Apply for Fall 2027 Admission

The application deadline is December 15, 2026. Please use the CollegeNet online system, linked below, to submit the required parts of your application. The PhD program does not use the CSDCAS system.

GRE scores are not required or accepted for application for the CSD PhD program and will not be used in the review of applications.

Apply online

Required materials submitted as part of the online application include

• Statement of purpose
• CV/resume
• One transcript from each institution attended. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Three letters of recommendation

Optional materials that may be submitted

• Writing sample
• Diversity statement
• Publications

English Language Proficiency Tests

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. There are two ways this may be done:

1. Submit Scores – Provide official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, or Michigan English Test (MET) test scores.
2. Request for a Waiver – Applicants may request a waiver if they earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution that instructs primarily in English. Waiver requests must be made directly with the program of interest after submission of your application. Documentation may be requested, and waiver approval is at the discretion of your program and The Graduate School.

Learn more about test score requirements from The Graduate School

Note: The Graduate School has established a minimum level of spoken English proficiency that graduate students must achieve before becoming eligible for funding as a graduate or teaching assistant.

Questions? See our FAQ page.

For further application inquiries, contact katie.belardi@northwestern.edu