German, MA
Do you want to advance your linguistic skills by mastering the German language? Through our German MA program, you can study one of the premier languages in the world, allowing you to gain insights into the cultural, economic, and intellectual influence of the society from which the language comes. Discover how the German language can help shape your future and connect you to new opportunities.
Program Overview
The German MA program prepares students to master and teach the German language by equipping them with cultural, linguistic, and literary-specific knowledge.
You will learn about the structure of the German language and hone your speaking, reading, and writing skills, all while taking specialized courses that prepare you to teach a foreign language, whether you’re interested in doing so in a K-12 setting or in higher education.
Our program is ideal for students who want to teach, become expert translators, or just become culturally competent in German language and culture. Plus, with our thesis and non-thesis options, as well as the accelerated combined BA/MA program, you can choose the academic path that best fits your career aspirations.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Our program offers both thesis and non-thesis options so that students can choose the pathways that best fit their career or academic pursuits. Our thesis option is a great fit for students interested in pursuing their doctorate, as they will complete a substantial research thesis and oral exam.
Our non-thesis option allows students to complete coursework only with a comprehensive exam and is a great fit for students who plan to enter industry. Whatever your unique journey, our program prepares you for success.
Accelerated Combined BA/MA Program
Our department also offers an accelerated combined BA/MA program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Undergraduate students take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in their senior year that counts towards both their BA and MA degrees.
If interested in the combined BA/MA program, students can choose from two different BA programs while also earning an MA in German.
Our current selection of BA/MA offerings includes:
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – German Concentration with a German, MA
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – Language and World Business/German Concentration with a German, MA
Why Study German?
Our master’s degree in German provides students with exceptional experiential learning opportunities—such as participating in study abroad and exchange programs—and prepares them to become expert communicators, all while receiving personalized mentorship from faculty who are dedicated to their success.
Participate in Student Exchange Programs
At UT, you will have the exceptional opportunity to participate in study abroad and exchange programs with universities in Baden‐Württemberg, Germany. Many of our MA students have spent their first year studying abroad and returned to complete their degree requirements in their second year, giving them a next-level student experience.
Become an Expert Communicator
Language is in everything we do. With courses that teach you to master and understand language and professional skills that prepare you to teach it, you will graduate with skills that will help you make the impact you want.
Get Personalized Mentorship
Our faculty are dedicated to your success, investing in your unique academic journey every step of the way. With small class sizes and opportunities for one-on-one mentorship, you will receive personalized guidance that’ll help you hit the ground running.
What Can You Do with an MA in German After Graduation?
A degree in German from UT sets students up for success in the international world with a unique and interdisciplinary curriculum, designed to give students an extensive understanding of German culture and language. In this 5-year BA/MA program, students take classes in literature, culture, business, and more, helping them to develop professional proficiency in the world of German.
German students graduate prepared for careers across disciplines. In government, you could become an interpretation coordinator, diplomatic agent, or intelligence analyst. You could also work in commerce doing operations management, customer services, advertising and marketing, or consulting.
Many alumni work in travel doing guidance services, translation or interpretation, or international guest services. Media is another option, where you could work as a content specialist, localization specialist, or travel writer. If you have an interest in arts and entertainment, photography, film making, editing, and marketing are other options. In service and education, you could be a German teacher, study abroad advisor, researcher, or work in educational administration for student affairs or international student services.
Studying German opens up opportunities for engaging in international cultures and dialogue, preparing students with a skill set for a wide variety of international or domestic careers.
Featured Courses
GERM 416 Berlin: Culture and History
This course covers the 20th-century German or Austrian metropolis in the mirror of history, literature, theory, art, architecture, and music. Taught in English.
GERM 425 Descriptive Linguistics
Students will receive an introduction to concepts and methods of modern linguistics with an emphasis on analyzing the structure of human language. Provides a strong grounding in techniques of linguistic analysis in the subfields of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
WLC 512 Teaching a Foreign Language
Students learn practical application of methods for teaching and evaluating basic language skills and foreign language skills, and cultural knowledge through seminars, demonstrations, peer teaching, and observation of foreign language classes. Required of all MA and PhD students holding Graduate Teaching Assistantships, except those whose previous training or experience warrants their being excused by the department.
GERM 595 Graduate Colloquium
All German MA students and all PhD students with a German concentration are expected to enroll in the German Graduate Colloquium. Graduate students share and discuss work in progress, resources, and professional opportunities.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
Are you ready to become a Vol? Learn how to apply and explore tuition, cost, and aid below.
Request Information
Want to join us in creating what’s next? Learn more about the German, MA program and become a Vol-in-Progress!