| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-02 | - |
Program Overview
The German Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a comprehensive curriculum in German studies, including literature, culture, linguistics, and Dutch studies. Students are assessed through coursework, a preliminary examination, and a dissertation. The program is taught by a distinguished faculty and prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, and the private sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The German Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recognized internationally for its comprehensive coverage of German studies and the thorough preparation of candidates for its graduate degrees. The program is consistently among the most highly rated in the country and is near the top of the list of North American institutions in the number of total graduate degrees granted in German. Graduates teach in colleges and universities across the country and around the world, affirming the department's reputation and significance.
Outline:
The German Ph.D. program offers a broadly inclusive and flexible curriculum in the entire range of medieval through contemporary literature and culture, a full spectrum of linguistics and philology, and a program in Dutch language, literature, and culture. The program is unsurpassed in comprehensive representation of the entire field of the study of German through individual faculty members' specializations and research publications, including:
- Early modern and medieval studies
- Film and media studies
- Multicultural literature and cosmopolitanism
- Gegenwartsliteratur
- Literary and cultural theory
- Holocaust studies
- Poetics, stylistics, and narratology
- 18th-century studies
- Literature in its sociocultural context
- Literary and cultural theory
- Dutch literature and linguistics
- Historical and synchronic linguistics
- Applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and foreign language education Offerings include interdisciplinary areas such as literature and other arts (especially image/text, visual culture, and literature/music), German-Americana, literature and philosophy, and German–Jewish relations.
Assessment:
Students in the German Ph.D. program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Coursework: Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits of coursework, including 24 credits of German courses numbered 500 and above, 6 credits of dissertator credits, and 9 credits of a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.
- Preliminary examination: Students must complete an oral preliminary examination no sooner than upon completion of the second semester of the Ph.D. coursework and may take it no later than three weeks after the beginning of the fifth full-time semester (or its equivalent) after the M.A.
- Dissertation: Students must complete a dissertation that makes a substantive contribution to the field of German studies.
Teaching:
The German Ph.D. program is taught by a faculty of distinguished scholars who are active in research and publication. The faculty is committed to providing students with a rigorous and supportive learning environment.
Careers:
Graduates of the German Ph.D. program are prepared for a variety of careers in academia, government, and the private sector. Common career paths include:
- College or university professor
- Researcher
- Librarian
- Archivist
- Museum curator
- Translator
- Editor
- Journalist
- Foreign service officer
- Business executive
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Business:
The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Medicine:
The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.Humanities:
The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.Other:
Athletics:
UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.Alumni Network:
The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.Sustainability:
UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.Entry Requirements:
- Applicants with a B.A. in German must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester credits and a GPA of at least 3.50 in German courses beyond the second-year level.
- Students with an M.A. in German must have a GPA in graduate work of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- In special cases, applicants who do not fulfill the above expectations may be admitted on probation.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All applicants must submit official transcripts of all university course work (or equivalents, including study abroad), list of courses in progress, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, a personal statement explaining the reasons for graduate study, a current c.v. or resume, a writing sample in German (5-15 pages), and three letters of recommendation that evaluate previous study and potential for graduate study.
- International applicants must also provide TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS scores, a financial statement form included with the application materials, and, if applying for a teaching assistantship, a ten-minute recording with a sample of the applicant's spoken English.
