Applying for PhD Programs

 

Minimum Requirements for Admission

1. Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science or equivalent from an accredited institution
2. A distinguished undergraduate record.
3. For Women’s Studies and History applicants, evidence that the applicant can satisfy the foreign language requirement in the first two years of the doctoral program. Knowledge of one language other than English is required of students in United States history; for all other students, the requirement is two languages in addition to English.
4. For Women’s Studies and English applicants, evidence that the applicant can satisfy the foreign language requirement in the first two years of the doctoral program. The requirement is one language other than English at an advanced level, or two languages other than English at a basic level. Both must be satisfied by coursework or departmental examination. Basic reading ability is equivalent to successfully completing two years of college-level instruction; an advanced level includes literary competence and is equivalent to three years of college-level instruction.
5. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency.

Women’s Studies reviewers look for the following when making their decisions: some Women’s Studies background and experience in interdisciplinary studies; outstanding grades and GRE scores; strong letters of recommendation; and a fit with the program in terms of a possible mentor(s). For the other unit’s admission requirements and information, please review the appropriate webpage(s) (below):

• English
• History
• Psychology
• Sociology

Applications are submitted to the Women’s Studies Department, but successful applicants are approved by both Women’s Studies and the other unit. In the past, we have typically admitted 2–3 students per year in each of the joint Ph.D. programs.

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Application Procedures

Applications to the Women’s Studies PhD Programs are accepted for Fall term admission only. Applicants will be notified of the department's admission decision no later than APRIL 15. All applications and supporting credentials become the property of the University of Michigan.

Women’s Studies Joint PhD Graduate Application Checklist

Step 1: Complete the Rackham Graduate School online application. Please be sure to select the appropriate program code:

• Women’s Studies & English Joint PhD: 00193
• Women’s Studies & History Joint PhD: 01571
• Women’s Studies & Psychology Joint PhD: 00412
• Women’s Studies & Sociology Joint PhD: 01768

Step 2: Send the following list of materials (in one envelope if possible) to:

University of Michigan
Women’s Studies Graduate Admissions
204 S. State St.
1122 Lane Hall
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1290

Please note: You are strongly encouraged to submit your writing sample, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and c.v./resume through the Rackham online application. You do not need to send those materails to the department if you have already submitted them electronically.

1. One copy of transcripts from all institutions attended. These can be submitted electronically; paper copies are not needed if you upload these with your application. Note that an official copy of each transcript must be sent to Rackham (see Step 3 below).
2. One copy of appropriate test scores if they have not been electronically submitted on your behalf by the appropriate testing agency. Applicants should schedule the test date so that official scores are received by the application deadline. The Admissions Committee will be unable to consider your application until we receive the appropriate test scores.
   
   For U.S. students, or international students who have studied in the United States and/or who have received a degree from a university at which English is the primary institutional language, we require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
   • The scores should be no older than 5 years.
   • For GRE electronic score submission, use the University of Michigan’s institution code, 1839. Use of this code will allow all departments at the University to which you are applying to access your scores.
   • None of our joint programs requires an advanced GRE subject test.
   For international students who have not studied in the United States and/or received a degree from a university at which English is the primary institutional language , we require either
   • the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
   • the International English Language Testing System (IELTS),
   • the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB),
   • the Examination for the Michigan Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).

More information on these tests can be obtained here.

3. Three letters of recommendation. Please follow the instructions on the recommendation forms. Note: Recommenders can submit their letters online or send them via U.S. mail. See this Rackham web page for more info. Paper copies of recommendations should not be sent if recommendations are submitted electronically.
4. Statement of Purpose. This can be submitted electronically; a paper copy is not needed if you upload this with your application.
5. Personal Statement. This can be submitted electronically; a paper copy is not needed if you upload this with your application.
6. C.V./Resume. This can be submitted electronically; a paper copy is not needed if you upload this with your application.
7. Writing Sample. The writing sample should demonstrate the applicant’s research interests and academic capabilities. A term paper (ideally, but not necessarily) or an excerpt from a thesis is acceptable; the average submission is 10–20 pages. All writing samples should be no more than 25 pages. Note: this can be submitted electronically; a paper copy is not needed if you upload this with your application.

Step 3: Send the following to:

University of Michigan Graduate Admissions
Rackham Graduate School
915 East Washington
Ann Arbor, MI 48109–1070

1. One copy of official transcripts from all institutions attended. For more information, visit the Rackham website.

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