Dual PhD/DPhil Degree in Transcultural German Studies

With its German partner universities in Leipzig and Cologne, the dual PhD/DPhil degree program in Transcultural German Studies fosters intercultural competence and professional excellence across the Atlantic. The program offers interdisciplinary doctoral training in two rigorous academic environments, while providing intensive mentoring opportunities and comprehensive financial support. 

Incoming US-based students complete one year of doctoral coursework at the University of Arizona and a second year in Germany, either at the University of Leipzig or the University of Cologne, while financially supported through teaching and research fellowships. Students who begin their doctoral studies in Leipzig or Cologne pursue their second year of doctoral course work at the University of Arizona, where they teach alongside their US-based colleagues in the German Studies Department. Students complete their third year of coursework at their home institution. 

The Graduate Handbook, esp. section III, will guide you through the details of the program.

Prospective students need to fulfill the following prerequisites:

  • A Master’s Degree (or Magister) in German, German Studies, German as a Foreign Language, or equivalent field
  • A high level of competence in English and German (minimum Common European Framework rating of C1)

German Studies minor: PhD candidates in other disciplines may select a minor in German Studies. The German Studies minor for PhD candidates outside the Department of German Studies consists of 12 units. Up to 6 units may be transferred from a German Studies MA or its equivalent. The Director of Graduate Studies is happy to answer any questions about the PhD minor in German Studies.

Testimonials

Diane Richardson

PhD 2016

The joint PhD program in Transcultural German Studies has allowed me to combine my interests in Foreign Language Pedagogy and German Literary and Cultural Studies. Working and studying at the renowned Herder-Institut, where I began the program, prepared me well for teaching German at the University of Arizona. After my first semester in Tucson, I knew that I wanted to continue teaching German in the US, so I switched sides and ended up staying four years instead of one. Throughout my studies, I have been very impressed with the great amount of support shown by faculty on both sides of the program. For anyone interested in a combination of pedagogy, linguistics, and literary studies, this program is an excellent choice.