About PhD Program,
Innovation combined with a solid foundation in traditional approaches characterizes the program of study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in German at UCI. Special emphasis is placed on integrating works of literature, philosophy, and art into pertinent cultural and theoretical contexts as well as on understanding literature in its aesthetic, social, and historical dimensions. UC Irvine has a decades-long reputation for excellence in the study of Critical Theory, having placed first in most rankings.
The program of German is particularly well represented in the field of modern German literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. There is strong research and teaching interest in the eighteenth century, the Age of Goethe, Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, and twentieth and twenty-first-century literature. Extensive coursework in Comparative Literature, Critical Theory, Feminist Studies, Visual Studies, and other related disciplines is available to all students in the German Graduate Program.
Students take an active part in the Department’s intellectual life. Speakers from a large number of universities present papers at regular colloquia that offer occasion for intense discussion. Distinguished visiting professors and Department-organized conferenes bring new perspectives and impulses. The Goethe Institute in nearby Los Angeles also provides many special events, including visits by German writers, film presentations (in addition to the Department’s regular offerings), and teachers’ workshops.
The UCI Library contains more than 2 million volumes and supports work and research in many areas. Special collections include the Critical Theory Archive (with the papers of Jacques Derrida, J. Hillis Miller, and other prominent theorists), the Hans Waldmüller Thomas Mann Collection and the René Wellek library. Students and faculty also enjoy access to the entire University of California library system.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The graduate program in German includes both an M.A. and a Ph.D. program. Students may apply to either the M.A. program or the Ph.D. program, but only students applying to the Ph.D. program can be admitted with fellowship funding. Students with a B.A. may apply directly to the Ph.D. program and receive fellowship support, but their official advancement into the Ph.D. program is contingent upon successful completion of the M.A. before or during the second year of study. Students who already hold the M.A. degree are also encouraged to apply to the Ph.D. program.
A student arriving with a B.A. normally will require three years to complete course work for the Ph.D. degree and qualify for advancement to candidacy. A student arriving with an M.A. will normally require no more than two years to advance to candidacy. Most of the course work is done within the Department, but students are encouraged to broaden their studies by taking related courses in other departments in the School of Humanities. Students may combine graduate study in German with substantial course work in comparative literature, critical theory, feminist theory, or visual studies; other combinations of courses may be selected in consultation with the graduate advisor. Our innovative exam structure (involving course-syllabus development) and post-exam time line are designed both to expedite progress to degree and to enhance the professional training of our students.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The German Graduate Program supports its graduate students through fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. All admitted Ph.D. applicants will receive a five-year funding package from the School of Humanities, which will consist of a combination of fellowship, TA-ship, and research assistantship support. This package will cover in-state fees and in many cases non-resident tuition, and health insurance. In addition to the school funding package, our program will nominate eligible applicants for additional UCI graduate recruitment fellowships.
A variety of support options are provided for Graduate Students in both PhD and Master’s programs at UCI. Information on this page includes available fellowships, assistantships, grants and other support options to help fund your graduate education.
Application Requirement,
- Please scan and upload one transcript from each college or university you have attended since high school. Please upload both the front and back sides of the transcript.
- Three letters of recommendation must be uploaded electronically (Paper and hardcopy letters are not allowed)
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Writing sample in German or English or both
- For European Applicants who are part of the Bologna process: Please submit Diploma Supplements with your transcripts.
Please also refer to the instructions for applications, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Application Deadline,
Jan 07, 2025
Application Fee,
- The application fee is$135 for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents, and $155 for all international applicants. The application fee is non-refundable.
