Application Procedures
Update: Graduate Admissions Pause for AY 2026–27
Admissions for the German Studies MA and PhD graduate programs are paused for the 2026–27 academic year. This is part of a proactive effort to align academic and financial planning in the MSU College of Arts & Letters with university-wide goals.
Graduate admissions for all virtually Arts and Letters programs will resume in fall 2026 for the 2027–28 academic year. This temporary pause reflects our commitment to ensuring the long-term strength and stability of our graduate programs.
If you have questions or want to receive updates when graduate admissions reopen, please contact Prof. Lynn Wolff at lwolff@msu.edu or Ben Lampe at lampeben@msu.edu.
All application materials are submitted through MSU Graduate School’s online application portal. A complete application consists of:
- A 500-word statement of purpose and summary of academic background.
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted through the application portal).
- A C.V.
- An official transcript of all degrees conferred at the collegiate or graduate level. (The transcripts from U.S. domestic institutions must be sent via transcript services like Parchment or National Clearinghouse to admis@msu.edu, or in a sealed envelope with the name of the institution on it. More information for international transcripts is available from the Graduate School website).
- A portfolio of the applicant’s representative work in German.
International applicants must fulfill requirements as outlined on the MSU Graduate School website.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Those wishing to be fully considered for all funding opportunities should apply by December 1 for the following academic year.
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Lynn L. Wolff
Director of Graduate Studies, German Studies
E-mail: lwolff@msu.edu
Melissa French
Academic Coordinator for Graduate Affairs
E-mail: mfrench@msu.edu