PhD in Germanic Studies in Chicago United States | University of Chicago

The University of Chicago's Germanic Studies graduate program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, a longstanding tradition at this institution that enables students to explore research areas through innovative perspectives. To leverage the University's academic resources across departments, students are advised to collaborate not just with departmental and affiliated professors but also with faculty members university-wide whose courses align with their specialized interests. The Ph.D. curriculum offers more flexibility for personalization compared to the structured M.A. program. Applicants holding an M.A. from another institution must complete a first-year pedagogy course (Acquisition and Teaching of Foreign Languages), though this requirement can be exempted if the department recognizes equivalent prior coursework. Teaching positions require either successful completion of this course (or an approved waiver) along with achieving an advanced rating on the German oral proficiency exam administered during the initial quarter (with retakes permitted if needed).