MA in German

MA in German
The purpose of the MA is to broaden what students have learned during their BA program. After completing a small set of core requirements, students may pursue their individual interests from among the courses offered by faculty who specialize in German Applied Linguistics and Literature and Film Studies, and other affiliated departments at the University. Each MA student has the chance to co-teach an undergraduate class, to receive teaching training, and to complete a university teaching program (milestone: Fundamentals in University Teaching) during their graduate studies at the Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies.

The MA in German can be earned in one of three ways: the courses-only option, research paper option, or thesis option. 

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MA in German - Courses-only option

GER 600 (Methods of Research)

  • At least seven other graduate courses with a minimum weight of 0.5 units each. These courses must also require a substantial piece of research (project or essay).
  • Candidates must obtain a minimum overall average of 75% in the courses presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements.
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MA in German - Research paper option

  • GER 600 (Methods of Research)

  • At least five other graduate courses

  • Candidates must obtain a minimum overall average of 75% in the courses presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements

  • Master's Research Paper

    A Master's Research Paper demonstrates that the student has a thorough knowledge of the topic and is familiar with the research related to it. The research paper may grow out of a formal course, but cannot be an expansion of a paper for which the student has received credit; the research paper will be between 30 and 40 pages and written in accordance with the MLA Handbook or APA guidelines. The research paper is read by the student's supervisor and one other faculty member. There is no oral examination.

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MA in German - Thesis option

GER 600 (Methods of Research)

  • At least four more graduate courses (all graduate courses have a 0.50 credit weight per unit)

  • Candidates must obtain a minimum overall average of 75% in the courses presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements

  • MA thesis - (80-100 pages)
    An MA thesis demonstrates that the student has a thorough knowledge of the topic and is able to contribute some high-level analysis or original thought to the discourse. The thesis is between 80 and 100 pages including a list of works cited and written in accordance with the MLA Handbook or APA guidelines. The thesis is read by the student's supervisor and two other faculty members and is examined in a public oral defense.

MA in German - Typical timelines

  Courses-only option Research paper option Thesis option
Term 1 (fall)

3 courses (GER 600 + 2 other GER grad courses)

Teaching Assistantship incl. TA seminar

3 courses (GER 600 + 2 other GER grad courses)

Teaching Assistantship incl. 
TA seminar

3 courses (GER 600 + 2 other GER grad courses)

Teaching Assistantship incl. 
TA seminar
Term 2 (winter)

3 or 4 courses

Teaching Assistantship incl. 
TA seminar

3 courses

Teaching or Research Assistantship incl. 
TA seminar

Research paper prospectus submission and approval

2 courses

Teaching or Research Assistantship incl. 
TA seminar

Thesis prospectus submission and approval
Term 3 (spring) 1 or 2 courses

1 course

Research paper writing, submission, revisions, final approval

 Thesis writing, submission, defense, revisions, final approval

Depending on the student's program of study and research interests, it is possible to take graduate-level courses offered by other departments. Department approval from the Graduate Officer is required.

Additional information

  • For additional information, please visit the Guidelines page