Learning Outcomes

Admission

Generally, applicants should have minimum GRE scores of 500/153 on the verbal section and 4 on the analytical section (or scores of 400/146 and 3.5, respectively, for non-native English speakers). A minimum score of 396 on the Miller Analogies Test may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores for the M.A.T. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 (iBT), or 570 (paper-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IETLS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5.

Three letters of recommendation from previous German instructors are required for inclusion in the candidate’s application. Applicants are asked to submit a writing sample of 3,000 words, written in German (written in English for students whose native language is German), and a statement of purpose (300 words maximum). In order to test German speaking skills, a five-minute sample of spoken German is also required of non-native speakers.  The file should be saved as an MP3 file on a CD.

Applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must apply by January 15.

Applications submitted to the Department after June 1 will not be processed for the Fall semester but for the following Spring.

In order to pursue the Master of Arts in German, candidates may be required to make up any such deficiencies demonstrated on a diagnostic examination. The background required in any foreign language is that normally completed by an undergraduate major in the field concerned. The department reserves the right to require its candidates for the degree of Master of Arts to take special examinations on any undergraduate courses when advisable.

Degree Requirements (33 Hours)

The three basic requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in German consist of: 33 semester hours of course work, a written and oral comprehensive examination, and demonstration of a reading knowledge in a second foreign language. Students who write a thesis must take a total of 33 semester hours, of which no more than 6 may be thesis credits (GERM 799 ) and at least 18 must be in non-thesis 700 level courses; there is a final oral examination for students who write a thesis. Students who do not write a thesis must submit an enhanced seminar paper; they are required to take a total of 33 semester hours of course work, at least 24 of which must be in 700-level courses.

FORL 776  (3 hours) is required of all graduate teaching assistants.

The final draft of the thesis signed by the professors concerned must be filed with The Graduate School not less than 20 days before the end of the final semester. GERM 799  may be included as part of the Master of Arts programs in the department.