School of Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should I apply to the MA, the MA/PhD, or the PhD program?

Apply for the MA if this one-year, intensive program is what you seek, and if you do not currently intend to continue toward the Ph.D.

If you currently hold a Bachelor's degree and do intend to continue toward the PhD, then you should apply for the MA/PhD. Please note: because the on-line application offers no "MA/PhD" designation, you should select "PhD" and then indicate in your statement of purpose that you are applying for the MA/PhD.

If you have a Master's degree in Performance Studies or a related field (Anthropology, Cultural Studies, English, Theatre, Speech Communication, and others), then apply for the PhD.

 

Where do I send my supplementary materials?

All materials except for transcripts and the writing sample can be submitted electronically; however, you may also submit materials in hard-copy. These should be sent to:

Department of Performance Studies
Northwestern University
1920 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208

 

Do you require any GRE test other than the general test?

No.

 

Can my GRE scores arrive after the Dec. 31 application deadline?

The application will be reviewed without the GRE scores, but an admission decision cannot be made until the scores are received, and preliminary decisions are made by the end of January.

 

Is there a separate application for funding?

No. Applicants for the MA/PhD and PhD programs are automatically considered for funding. It is currently departmental practice to accept only those students into these programs whom we can fund fully with multi-year packages of fellowships and assistantships. There is no funding for the MA program.

 

What kind of writing sample should I send?

We are looking for a sample of scholarly writing, on any subject, of sufficient length to demonstrate your ability to develop an idea thoroughly (typically 5-20 pages).

 

Whom should I contact with additional questions?