The graduate program in German and Scandinavian studies offers both the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Students may apply for the M.A./Ph.D. track, for the M.A., or for the Ph.D. if they enter with an M.A. degree. For information on teaching certification in combination with the M.A. degree, contact the Graduate Program Director. Our strengths are in literary and cultural studies, including feminist, film, Black German, German-Jewish, and minority studies.  We have also maintained our historic and linguistic depth in medieval studies and Germanic philology. We are home to the DEFA Film Library, a research center focusing on film related to East Germany.  Our resources are enhanced by the Five Colleges, the Yiddish Book Center, and exchange programs with the universities in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Austria.  We offer instruction in German, Swedish, Yiddish, Middle High German, and Old Norse.

Reflecting the recent dramatic changes in Europe, the move toward globalization and changes in the fields dealing with the languages, literatures, and cultures involved, the graduate program has strengthened the interdisciplinary basis of its offerings. Courses dealing with issues of representation, historical investigation, and social science methodology are being introduced in combination with literary and cultural studies related to many historical periods. For additional information, visit the department website at www.umass.edu/german/ or contact the Graduate Program Director.