Admissions

Applications for online submissions for 2009-2010 will be available on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website in the summer. Applications are due December 15, 2008.

The emphasis of the Graduate Program in French is on doctoral study, of which the M.A. degree is viewed as the initial phase. Applications are accepted only for full-time work in the Ph.D. program beginning in the fall semester. Applications for a terminal M.A. degree or part-time study are not generally considered. Students interested in part-time study may enroll in a non-degree program offered by the University of Pennsylvania's College of General Studies.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program should have fluency in French as well as an excellent undergraduate record, competitive GRE scores, strong letters of recommendation, and demonstrated skill in academic writing.

We encourage you to submit an online application, which you can create by clicking here.

Alternatively, you may download the application forms by clicking here.

Following are the required components of the application, which must be received by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 3401 Walnut St., Suite 322A, Phila., PA 19104-6228, no later than December 15, 2007. Please send the writing sample directly to the Department at the address below.

• Two copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts

• Three letters of recommendation

• A personal statement

• A writing sample in French (10-15 pages in length) - sent directly to the Department

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (N.B.: this applies to all international students who are not native speakers of English, unless they have received a post-secondary degree at an American college or university)

In preparing your application, please arrange to take the GRE test by a date that will guarantee that your scores will be forwarded to the University of Pennsylvania by the December 15 deadline.  For testing dates and locations, refer to the Graduate Record Examination website: http://www.gre.org. The Institution Code for the University of Pennsylvania is 2926 for both the GRE and the TOEFL. The Department/ Major Field Code for French is 2603.

In preparing your application, please arrange to take the TOEFL test ( if applicable) by a date that will guarantee that your scores will be forwarded to the University of Pennsylvania by the December 15 deadline.  For testing dates and locations, refer to TOEFL. The Institution Code for the University of Pennsylvania is 2926. You do not have to include the Department/ Major Field Code.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.  The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled veteran in the administration of education policies, programs or activities, admissions policies, scholarship and loan awards, athletic or other University administered programs or employment.  Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action, 1133 Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021 or (215)898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).

For Further Information

Lisbeth Dennis
Graduate Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania
521 Williams Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305
Telephone: (215) 898-1980
Fax: (215) 898-0933

Click here for the University of Pennsylvania's online Graduate Catalog.