The Department of German at UC Berkeley, one of the preeminent programs of German Studies in the US, stresses both the German canon and innovative theoretical approaches. Our distinguished faculty works at the forefront of research in German literature and culture, language and media, Germanic linguistics, as well as a number of cross-disciplinary fields. Students are encouraged to develop their fields of emphasis – ranging from medieval literature to literature of the 21st century and from linguistics to film, law, and philosophy – in close collaboration with the department faculty and affiliated faculty at UC Berkeley. A close-knit intellectual community of students and faculty supports collaborative work, intellectual development, and professionalization in the larger context of the humanities at Berkeley. Students participate in our international networks and many also choose one of the interdisciplinary Designated Emphases that Berkeley offers in addition to the Ph.D. in German. An outstanding record of external grants and of job placement testifies to the success of our students.
More information for prospective graduate students:
Letter to Prospective Graduate Students
Admissions: Application Instructions