The study of foreign language, literature, and culture is fundamental to a liberal arts education. It offers:
- Enhanced communication skills;
- Critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret more carefully;
- A more informed understanding of one’s own background; and
- Increased information about and sensitivity towards other traditions and values.
Find out about how each of the following might benefit you:
German Major
- 33 credit
- Most of the language classes also satisfy General Education requirements!
- Credits from study abroad or internship in German-speaking countries may be counted towards the major.
- 9 of the 33 credits may be satisfied with German Department courses in English which also count towards General Education requirements
- Majors with financial need are eligible for Kuschmierz Tuition Scholarship. For details see under Opportunities/Scholarships.
- Preference given for Kuschmierz and Wylie-Ernst Scholarships for Study Abroad in German-speaking countries.
Certificate in German Language
- 18+ credits of German language courses starting at the intermediate level or above. It allows students to achieve a significant level of proficiency in the German language as well as cultural competency.
- It prepares students for internationally recognized proficiency exams, internships and post-BA/BS scholarship opportunities in the German-speaking countries.
- 9 credits may be transferred from study abroad programs in German-speaking countries.
Preference given for Kuschmierz and Wylie-Ernst Scholarships for Study Abroad in German-speaking countries.
- Best starting point if you are unsure about majoring in German.
Minor in German Studies
- 15 credits, including two courses or six credits of German language.
- The German minor offers students a basic level of language and/or cultural competence. Students interested in the minor may tailor the remaining three courses (9 credits) to their interests by enrolling in the German Department’s General Education courses taught in English.
German Language Program
In each of our German language classes, students build language proficiency in the four basic skills areas—speaking, writing, reading, and listening – by acquiring the linguistic tools to communicate in a foreign language.