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

Lee Gagum

PhD 2016

There were three reasons why I chose to pursue my PhD in Transcultural German Studies at the University of Arizona. The first reason was the opportunity to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson and at the University of Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany. I have had the opportunity to study not only under professors at both universities but also work and collaborate with them. Due to the uniqueness of the PhD program, I have been able to gain experience in teaching students in Germany and in the US. This is a valuable experience that has proved to be vital for my career and in my research. The second reason was my research topic. My dissertation explores the German literary influences in Manga and Mahwa. Central to the dissertation are the Grimm’s fairy tales. Remarkably, these tales have been in the Japanese reading culture since 1887 and have permeated the Japanese canon. My third reason for undertaking this program of study was the opportunity to pursue a dual degree and to receive doctoral degrees from the University of Arizona and University of Leipzig.