About the Program
M.A. Program: The master’s program fosters students’ critical thinking, intellectual engagement (with a range of competing ideas, concepts, and approaches), and comprehensive knowledge either in the area of literary and cultural studies or in German second language teaching and learning (G/SLA). The department defines “comprehensive knowledge” as the ability to make connections between texts and ideas across historical periods and theoretical approaches at a high conceptual level.
Ph.D. Program: The doctoral program fosters students’ critical thinking, intellectual engagement (with a range of competing ideas, concepts, and approaches), and comprehensive knowledge either in the area of literary and cultural studies or in German second language teaching and learning (G/SLA). The department defines “comprehensive knowledge” as the ability to make connections between texts and ideas across historical periods and theoretical approaches at a high conceptual level.
Our commitment to individual mentoring and to generous year-round support makes completion of the Ph.D. in five years not only highly desirable but also financially and academically feasible. Other program features include: attention to non-native speakers in attaining high levels of ability in German; graduate exchanges with the Universities of Trier and Dresden; and generous assistance for students in presenting work at conferences.
Connect with Us
Program Contact: Courtney Feldman – german@georgetown.edu
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Degrees Offered
- M.A.
- Ph.D.
Accelerated program (Georgetown students only)
- A.B./M.A.
Joint program
- Ph.D./M.A. (German and East European Studies)
Admissions Requirements
For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.
Application Materials required (M.A. Program)
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample (2): One in German and one in English
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree which includes knowledge in German literary, linguistic, and cultural studies is required for admission. Generally, this knowledge is gained in two courses in at least two of these fields, where cultural studies might include courses focusing on artistic, economic, historical, and political life in the German-speaking countries. Remaining prerequisites can be fulfilled at the beginning of graduate study.
Application Materials required (Ph.D. Program)
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample (2): One in German and one in English
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 1 (final deadline, no scholarship/funding consideration)
- Fall:
- January 15 (deadline for scholarship/funding consideration)
- April 1 (final deadline, no scholarship/funding consideration)
Degree Requirements
Masters
The program consists of 36 credits or 12 courses beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students select their graduate courses from the three course modules: theory, methodology, and seminars. Degree requirements include successful completion of:
- Course work according to the above guidelines
- Course-based oral colloquium (for students completing their studies with the M.A.)
Accelerated Masters
Georgetown University undergraduate majors in German are encouraged to inquire, prior to their senior year, about the Accelerated Master’s program. Students enrolled in the Accelerated B.A./M.A. program in German fulfill the same requirements as students pursuing both the B.A. and the M.A. in German.
M.A. in German and European Studies (MAGES) with German emphasis
- MAGES Humanities Core Courses (2)
- Courses in the German Department (6) – Fundamentals of German Language Instruction is required
- For all other degree requirements, please see the Program Administrator of the MAGES program.
Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program usually consists of 51 credits (17 courses) beyond the Bachelor’s degree. For candidates who enter with a Master’s degree in German from another university, the program usually consists of a minimum of 33 credits (11 courses). In rare cases, the department may adjust the number of required credits up or down – in consideration of a student’s prior coursework and overall preparation.
Among the degree requirements for the Ph.D. are successful completion of:
- Coursework with a minimum grade of A-
- Second foreign language requirement
- Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
- Completion of a Ph.D. dissertation