German Studies (BA) at Cornell University

Programme overview

Majors pursue individual interests in courses addressing literature and philosophy, culture and society, aesthetics and media, as well as critical and political thought. The course work emphasizes close analysis of texts and artifacts guided by thoughtful reflection on the concepts contributing to thorough inquiry. Seminar-style classes develop skills in critical thinking and the articulation of cogent, rhetorically effective arguments in oral and written communication.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Duration: 120 credits minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ithaca, NY, United States

What you will study

GERST 3000-3209 (fifth semester) and GERST 3210-3499 (sixth semester) or higher taught in German 3 1 The next course level in the sequence ( GERST 2000 or GERST 1230 ) depends on the placement test result at the end of GERST 1220 . 2 Further courses in German or English on the 3000- and 4000-level focusing on literature and culture courses (see course descriptions).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through the undergraduate college that offers the major (College of Arts & Sciences); no separate programme-specific admission requirement is listed in the catalogue entry. See Cornell undergraduate admissions. By the end of their sophomore year, prospective majors should have successfully completed one course at the 2010-2499 level. The options are: GERST 2020 , GERST 2040 , GERST 2060 , or equivalent. Advanced Standing Students with an AP score of 4 or 5 can be granted 3 credits in German depending on placement test results.

USD 73,946 a year (2026-27). Endowed Ithaca undergraduate tuition (Architecture, Art and Planning; Arts and Sciences; Engineering; Hotel Administration), one rate for all students; tuition only, excludes mandatory fees, housing and meals. The programme is listed under an endowed coll Source

First-year applicants: Early Decision (binding) and Regular Decision for fall entry. Transfer applications are considered for the fall semester only.

First-year Early Decision: application and fee due November 1, other required materials November 13, decisions mid-December. Regular Decision: application and fee due January 2, other materials January 19, decisions late March. Applications are submitted through the Common Application; the application fee is $85 (fee waiver available). SAT or ACT scores are required for first-year applicants.

Transfer applicants: application and fee due March 15, other required materials April 15, decisions late April through June, for fall entry only. Applications use the Transfer Common Application; the fee is $85. SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor expected for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply

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