MA/PhD in Performance Studies
The PhD in Performance Studies consists of 22 course units. Required courses include PERF_ST 410 Studies in Performance and PERF_ST 518 Problems in Research, PERF-ST 509 Performance and Pedagogy, a dissertation workshop, and least 6 additional courses at the 400 or 500 levels in the Performance Studies Department, including one in ethnographic research methods. 300 level courses specifically designated for (or adapted to) graduate study are also allowable.
During the first year in the program, students complete two milestones: the Graduate Performance and the First Year Examination. Upon completion of these milestones and 9 course units (including PERF_ST 410 and PERF_ST 518), students will be awarded an MA in performance studies at the conclusion of the first year.
They must also fulfill a foreign language requirement demonstrating reading competency and satisfactorily complete a Ph.D. qualifying examination and a dissertation.
Technically, Performance Studies is a PhD-only program. However, students who matriculate at Northwestern without a Master’s degree may take a Master’s degree along the way to the PhD by temporarily changing their registration post-candidacy.
Master of Arts Degree
The MA in performance studies consists of 9 course units, including PERF_ST 410 Studies in Performance and PERF_ST 518 Problems in Research (both fall quarter). Additionally, students take at least 2 courses at the 400 or 500 levels in the Performance Studies Department. Additional courses are selected in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. Graduate level courses are generally at the 400 level or above, with the exception of 300 level courses which are specifically designated for graduate study. All students are also required to present a Graduate Performance and sit for the First Year Examination. The MA degree can only be obtained on the PhD track. Currently, there is no terminal MA application for Performance Studies.
Other Requirements
The MA Exam
The Graduate Performance
Language Requirement: The Graduate School provides Summer Language Grants for intensive summer language study.
The Dissertation Process
Requirements for the PhD include successful completion of a dissertation prospectus, written exam, preliminary oral exam, dissertation, and final oral exam. Exams are administered by faculty from the student’s dissertation committee. Students are responsible for timely completion of the degree according to University, School, Department, and Program rules, procedures, and deadlines and should review the written regulations of the Graduate School, the School of Communication, and Performance Studies regarding these and other pertinent requirements.