Graduate Degrees in German & Russian

German & Russian

As a department of foreign languages, literatures and cultural studies, the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures prepares students for life and careers in an increasingly global world. 

We offer a Master of Arts in Russian studies and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in German studies. In collaboration with the Leeds School of Business, we also offer a dual degree (MA/MBA) in German studies. Our programs enable students to combine their language training with interdisciplinary study of the regions where their language is spoken. The cultural legacies of the Germanic and Slavic countries continue to shape fields such as literature, art, music, film, philosophy and political science.

Degree Types

MA ᐧ MA/MBA ᐧ PhD

Degree Options & Application Requirements

German Studies Russian Studies
German Studies

German Studies

Master of Arts

  • Students applying to the MA degree are expected to have a BA or equivalent in German or BA-level proficiency in German with a BA in a related field, and should have a general knowledge of the German-speaking countries' literature, history and culture.
  • The master's degree requires either 24 credit hours of approved coursework and a master's thesis (6 credit hours) or 30 credit hours of coursework without thesis, and reading knowledge of one foreign language in addition to German and English.
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • GRE scores are not required and will not be considered when evaluating applications.
Application Deadlines
  • The deadline for completed applications for fall admission is Jan. 15. Late applications and applications for spring admission may be accepted, with permission of the graduate associate chair. Please contact the graduate program assistant or graduate associate chair with inquiries about late applications.

  For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in German studies.

Master of Arts/Master of Business Administration

  • 70 credit hours
  • 3-year program

  For program details, review the course catalog for the MA/MBA dual degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

  • The PhD program requires 30 hours of coursework at the 5000 level or above. Students who have completed an MA degree may be able to apply up to 21 hours toward this requirement.
  • In addition to coursework, students must take a total of at least 30 credit hours of doctoral dissertation.
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • GRE scores are not required and will not be considered when evaluating applications.
Application Deadlines
  • The deadline for completed applications for fall admission is Jan. 15. Late applications and applications for spring admission may be accepted, with permission of the graduate associate chair. Please contact the graduate program assistant or graduate associate chair with inquiries about late applications.

  For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in German studies.

Russian Studies

Master of Arts

  • Thesis option: Students must complete at least 30 credit hours, including 24 hours of coursework and 6 thesis hours. Students must submit a thesis and pass a one-hour oral defense.
  • Nonthesis option: Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of coursework, then pass a written MA final exam and a one-hour oral defense.
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • GRE scores are not required and will not be considered when evaluating applications.
Application Deadlines
  • The deadline for completed applications for fall admission is Jan. 15. Late applications and applications for spring admission may be accepted, with permission of the graduate associate chair. Please contact the graduate program assistant or graduate associate chair with inquiries about late applications.

  For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in Russian studies.

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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