The Master of Arts program in German requires a minimum of 33 s.h. of graduate credit. It is offered with or without thesis. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00.

Students choose one of two concentrations: German literature or Germanic linguistics. The German literature concentration requires seven literature courses (21 s.h.) and four linguistics courses (12 s.h.). The Germanic linguistics concentration requires seven linguistics courses (21 s.h.) and four literature courses (12 s.h.).

Students are expected to complete at least 24 s.h. in the Department of German. All M.A. coursework taken outside the department requires the graduate advisor's approval.

Before taking the M.A. exam, students must demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language other than German, at a level equivalent to two years of college study or four years of high school study. Students may demonstrate competence by submitting proof that they have taken the required coursework with a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 or by passing an exam at the fourth-semester college level, as determined by the appropriate language department.

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Master of Arts in German, visit the UI General Catalog.

German Literature Concentration

The German literature concentration requires seven literature courses (21 s.h.) and four linguistics courses (12 s.h.).

German Linguistics Concentration

The Germanic linguistics concentration requires seven linguistics courses (21 s.h.) and four literature courses (12 s.h.).

Thesis and Non-Thesis Option

Thesis students may apply up to 6 s.h. of thesis credit toward the 30 s.h. required for the degree. They must take a written and oral examination on their areas of study and must defend their thesis at the time of the comprehensive examination. The thesis prospectus must be accepted one year before a student defends the thesis.

Non-thesis students must pass a written and oral examination. With permission of the director of graduate studies and the department chair, non-thesis students may earn up to 6 s.h. of the required 30 s.h. outside the department or transfer up to 6 s.h. of coursework completed at another institution.

Important Deadlines

Application Deadline: January 15th (for financial support)

Admission

Admission decisions are based on prior academic performance, letters of reference, and the applicant's statement about background and purpose. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College on the Graduate College website. For more information, see the Graduate Admissions Process page.