subjects that pique your interest.

Language matters too — many programs are available in English, but if you’re proficient in German, it opens up more options. When it comes to costs, most programs are quite affordable or even tuition-free, but be sure to check tuition fees just in case.

To aid your search, German study program databases and university websites offer detailed program information and application guidelines. Take your time to explore and find the program that’s the perfect fit for your educational journey.

Study at Berlin School of Business and Innovation

Creating Tomorrow's Industry Leaders

> Check out our list of over 9,000 master’s study programs in Germany.

Once you’ve picked a couple of programs that pique your interest and align with your study goals, it’s time to check if you meet their admission requirements or can meet them by the application deadline.

While each program may have its unique requirements, let’s explore some of the most common admission criteria for master’s programs in Germany:

• Bachelor’s degree. You have graduated or will graduate from a program equivalent to a German bachelor’s degree, often in a related field to the master’s program you’re applying for.
• Transcripts and diplomas . Submit transcripts and copies of your academic diplomas from previous educational institutions.
• Subject-specific knowledge . Some programs may require you to have gained specific subject knowledge or credits during your prior education. Business schools and MBA programs may require a particular score from recognized tests, like GMAT or GRE.
• Language proficiency. Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, which is typically English or German. Proof of language proficiency is often required through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume . Provide a comprehensive CV or resume detailing your academic and professional background.
• Statement of purpose & letters of recommendation. Some universities may request a Statement of Purpose (SOP), which details your motivations and goals, along with one to two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals.

> Visit our full guide of admission requirements for master’s programs in Germany for more details.

Gather Documents and Ensure You Meet All Requirements

After reviewing admission requirements and selecting your program(s), it’s time to start gathering what you need for your application, including transcripts, motivation letter, etc.

This is also an ideal time to confirm that you meet your university’s language proficiency requirements. Depending on your program’s language (English or German), you may take a standardized language test or provide alternative proof. Consider language courses if improvement is needed.

According to the German government’s regulations, international students planning to study in Germany must demonstrate financial resources of at least €11,208 per year (equivalent to €934 per month) to qualify for a student visa and pursue a master’s degree in the country.

This financial requirement may seem daunting for many students, so it’s crucial to address this well in advance of the official application period at your preferred German university. You can meet this requirement in various ways:

• Having €11,208 deposited in a German blocked account .
• Your parents can provide documentation of their income and financial resources.
• Someone with permanent residence in Germany can guarantee to the Alien Registration Office that they will financially support you.
• Present a scholarship awarding certificate specifying the financial amount or coverage granted to you.

Important Tip: To Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your German Student Visa You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

A blocked account is a special type of bank account , to prove you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year.

As of 2022, as a foreigner in Germany you need a minimum of €934 euros per month for living expenses. So, you are required to have a total of €11,208 in your bank account before you apply for a German internship visa.

Click here to learn more about the German Blocked Account

Planning ahead is important before your preferred German university’s application deadline, as this amount may be substantial for most students. Usually, four to six months prior should provide enough time to save money and explore scholarship and loan options.

Now is the exciting time to send in your application! Most universities have their own application portals where you’ll need to create an account, or they might use uni-assist for handling applications.

Make sure to read and follow all the instructions on the master’s program website, and be sure to submit all the required documents. It’s crucial to respect the application deadlines; your application won’t be processed if you miss the deadline.

Once your application is submitted, the next step is simply waiting for the university’s decision. While you wait, you might want to brush up on your language skills or start looking into the specific visa and travel requirements for Germany. It’s also a good time to explore accommodation options.

The university will notify you via email about the status of your application, and if you’re accepted, they’ll include the next steps you should follow.

Health insurance is a must for all international students in Germany. You can kickstart this process after receiving your admission letter or once you arrive in Germany.

If your home country has an agreement with Germany, you can often use your current health insurance, typically with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In some cases, private health insurance from other countries may also be accepted.

Alternatively, you can choose to obtain insurance through a provider in Germany, with student packages usually priced around €120 per month, depending on your age and the provider.

Most international students in Germany prefer to get health insured with DR-WALTER .

EDUCARE24 by DR-WALTER is suitable for the following groups of people:

• Foreign exchange students, language students and students participating in university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
• University students
• Participants in exchange programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
• Accompanying family members

Still have questions about health insurance?  Learn more about health insurance in Germany from experts.

Get DR-WALTER insurance online within a few minutes

With a few exceptions, the majority of international students planning to study in Germany require a student visa. Our German student visa guide covers everything you need to know about this process, from requirements to the application process, fees, and more.

To kickstart the process, set up a visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, ideally about three months before your planned start of studies.

During the interview, provide all the required documents like proof of admission, language proficiency, financial means, and health insurance. Be ready for potential requests for more documents during the interview, and make sure your passport stays valid for your entire stay.

Arrive in Germany and Attend Orientation

Once your German student visa is sorted, it’s time to get on that plane and arrive in Germany. After settling in, make use of the pre-semester orientation sessions at German universities. Some things addressed through the orientation or to over on your own include:

• You’ll complete the enrollment process , which involves registering for your courses, receiving your class schedule, and learning about academic requirements.
• Getting your student ID . You’ll be issued a student identification card, often referred to as a “Studierendenausweis” in German.
• Residence registration. Once you’re in Germany, you will have to register your residence. This is a mandatory process that involves obtaining a “Meldebescheinigung” from the Resident’s Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
• Opening a local bank account. Orientation often provides guidance on opening a bank account in Germany.
• Campus tour. You’ll explore the campus to discover its facilities, libraries, and labs.
• Language courses. Some universities offer language courses or resources to help international students improve their German language skills if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Additional Information

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions and additional information to support you on your path to pursuing a master’s degree in Germany:

Which Universities Offer Master’s Degree Programs in Germany?

The higher education system in Germany includes public universities, funded and regulated by the state, and private universities established by independent entities.

While private universities may have higher fees, they are valuable for specialized courses not available at public institutions. Public universities in Germany have their own degree programs, assessments, and entry requirements, with state oversight to ensure the quality and accreditation of courses.

Germany has four main types of higher education institutions that offer master’s degree programs:

• Research Universities. These publicly administered institutions offer Master’s and PhD programs, focusing on various academic disciplines.
• Technical Universities. A subgroup of research universities, they specialize in science, technology, and engineering fields.
• Universities of Applied Sciences. These institutions concentrate on engineering, business, and social sciences, often partnering with professional organizations.
• Colleges of Art, Film, and Music. These institutions provide instruction in creative fields and can be part of research universities or universities of applied sciences.

What Are the Types of Master’s Degrees in Germany?

In Germany, you can pursue various types of Master’s degrees. Some of the most common include:

• Master of Arts (MA). Awarded in humanities, social sciences, and arts-related fields.
• Master of Science (MSc) . Awarded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA). Focuses on management and business administration topics.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.). For degrees for high school teacher positions.

What Are Consecutive and Non-consecutive Master’s Degrees?

Consecutive master’s Degrees in Germany follow a logical progression from a related bachelor’s degree and build upon the same academic field. They provide in-depth knowledge and specialization within the same subject area.

Non-consecutive master’s Degrees, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Students with diverse academic backgrounds can go for non-consecutive master’s programs, which often focus on broader skills and interdisciplinary knowledge. These programs may include extra coursework to bridge any knowledge gaps.

How Long Is a Master’s Degree in Germany?

A master’s degree in Germany typically lasts for one to two years, depending on the specific program and the number of semesters required. Each academic year consists of two semesters, and the program may also include a final project or dissertation conducted in collaboration with a mentor.

How Many ECTS Credits Is a German Master’s Degree Worth?

Master’s programs in Germany typically consist of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. However, the exact number of credits may vary depending on the university and the specific program.

What is Numerus Clausus?

Numerus Clausus (NC) in German master’s programs is a restricted admission system where limited spots are available, and selection is based on factors like academic performance and qualifications. It controls program capacity to prevent overcrowding. Applicants compete for admission based on their qualifications, and requirements vary by program.

When Are Application Deadlines for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

There are two semesters in German universities; the winter semester and the summer semester. Application deadlines for master’s programs vary depending on the university, however, the most common dates are:

• For courses starting on the winter semester: July 15th
• For courses starting on the summer semester: January 15th

Can I Apply for a Master’s in Germany Before I Get My Undergraduate Degree?

Yes, it’s common for students to apply during the final year of their bachelor’s degree. However, you must provide proof of your current academic progress and an expected graduation date as part of your application.

What Are the Language Requirements for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

If your courses are in German, you’ll need to prove your proficiency through tests like TestDaf or DSH. A lower level of proficiency may be accepted if you continue taking language courses upon arriving in Germany or during the early stages of your Master’s program. However, language requirements for master’s programs in Germany can vary depending on the university and program

If you choose English-taught programs, no German language tests are required. Non-native English speakers may need to take English language tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. If you’ve completed your undergraduate studies in English, you typically won’t need English language tests.

To discover programs in your preferred language, explore our tool and select the program language from the options on the left.

How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost in Germany?

In most public universities in Germany, semester fees for master’s programs typically range from €100 to €350 per semester, with some exceptions. Some specialized graduate programs may have tuition fees, and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria may charge tuition fees for non-EU international students.

Private universities set their own tuition fees, and the cost of master’s degrees can vary significantly, especially for programs like MBAs. At private universities in Germany, tuition fees can range from approximately €5,000 to €20,000 per year or more, depending on the institution and program.

To find out more about the costs of studying in Germany, visit our extensive guide .

Can I Work While Studying for a Master’s Degree in Germany?

Yes, students of all nationalities can work while studying for a master’s degree in Germany.

• EU, EEA, Swiss, and Norwegian students can work up to 20 hours per week. They can exceed this number, however they will have to pay social security contributions.
• Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, but they face restrictions on self-employment and freelancing.
• Academic assistants have no limitations on workdays but are required to inform the foreigners’ office.

> Read more about working while studying in Germany .

What Is the Master’s Thesis Process Like in Germany?

In your final year of a master’s program in Germany, you’ll work on your thesis project, guided by a professor. The goal is to showcase your ability to tackle a subject-related issue independently using research methods.

You can usually write your thesis in German or English and may even complete it externally, like at a company or another research institute. Universities often set page limits, usually between 50 to 100 pages, and impose deadlines, typically around six months from the project start.

The thesis defense involves submitting your work and presenting your research methods and findings.

Study Visa Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Germany

Make sure you collect on time all the documents you typically need in order to apply for a German Student Visa .

For detailed information about Germany Visa requirements, go to  www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/

What Are the Career Prospects With a German Master’s Degree?

With a German master’s degree, you’ll have excellent career prospects, especially in STEM fields . EU/EEA graduates can work immediately after graduation, while non-EU/EEA graduates can extend their residence permits for up to 18 months to find field-related jobs.

You can also pursue academic careers, and highly skilled non-EU graduates can apply for an EU Blue Card to work and stay in Germany. Plus, your German degree is globally recognized, offering international career opportunities in multinational companies and organizations.

Join 262,114 students interested in studying in Germany

Download The Guide

Quick Links

8 Steps to Study in Germany How To Apply To Study in Germany German Education System Requirements Universities in Germany International Programmes Financing Your Studies German Student Visa German Health Insurance Germany Blocked Account Learn German Guide German Cities Cost of Living

Latest News and Statistics

Germany scholarships up by 3% in 2023 – 31,400 students benefited, germany to double annual work visa quota for western balkans from june 1, indians overcome chinese as top source of international students in germany, over 3,800 university students in germany were under 18 in 2022, higher education in germany: key trends & statistics.

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Harleen had to sit tests 'on repeat' to study in Australia. It's about to get harder

Under the federal government's migration review unveiled this week, minimum english language requirements for students and graduate visas will be increased from next year..

Harleen Kaur Ahuja has completed several English language proficiency tests after coming to Australia from India's Punjab state in 2019. Source: Supplied / Harleen Kaur Ahuja

Australia's new migration strategy

What are the IELTS or PTE tests?

'Hundreds, if not thousands ' take English tests over 30 times to qualify for permanent residency: expert

Why were changes introduced?

Fewer visa types, wage increases: How our migration system is set to change

International education sector's response to the migration strategy

International students earn significantly less than other graduates. Here's by how much

These uni students are working 'extreme hours' to make ends meet, but a crackdown is looming

'That 0.5 can make someone's life'

Retaking the IELTS can be ‘scary’ for non-native English speakers. Could this new rule help?

Share this with family and friends

Recommended for you

Bodies found in Mexico near where brothers went missing - here's what we know

Missing persons

'India has crossed the line': Why its 'nest of spies' was exposed in Australia

Intelligence agencies

'Outraged': Ukraine cuts off essential services for military-aged men in Australia

Russia Ukraine war

Why a popular COVID-19 vaccine has been withdrawn worldwide

Immunisation

Bodies of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson identified by family members

We've all walked past someone like Brendon but never looked twice. This is his story

Cost of Living

The Australians with a $140,000 superannuation problem

Superannuation

The 'dangerous potential' for one factor to create more unrest in Australian communities

Multiculturalism

Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from australia and around the world direct to your inbox..

Morning (Mon–Fri)

Afternoon (Mon–Fri)

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

SBS World News

•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Oklahoma bill aims to remove world language requirement for students to graduate.

The Oklahoma House passed a bill that would alter the graduation requirements for high school students by eliminating the need for world language classes

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET OUR POLITICS NEWSLETTER

Stay up to speed on all the latest local and national political news.

The Oklahoma House passed a bill that would alter the graduation requirements for high school students by eliminating the need for world language classes.

Students would no longer need to complete world language classes like Spanish or tribal languages to graduate, sparking some concerns.

Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.

"Having the ability to communicate with others beyond English, I think, is very important for somebody to be competitive in the 21st century," said state Rep. Andy Fugate.

The authors of the bill, which is designed to emphasize more on math, assure that language classes will not be completely eliminated.

"If a student is going a college route, those are checkmarks they're still going to need to go into college. Those programs are still going to be needed," state Rep. Rhonda Baker said.

Baker further emphasized that while it won't be a requirement in high school, the bill still encourages those who need it to take it.

"I do put some of the importance of the value on the teacher in how well that teacher is creating a program of interest for the kids," Baker said.

Fugate, however, questioned whether this change would open the door for smaller districts that may not be able to afford to keep language classes if they're only an elective.

"Where will they cut? Electives. If world languages are an elective, and they're having trouble finding teaching resources, then that'll be one of first things to go," Fugate said.

>> Download the KOCO 5 app

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. voiced concerns that this could be detrimental for tribal languages, like Cherokee, which qualify as a world language.

"We're trying to reverse generations of erosion of our language," Hoskin said. "I'd rather there not be an elimination of the world language requirement because we know many schools choose to teach Native languages."

The bill, having already passed the Senate, is now headed for the governor's desk.

Top Headlines

• Authorities search for three inmates in Anadarko after escaping from Caddo County Jail
• Thousands of Oklahomans at risk of losing affordable internet due to program's upcoming end
• Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper involved in crash near Stillwater
• Flying during Memorial Day weekend? Here are some gadgets that can help make it a smooth ride
• Cyberattack forces major US health care network to divert ambulances from hospitals