BA German Language and Literature at George Washington University

Programme overview

In our rapidly changing world, communication is key to understanding other peoples and cultures. GW’s German Language and Literature program examines everything from the age of Goethe and the fairy tale to business German and the Berlin Wall. While studying the language and culture of the German-speaking world, you will gain an important background into political and cultural developments—from the early modern period to the present. Our students are engaged in numerous German organizations and activities—such as the German Club to film evenings and excursions to events.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Romance, German, and Slavic Studies | Duration: 18 credits | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. *GER 2091, GER 2092, GER 2161, and GER 2162 can be counted either as required courses or elective courses, but not both.

Career pathways

Our graduates have been accepted to top graduate programs—some have embarked on the yearlong scholarship Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals, while others have gone on to careers within the U.S.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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