Program Overview
The Department of French offers exciting opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research in Literature and French Linguistics, to train as an educator, and to work alongside some of the best specialists in French Studies in the country. Several internationally prominent research groups are active in our department – in Contemporary French literature, Book History, Ancien Régime culture, Word and Image studies, Bilingualism and Multilingualism, and Acquisition of a first or second language.
The Master of Arts (MA) program provides advanced academic development in either literature or linguistics, as well as outstanding training in research and communication skills in French, preparing students for doctoral studies and careers in such fields as teaching, government administration, and communications.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students receive rigorous research training in either literature or linguistics, culminating in original research for their doctoral thesis. While primarily training students for academic careers at the university or community college levels, the PhD in French can also lead to employment opportunities in editorial work and professions outside academia.
The MA and PhD programs can also be combined with the collaborative specializations in Book History and Print Culture; Education, Francophonies and Diversity (MA only); Sexual Diversity Studies; and Women and Gender Studies.
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | MA, PhD: Fall 2026 Entry 15-Jan-2026 | MA, PhD: Fall 2026 Entry 15-Jan-2026 |
| Minimum admission average | MA: B+ in final year of bachelor’s PhD:A- average in Master’s | MA: B+ in final year of bachelor’s PhD:A- average in Master’s |
| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes (minimum A-minus average in bachelor’s degree) | PhD: Yes (minimum A-minus average in bachelor’s degree) |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MA, PhD: After | MA, PhD: After |
| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MA, PhD: No | MA, PhD: No |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MA, PhD: Applicant | MA, PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MA, PhD: N/A | MA, PhD: N/A |