Master's Program in German Studies and Higher Education Administration

About the Program

This innovative program offers qualified students with a strong background in German the opportunity to combine advanced study of German language, literature, and culture with coursework in higher education administration. In its fusion of discipline-specific postgraduate study with practical career-oriented preparation in a rapidly growing area of higher education, the program enables students to develop new career paths while further developing their knowledge of German language, literature and culture.  

Master's students in German Studies and Higher Education Administration experience the ideal blend of intellectual engagement and professional preparation. We have a strong research-active German faculty with a proven history of university leadership, experience in the areas of undergraduate and graduate education, and a network of national and international relationships. Students also have the opportunity to take coursework in a variety of disciplines related to higher education administration with renowned Washington University faculty and administrators.

Admissions Criteria & Financial Support

We seek top students who have completed advanced undergraduate coursework in German and who are looking for creative alternatives to the conventional PhD track in the graduate study of German. Admission is based on prior academic experience, ability, promise of achievement, and commitment to advanced study. Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with German as either a major or minor. Additionally, they should demonstrate advanced proficiency in German, facility with writing in English, and interest in higher education administration. Students admitted to the program will receive full tuition remission and a small stipend.

Program Requirements 

The MA in German Studies and Higher Education Administration requires 24 graduate-level units in German language and culture and 15 units of higher education administration courses and relevant coursework in psychology, statistics, education, business, social work, nonprofit management and other disciplines. Courses will be supplemented by internships with academic and administrative units on the Washington University campus and with other higher education institutions in North America or the German-speaking world. In the final semester of coursework, the student will complete a capstone project.

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Admission is based on prior academic experience, ability, promise of achievement, and commitment to advanced study. The annual application deadline is December 1, 2024.

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Suggested Sequence of Coursework

First Year (Fall Semester)

  • 2 graduate-level German courses (6 units) 
  • 1 course in higher education administration, or related areas (3 units) 

First Year (Spring Semester)

  • 2 graduate-level German courses (6 units)
  • 1 designated course in higher education administration or related areas (3 units)
  • 1 internship

Summer After the First Year

  • Optional internship at higher education institution, possibly in Germany or Austria (depending on student interest and objectives)

Second Year (Fall Semester)

  • 2 graduate-level German courses (6 units)
  • 1 elective in higher education administration or related areas (3 units)
  • 1 internship

Second Year (Spring Semester)

  • 2 graduate-level German courses (6 units)
  • 1 capstone project (3 units)
  • 1 internship

Have questions? 

For more information about the program, please get in touch with our director of graduate studies

Contact Caroline Kita