The 4+1 Master's Degree in German Studies
Students interested in earning a master's
degree in German Studies can extend their baccalaureate studies for
1 year and earn a master's degree.
Students complete all of the requirements for the German major (57
credits), which includes the Survey of German Literature sequence typically
required of first-year MA students. During their fourth (senior) year,
students will be permitted to enroll in three graduate courses for a
total of 12 credits. They can then complete the credit and course requirements
for the MA in just one additional year with a standard graduate course
load (12 credits per quarter). Total credits for BA/MA with a concentration
in German Studies: 102.
What are the requirements for an MA in German Studies?
To receive an MA in German Studies, students must complete 45 graduate
credits and successfully pass the MA Exam. Most students will take two
years to complete the degree, but it is possible to graduate from the
program in just one year.
Course Requirements:
- Survey of German Literature sequence (501, 502, 503)
- 1 Research Seminar (2-quarter sequence)
- 25 additional credit hours in approved courses at the graduate level
Students have two options for completing the MA Exam:
- Exam option: a four-hour comprehensive exam based on the department's
MA reading list. The exam takes place in the spring quarter and is
scheduled by the graduate director.
- Thesis option: a 50-page thesis on a topic of the candidate's choice,
to be approved by the thesis director. The exam includes a thesis
defense and an oral exam on a reduced version of the MA-reading list.
Sample 5-year Schedule
Year 1
15-GRMN-101-2-3 (15 credits-do not count toward major): Basic German
Summer
15-GRMN-204 (15 credits): Munich: Intensive Langauge
Year 2
15-GRMN-301-3-3 (9 credits) Introduction to German Studies
15-GRMN-171-2-3 (9 credits): Survey of German Culture (or other electives)
Year 3
15-GRMN-401-2-3 (9 credits): Seminar in German Studies Elective (3 cr)
Year 4
15-GRMN-491, 2, or 3 (3-6 credits): Senior Capstone
15-GRMN-501-2-3 (12 credits): Survey of German Literature
3 graduate level electives (12 cr)
Year 5
Research Seminar (8 cr)
Approved graduate elective courses (at least 25 credits)
MA Exam or Thesis
