UNL's graduate programs in French, German and Spanish exist in a stimulating environment that combines the advantages of a large, multilingual department in a comprehensive state university with the relative autonomy of three distinct language sections. We offer the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

Sharing across sections is a hallmark here. All students take two foundation courses in literary criticism and methods of teaching foreign languages. Faculty and students exchange common interests and interact in multiple languages, and degree candidates with prior experience in a second language find it easy to do a graduate minor in that language, giving them a special advantage on today's job market.

Literature is our central object of study, but we approach it in multiple ways. German offers work in children's literature; Spanish has courses that explore film and literature; members of the French section are involved in digital endeavors. Students can include courses in many interdisciplinary groups in their programs: Women's Studies, Judaic Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latin American Studies, Nineteenth-Century Studies, etc..

Applicants for the M.A. should present the equivalent of an undergraduate major in their language including courses in literature. They also should show strong language skills and familiarity with the target culture. This often includes study or experience abroad. Ph.D. applicants must have an M.A. or equivalent with strong preparation in the target literature, excellent language skills, and demonstrate potential to complete a doctoral dissertation by submitting a sample paper that shows critical thinking and writing ability.

Our GTA stipend includes tuition remission during the academic year and six credits of free summer tuition. Summer teaching is available to students in Spanish. In 2007-2008 the stipend for beginning GTAs was $9,969 at the M.A. level and $11,434 at the Ph.D. level. Summer teaching is available to students in the Spanish program; more limited summer opportunities are available in French and German. After one year of graduate study, students are eligible for Rogers departmental fellowships that supplement their assistantships.

Doctoral students are expected to present papers at scholarly conferences, and the department subsidizes their expenses with fellowship money. Support is also given to doctoral students interviewing for jobs at MLA.

All of our recent Ph.D. graduates teach at the college or university level, most with tenure-track appointments. In 2007, our doctoral graduates have found jobs at the University of Scranton, the University of Kansas, Huntington University (IN), Southeast Community College (Lincoln), Dixie College (Saint George UT). M.A. graduates generally go on to Ph.D. programs or to other professional training.