Overview

Key facts

While studying the language and culture of the German-speaking world, students gain important background into political and cultural developments in that world—from the early modern period to the present. German is part of the arts and humanities program in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

Many students in the Germanic Language and Literature program have a double major or minor in international affairs, with concentrations in European studies, specifically Western Europe. Related majors within the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences are history, art history, political science, philosophy and other disciplines within the humanities.

George Washington University students will acquire the oral and cultural proficiency to live and study in a German-speaking country, the confidence to conduct themselves professionally in work and business contexts and the experience of reading the works of famous authors in the original German, from Johann Wolfgang Goethe to Nobel Prize winner Günter Grass. Courses are offered in both English and German. They include survey courses as well as seminars on special topics.

What can I do in the Germanic Language and Literature field?

Students can use their German language skills and knowledge of German history and culture in a variety of fields and occupations. In recent years, students in the German program have won prestigious Fulbright fellowships to teach and study in Germany before going on to graduate school.

GW’s German students have been accepted to top graduate programs in German studies, law, history and international business. Some have embarked on the yearlong scholarship Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals; others have chosen to stay in Washington, D.C., and work for the State Department, the Goethe-Institut and the World Bank. With a Bachelor of Arts in German, students can teach in primary and secondary schools and work as interpreters or translators.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Dealing with the Communist Past
The Age of Goethe
From Romanticism to Realism
From Naturalism to Expressionism
Inside and Outside the Third Reich
Literature of Two Germanies
Contemporary German Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Washington, D. C., United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature German and Scandinavian studies View 1015 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Common Application
Financial Certificate
Photocopy of your Passport
International Credentials
Letters of Recommendation

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

69780 USD / year

≈ 69780 USD / year
Out-of-State

69780 USD / year

≈ 69780 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

69780 USD / year

≈ 69780 USD / year

Living costs

Washington, D. C.

United States

1705 - 2975 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Germanic Language and Literature.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Key facts

What can I do in the Germanic Language and Literature field?

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

Washington, D. C.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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