Graduate Admissions

Applications for the PhD Program are due January 15 in order to begin the program in the following fall semester. For the MA Program, first-round applications are due on January 15, in order to begin the program in the following fall. A second round of applications may be accepted on March 15, also for fall admission. The department will consider late applications. 

For general questions regarding the application process or financial support, you are welcome to contact the Director of Graduate Studies. If you are planning to apply to the Professional MA, please make sure to contact the Director of Graduate Studies in advance.

Apply

Application Materials to be directed to the UA Graduate College 

  • Application Fee of $85 by check, money order, or credit card to be paid during registration
  • Complete the online application form in the GradApp application system (press red "Apply" button above to get started)

Application Materials to be directed to the Department of German Studies (to be added to the above application form in GradApp)

  • Official transcripts showing an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and with a GPA in German courses of 3.5 or higher (international students should include documentation in the form of all available grade reports)
  • 3 academic letters of recommendation (request to recommenders will go out via email once the addresses are entered in GradApp)
  • Statement of purpose in German (approx. 1-2 double-spaced pages), outlining your interests and/or experiences in the areas research and teaching and what you hope to achieve during your graduate studies
  • 3-5 minute audio recording in German, including a short personal narrative and/or a reading of a favorite text (speakers of German as their first language are not required to submit an audio recording)
  • Curriculum vitae, comprehensive resume, or Lebenslauf
  • Graduate Assistantship application form (What is that?)
  • For PhD program applicants only: academic writing sample (15-25 double-spaced pages) either in German or English

Additional Materials for International Students (to be added in Grad App)

If you are neither a US citizen nor a permanent US resident at the time of application, you will be considered an international student. In addition to the application fee for the university, you will also need to pay the application and processing fee for your visa to the appropriate institutions.

Please note that all materials should be submitted online through the GradApp application system (the email and regular mail options listed in the system are only meant as emergency alternatives, not requirements). The Director of Graduate Studies is available for questions throughout the process and might reach out with a request for a conversation via video or phone call after the application materials have been received. 

Testimonials

Lydia Heiss

PhD 2019

I chose to apply to the PhD Program in Transcultural German Studies because it is the only program in the United States that offers students the unique opportunity to receive a dual degree from an American and a German university, namely the University of Arizona (Ph.D.) and the Universität Leipzig (Dr. phil.). This double degree sets the PhD program offered by the Department of German Studies apart from other programs. In order to fulfill requirements for both degrees, students complete coursework and pursue their research on both campuses of these collaborating institutions. The program allows students to familiarize themselves with two university systems and to work with professors and advisers from both countries. Furthermore, the flexibility in the choice of a Minor for the PhD program in Transcultural German Studies encourages students to pursue new paths and welcomes individual interests. As the first in my program to do so, the Department supported my choice of Management as a minor. For all these reasons, the Transcultural German Studies PhD program has proven to be the best professional choice for me.