Our department offers an innovative graduate program in German that combines modern cultural studies with a state-of-the-art applied linguistics curriculum.
The department’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to combine cultural history with a solid grounding in linguistics and applied linguistics. We pride ourselves on mentoring graduate students through careful supervision of teaching assistants to advice on grant proposals, publications and preparation for the job market. Recent graduates have obtained tenure-track or other permanent academic positions with institutions such as the University of Buffalo, the University of Jena, the University of Iowa, the University of Southern California, Carleton College, Haverford College, Wofford College, University of Texas, at the Naval Academy, or have secured employment with the US Federal Government.
Two Ph.D. Tracks
Graduate students select to study either Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, or Literature, Culture and Visual Studies. All graduate students teach German language courses and also have the opportunity to each in their specific field. More information on the Ph.D. tracks can be found here.
Study and Research in Germany
Every Ph.D. student has the opportunity to spend time in Germany through our exchange programs. These include programs with the Universities of Kiel and Marburg.
About Our Graduate Students
Our graduate students are talented and dedicated scholars, and excellent classroom teachers. They are about evenly divided between literature and linguistics tracks. All graduate students have the opportunity to receive university, college, and departmental support for research and travel to conferences.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Samuel Frederick, Director of Graduate Studies. (smf35@psu.edu)