PhD in Germanic Studies

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. The program will accept and review applications for fall and spring semesters. Transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work must be uploaded along with all other requirements.

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. A substantial background in German literature or culture is expected, as is proficiency in written and spoken German.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 in all German courses and in the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
  • Tests Required None.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
    • IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
    • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
  • Letters of Recommendation (in English) Three required from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
  • Personal Statement Required; 250 words. The statement should address the applicant’s purpose and goals.
  • Other Requirements Applicants must submit a sample of their academic writing. Applicants must also take part in an interview (face-to-face or via web conferencing) prior to admittance.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 72 beyond the master’s degree.
  • Coursework 40 hours exclusive of credit for thesis research, with a minimum of 32 credits in Germanic Studies.
  • Examinations
    • Preliminary Examination: Required; written and oral.
  • Dissertation and oral dissertation defense Required.
  • Other Requirements By the time of the dissertation defense, candidates must have taught the equivalent of three one-semester courses. Students must demonstrate a reading proficiency in one foreign language other than German that is relevant to their plan of study. Language proficiency test as determined by the department for all nonnative speakers of German.

Concentration in Jewish Studies

Students earning a graduate degree in Germanic Studies may enroll in a Graduate Concentration in Jewish Studies. The requirements for this concentration are application to the director of the Jewish Studies Program; approval by a Jewish Studies faculty member, who becomes the student’s Jewish Studies advisor; a total of 16 hours of graduate coursework, including JST 475 and JST 494; and eight additional hours of coursework approved by the student’s Jewish Studies advisor. Up to four of these hours can be in directed study or thesis research on an appropriate topic approved by the Jewish Studies advisor. Language competence in Hebrew or Yiddish is required.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include: