The PhD degree is offered in the fields of literature, folklore, and philology. The basic requirements for all students entering the PhD program correspond to the requirements for the MA degree in Scandinavian Studies with concentration in literature, area studies, or philology, as appropriate. Every incoming graduate student should consult with the general graduate advisor upon arrival at UW–Madison. They will discuss the student's academic and career plans, and between them will decide which faculty member will most appropriately act as a committee chair.
Scandinavian Studies is the oldest such department in the Americas, tracing its roots to 1875. Department faculty have received numerous awards and other marks of recognition for their teaching and scholarship. The department offers the master of arts and the doctor of philosophy in Scandinavian Studies. A doctoral minor is also available. The program offers the possibility to attain a broad education in Scandinavian culture that has proven to be extremely useful in students' professional careers. Students will become well-versed in theory and methodology as well as in cultural history. The department possesses particular strengths in Scandinavian literature, Old Norse philology, and Nordic folklore. Within these broader categories, students may pursue interests in such topics as mythology, Sámi studies, saints' lives, modernism, sagas, gender criticism, immigration studies, national identity—to name only a few. Languages offered in the department include Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Sámi, and Swedish. The department has an excellent record of placing its PhD graduates in good positions in the field.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | January 2 |
| Spring Deadline | This program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | This program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required but may be considered if available. |
| English Proficiency Test | Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Applicants should have an MA in a related field. New PhD students will be expected to acquire competencies equivalent to the MA in Scandinavian Studies, and this will be assessed at the time of the preliminary exam. The application requires a writing sample.
Applicants without an MA should apply to the MA program.
Reentry applicants will need to contact the program before applying for admission.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
The department has a number of scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and readerships at its disposal and makes a serious effort to provide qualified students with adequate financial assistance and teaching experience throughout their graduate careers.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 51 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.5 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | PhD candidates should maintain a 3.5 GPA in all courses. If a student’s grades drop below the average indicated, the GPA must be brought up to the minimum by the end of the following semester. Incompletes must be removed within the following semester or summer session of residence. |
| Assessments and Examinations | All pathways require a comprehensive written and oral examination and dissertation. |
| Language Requirements | Unless already completed for the UW-Madison Scandinavian Studies MA requirements, all pathways require an advanced competency in a modern Scandinavian language. If the modern Scandinavian Language is Finnish or Icelandic, a working knowledge of Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish is required. For all pathways, a minimal competency in German and another research language approved by the department is required in German or another research language. The philology pathway requires two semesters of Old Norse. For the literature pathway a competency in Old Norse is encouraged. |
| Graduate School Breadth Requirement | All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate. Refer to the Graduate School: Breadth Requirement in Doctoral Training policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1200. |
Required Courses
Each pathway has specific course requirements to be met.
Literary and Cultural Studies Pathway1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| SCAND ST 401 | Contemporary Scandinavian Languages | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Old Norse | ||
| The Vikings | ||
| The Sagas of Icelanders in English Translation | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of Scandinavia to 1815 | ||
| Contemporary Scandinavia: Politics and History 2 | ||
| History of Scandinavia Since 1815 | ||
| Select one of the following, depending on individual circumstances and determined in consultation with the graduate advisor: | 3 | |
| Seminar in Special Topics 2 | ||
| Survey of Scandinavian Literature: 1500-1800 | ||
| Survey of Scandinavian Literature: 1800-1890 | ||
| Professional Development | ||
| GNS 700 | Graduate Seminar in Professional Development | 3 |
| Breadth | 9 | |
| Electives | ||
| Students consult with their advisor to select courses numbered 300 or above. Recommended courses may be found below. SCAND ST 990 does not count toward elective credits. | 12 | |
| Additional Coursework | ||
| Students must complete additional credits to meet minimum credit requirement, this may include SCAND ST 990 research credits. | 14-15 | |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Students must take SCAND ST/HISTORY 577 and SCAND ST 901 for 3 credits to satisfy these requirements.
Recommended Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SCAND ST 422 | The Drama of Henrik Ibsen | 4 |
| SCAND ST/LITTRANS 320 | The Nordic Child | 3 |
| SCAND ST 424 | Nineteenth-Century Scandinavian Fiction | 3-4 |
| SCAND ST 426 | Kierkegaard and Scandinavian Literature | 3 |
| SCAND ST 427 | Contemporary Scandinavian Literature | 4 |
| SCAND ST/LITTRANS 428 | Memory and Literature from Proust to Knausgard | 3 |
| SCAND ST 434 | The Art of Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen | 4 |
| SCAND ST/FOLKLORE/MEDIEVAL 446 | Celtic-Scandinavian Cultural Interrelations | 3 |
| SCAND ST 348 | The Second World War in Nordic Culture | 3 |
| SCAND ST/GEN&WS/LITTRANS 438 | Sexual Politics in Scandinavia | 3 |
| SCAND ST 439 | Nordic Filmmakers | 3 |
| SCAND ST/FOLKLORE 443 | Sami Culture, Yesterday and Today | 4 |
| SCAND ST/MEDIEVAL 444 | Kalevala and Finnish Folk-Lore | 4 |
Philology Pathway1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| SCAND ST/MEDIEVAL 407 | Introductory Old Norse | 3 |
| SCAND ST/MEDIEVAL 408 | Intermediate Old Norse | 3 |
| SCAND ST 511 | Paleography and Philology - Old Norse | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of the Scandinavian Languages II: Standard Languages | ||
| Topics in Scandinavian Linguistics | ||
| Survey of Old Norse-Icelandic Literature | ||
| Professional Development | ||
| GNS 700 | Graduate Seminar in Professional Development | 3 |
| Breadth | 9 | |
| Electives | ||
| Students consult with their advisor to select courses numbered 300 and above. | 12 | |
| Additional Coursework | ||
| Students must complete additional credits to meet minimum credit requirement, this may include SCAND ST 990 research credits. | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Folklore Pathway1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| In consultation with advisors, students should select courses that provide a detailed knowledge of the folklore of one Nordic culture and a general knowledge of Nordic with a firm command of the folklore of Nordic Americans. Familiarity with the history, institutions and cultural history of the Nordic countries is fundamental to this pathway. Students should select courses numbered 300 and above. Recommended courses may be found below. SCAND ST 990 may be applied to total minimum credit requirements. | 39 | |
| Professional Development | ||
| GNS 700 | Graduate Seminar in Professional Development | 3 |
| Breadth | ||
| Students complete a doctoral minor (Option B) focused on folklore, including the following course: | 9 | |
| Field Methods and the Public Presentation of Folklore | ||
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Recommended Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SCAND ST/HISTORY 431 | History of Scandinavia to 1815 | 3 |
| SCAND ST/HISTORY 432 | History of Scandinavia Since 1815 | 3 |
| SCAND ST/LITTRANS 435 | The Sagas of Icelanders in English Translation | 3 |
| SCAND ST/FOLKLORE 440 | Scandinavian American Folklore | 3 |
| SCAND ST/FOLKLORE 443 | Sami Culture, Yesterday and Today | 4 |
| SCAND ST/MEDIEVAL 444 | Kalevala and Finnish Folk-Lore | 4 |
| SCAND ST/FOLKLORE/MEDIEVAL 446 | Celtic-Scandinavian Cultural Interrelations | 3 |
| Possible Courses of Interest | ||
| FOLKLORE 320 | Folklore of Wisconsin | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/RELIG ST 326 | The Supernatural in the Modern World | 3 |
| FOLKLORE 460 | Folk Epics | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/COM ARTS 522 | Digital Storytelling for Social Media | 3 |
| FOLKLORE 540 | Local Culture and Identity in the Upper Midwest | 3 |
| ART HIST 364 | History of American Art: Art, Material Culture, and Constructions of Identity, 1607-present | 3-4 |
| ART HIST 601 | Introduction to Museum Studies I | 3 |
| ENGL/HISTORY/RELIG ST 360 | Early Medieval England | 3 |
| ENGL/MEDIEVAL 427 | Chaucer's Canterbury Tales | 3 |
| GEOG 342 | Geography of Wisconsin | 3 |
| GERMAN 650 | History of the German Language | 3 |
| GERMAN/MEDIEVAL 651 | Introduction to Middle High German | 3 |
| GERMAN/MEDIEVAL 755 | Old Germanic Languages | 3 |
| HISTORY 359 | History of Europe Since 1945 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/SCAND ST 577 | Contemporary Scandinavia: Politics and History | 3-4 |
| LAND ARC 677 | Cultural Resource Preservation and Landscape History | 3 |
| LAND ARC/ANTHRO/ART HIST/DS/HISTORY 764 | Dimensions of Material Culture | 4 |
| RELIG ST/FOLKLORE 352 | Shamanism | 3 |
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously. Note some policies redirect to entries in the official UW-Madison Policy Library. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. However, these credits are not allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless numbered 700 or above or are taken to meet the requirements of a capstone certificate and has the “Grad 50%” attribute. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
If a student at any time fails to meet the criteria for satisfactory progress in the Graduate Program Handbook, they are placed on probation. If, by the end of the following semester, progress has not been brought to a satisfactory level, a committee of three faculty members will be established to determine whether any circumstance exists that prevent the dropping of the student from the program.
Advisor / Committee
In order to encourage progress toward the degree and to determine the status of a student’s program, the department requests an annual activities report from all continuing students to be submitted at the end of January. In the case of first-year students, this report will, of course, only cover work done during the fall semester. A copy of this report will be placed in the student’s permanent file. Students are expected to consult regularly on their progress with their advisor.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
L&S Policy for Graduate Student Academic Appeals
Graduate students have the right to appeal an academic decision related to an L&S graduate program if the student believes that the decision is inconsistent with published policy.
Academic decisions that may be appealed include:
- Dismissal from the graduate program
- Failure to pass a qualifying or preliminary examination
- Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
- Academic disciplinary action related to failure to meet professional conduct standards
Issues such as the following cannot be appealed using this process:
- A faculty member declining to serve as a graduate student’s advisor.
- Decisions regarding the student’s disciplinary knowledge, evaluation of the quality of work, or similar judgements. These are the domain of the department faculty.
- Course grades. These can be appealed instead using the L&S Policy for Grade Appeal.
- Incidents of bias or hate, hostile and intimidating behavior, or discrimination (Title IX, Office of Compliance). Direct these to the linked campus offices appropriate for the incident(s).
Appeal Process for Graduate Students
A graduate student wishing to appeal an academic decision must follow the process in the order listed below. Note time limits within each step.
- The student should first seek informal resolution, if possible, by discussing the concern with their academic advisor, the department’s Director of Graduate Studies, and/or the department chair.
- If the program has an appeal policy listed in their graduate program handbook, the student should follow the policy as written, including adhering to any indicated deadlines. In the absence of a specific departmental process, the chair or designee will be the reviewer and decision maker, and the student should submit a written appeal to the chair within 15 business days of the academic decision. The chair or designee will notify the student in writing of their decision.
- If the departmental process upholds the original decision, the graduate student may next initiate an appeal to L&S. To do so, the student must submit a written appeal to the L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs within 15 business days of notification of the department’s decision.
- To the fullest extent possible, the written appeal should include, in a single document: a clear and concise statement of the academic decision being appealed, any relevant background on what led to the decision, the specific policies involved, the relief sought, any relevant documentation related to the departmental appeal, and the names and titles of any individuals contributing to or involved in the decision.
- The Assistant Dean will work with the Academic Associate Dean of the appropriate division to consider the appeal. They may seek additional information and/or meetings related to the case.
- The Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean will provide a written decision within 20 business days.
- If L&S upholds the original decision, the graduate student may appeal to the Graduate School. More information can be found on their website: Grievances and Appeals (see: Graduate School Appeal Process).
Other
n/a
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
- Formulates ideas, concepts, and techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
- Creates research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution.
- Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
- Advances contributions of the field of study to society.
- Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
- Possesses an advanced competency in a Nordic language and a serviceable mastery of one or more research languages.
- Fosters ethical and professional conduct.