Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish)

Our Ph.D. program in modern languages, with concentrations in French, German, and Spanish, provides advanced training in literature and cultural studies as well as linguistics and second language acquisition.

Applicants must demonstrate fluency in the target language. Students who complete the program are trained to carry out original research drawing from a variety of databases as well as doing archival research. They also complete internships with Wayne State University Press and the Wayne State University Humanities Clinic, initiatives that are part of the Next Generation Humanities Ph.D. Program, which trains students for alternative careers.

Our students have obtained full-time positions at universities such as Oakland University, University of Dayton, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Adrion College, and Pepperdine University, as well as positions as archivists.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.

International applicants must complete the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree, including all state and external/internal examinations required for the degree. Some three-year general degrees (from Canada, India, Pakistan, France, Lebanon, etc.) may not be equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree. However, if you have completed an honors degree, additional undergraduate coursework beyond the three-year bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree, you may be considered for admission.

If you are applying to a master's program, your minimum undergraduate GPA must be 2.75 or its equivalent in upper division coursework. If you are applying to a doctoral program, your minimum undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or its equivalent in upper division coursework.

Submit your transcript(s)

To begin the application review, upload unofficial copies of English-translated international transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions from which you earned a bachelor's degree or higher, including Mark Sheets, if applicable. If you are admitted, you must submit an official course-by-course academic evaluation of your completed bachelor's degree.

Demonstrate English proficiency 

Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting the minimum requirements. You are required to submit an official qualifying score meeting minimum Graduate School requirements. Send official test scores to Wayne State University Graduate Admissions, using the school code 1898.

To begin the application review, upload an unofficial copy of your English proficiency test score(s). Once admitted, an official test score must be submitted to Graduate Admissions.