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.

  • Financial Guarantee for visa 
  • TOEFL score at or above 550 (PB), 213 (CB), or 79 (iBT) (see here for other test options and exemptions by country of origin, and please note on the same page that anyone who scores below 26 points in the Speak section of the TOEFL iBT test will be required to take the Task-Based English Speaking Test/T-BEST as a prerequisite for teaching in the program); if you are a student from one of our partner Universities in Leipzig or Cologne, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies before taking any English proficiency tests

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

Allison Overgaard

MA 2014

As I reflect on my experience at the University of Arizona I realized that I have had the opportunity to grow in so many areas. My German has continued to improve and I have learned a great deal about German history as well. In addition I have gained the skills to become a teacher. I enjoyed the many activities that were offered in the department. The feedback that I received from the German faculty has translated into positive feedback from my student sand several students have chosen to seek a German minor or major which they attribute to my classes. This would not have been possible without the mentorship and guidance of the German department faculty who helped me develop and hone skills that translate into engaging and inspiring students. I feel happy to have Masters of Arts in German Studie sand my secondary education certification, a degree that allows me to teach and at the same time opens other avenues of employment. I would certainly recommend University of Arizona's German program to anyone and would be happy to talk to any students considering pursuing a degree at the University of Arizona.