German

Degrees and Fields of Study

  • M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures
  • Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and Literatures
  • Ph.D.-J.D. in German/Law (Dual Degree)

Application Deadlines

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

M.A. Program

  • April 15: Fall admission

Ph.D. Programs

  • December 18: Fall admission, recommended deadline
  • January 4: Fall admission, final deadline

Ph.D.-J.D. applicants must submit two separate applications — one to GSAS, and another to NYU Law. Please consult NYU Law Admissions for the J.D. application deadline.

Test Scores

GRE

  • Please do not send GRE test scores — they will not be reviewed by our Admissions Committee.

TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (TOEFL preferred) unless they:

  • Are a native English speaker; OR

  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

  • Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages and should be written in English.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required. It should demonstrate your skills in interpreting a literary or philosophical text from the German tradition, and should be presented complete with full references, sources, and notes. It can be written either in English or in German and should be double spaced and not exceed 20 pages.

Special Instructions

Applicants intending to pursue a Ph.D. should apply directly to the Ph.D. program, whether or not they already hold an M.A.