Admissions

Applicants to the Ph.D. program in African American Studies are expected to submit the following by December 31st:

To The Graduate School:

• A graduate application (Click here for the online application form
• Statement of purpose : Applicants will supply personal statements in which they describe their intellectual interests and the factors that have shaped them. Statements may also include information on significant barriers that they have overcome from which they have learned relevant lessons. Applicants should demonstrate why a degree in African American Studies is relevant for their professional aspirations. We will use the essay to assess each applicant's fit for our graduate program given the research and teaching areas of the faculty.
• At least two letters of recommendation:
  Reference letters should speak to students' writing, research, analytical, and teaching skills where applicable, and all letters should comment on students' intellectual creativity and enthusiasm. Students who are returning to academia after significant work experience must still include one academic letter of reference while the other may be from a professional supervisor, colleague, or community leader.
• Writing sample:
  Candidates will need to demonstrate a critical facility in their writing and in the analysis of intellectual problems. The writing sample of 15-25 pages can be in any area of study, but should address issues relevant to the Black community, nationally or internationally defined.
• Exams : TOEFL scores will be required of non-native English speakers. GRE scores are NOT required.
• The application fee

To the Department of African American Studies (via mail) at the following address:

Northwestern University
Department of African American Studies
1880 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208-2210
Attn: Graduate Admissions

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (where applicable)

Undergraduate Degree and Coursework: A suitable background for an interdisciplinary advanced degree in African American Studies will be a significant factor. This is most clearly signaled by an undergraduate degree in African and/or African American Studies, but may also be satisfied by relevant coursework in African American Studies, African Studies, Ethnic Studies (with a concentration on Blacks in the US and/or the diaspora), or Area Studies (e.g., Caribbean Studies, Latin American Studies). We will definitely consider applicants with majors in the traditional disciplines that illustrate significant interest in African American Studies through their additional coursework and/or baccalaureate work/research.

Additional Considerations: While we do not yet offer a terminal MA degree, students entering our program with a Masters may be exempt from certain course requirements to be decided in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. Generally, only Masters in African American or African Diasporic Studies will be considered as satisfying requirements toward the degree. Students with Masters in other fields must illustrate a concentration through significant coursework and writing in African American Studies.

Click here for the online application form.

DEADLINES
Applications for the Ph.D. program must be received by December 31st.

FINANCIAL AID
Students admitted to the PhD program typically receive five years of funding, including a fellowship in the first year and fellowships or departmental assistantships in subsequent years. Students will also receive summer support for three years. Fellowships and assistantships cover the full cost of tuition and provide a stipend. Ongoing funding is contingent upon the student's satisfactory progress towards the degree.

Some PhD students may be eligible for funding through the Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunity Program (ICEOP), a state-funded, need-based program awarding fellowships that provide a stipend, with tuition scholarships provided by the Graduate School. To be eligible, minority students must be Illinois residents and intend to seek faculty positions in Illinois upon degree completion.

Questions
Please see the department's Admission FAQ page.

General Information
General information on graduate study at Northwestern University is available at The Graduate School website .