Overview

The Germanic Languages programme at Columbia University provides students with an advanced academic foundation in the linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions of the German-speaking world. This master level course is designed to foster critical thinking and sophisticated research skills within a vibrant intellectual community. Students engage with a diverse range of historical and contemporary topics to prepare for further doctoral study or professional careers.

Why Germanic Languages at Columbia University?

Choosing this programme means joining one of the oldest and most prestigious departments in the United States. The university offers unparalleled archival resources and library collections that support deep primary research. Students work closely with distinguished faculty members who are leaders in fields ranging from medieval studies to modern critical theory and cinema.

The department maintains strong interdisciplinary links across the humanities, allowing students to tailor their research interests. Being situated in a global cultural hub provides unique access to international institutes, museums, and German cultural organisations. This environment encourages a broad perspective on Germanic studies within a global context.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36728 per semester
National fee: USD 36728 per semester
Local fee: USD 36728 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to ensure both breadth of knowledge and specialised expertise. Modules may include:

Literary Theory
Intellectual History
Media History
Gender Studies
Film
Literature And Science
Translation Theory
German-jewish Culture

Careers with Germanic Languages

Graduates from this programme frequently pursue advanced doctoral research at leading global universities. The analytical and linguistic skills developed during the course also prepare students for diverse professional pathways. Many alumni find success in international education, cultural consultancy, and diplomatic services.

Other common career destinations include roles in publishing, translation, and archival management. The ability to navigate complex cultural and linguistic landscapes makes graduates highly attractive to international non-governmental organisations and global media firms. The programme provides a versatile foundation for any field requiring high-level communication and research capabilities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Paradigms of the European Novel

German Film After 1945

Circulation of Print Media: Rumor & World Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-26 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

German and Scandinavian studies View 41 other Masters in German and Scandinavian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

transcripts of all previous post-secondary education

a statement of academic purpose

a curriculum vitae or résumé

three letters of recommendation from academic sources

GRE scores and, if applicable, results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement

a sample of scholarly writing, if required by the department or program

payment of the application fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Out-of-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Germanic Languages.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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