Regensburg bridge tower, Regensburg, eastern Bavaria, Germany

German Studies

The German major at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ allows you to fully access cultures, histories, and languages of the German-speaking world while boosting career prospects in international relations, engineering, business, and beyond.

Overview

The German Program opens a wealth of academic, professional, and personal opportunities by granting deep access to one of the world’s key languages in business, science, diplomacy, and culture. As you engage with a culture that profoundly shaped the modern world, you will develop both linguistic and cultural fluency through immersive experiences that integrate German, Austrian, and Swiss traditions.  

Through the program, you will explore classic works of German literature, pivotal moments in German history that have shaped discussions on nationalism, and the evolving responsibilities of the past and present. You will gain insight into contemporary trends in Germany, the impact of social movements throughout history, and films that have influenced the political and social landscape of German culture. 

The German Program fosters cultural fluency, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving—skills that are valuable in any career field. Whether you aspire to work in international relations, media, or deepen your understanding of European culture, proficiency in German serves as a powerful asset, unlocking diverse personal and professional opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. 
 

Your Major Took You Where?

German Studies majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Fulbright Commission - German English Teaching Assistant
  • Cincinnati Test System
  • Siemens Digital Industries Software
  • Austrian Department of Education
  • SB Energy

Postgraduate Study

  • Yale School of Nursing
  • Vanderbilt University
  • University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law
  • Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
  • Emory University
  • American University

Curriculum

 Through immersive experiences both in and beyond the classroom, including ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Term opportunities and study abroad programs in Erlangen, the German Program cultivates advanced proficiency in writing, speaking, reading, and listening. At all levels of study, students engage deeply with German culture, exploring its historical evolution and critically analyzing both contemporary and historical perspectives.

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

As a German major, you can expect to immerse yourself in German university life at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, or study abroad with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ professors in cities such as Berlin, Bonn, and Munich in Germany and Namibia.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internships for German majors at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ have included the DAAD Rise Research Internship in Science and Engineering, Universal Esperanto Association at United Nations, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ for Sustainability, Innovation & Good Governance, personalized internships while studying abroad in Erlangen, Germany, and the Rapid Prototyping Center at the University of Louisville.  

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ graduates with a German degree have found success as archivists, editors, and interpreters, and in careers such as international banking, foreign service, journalism, and teaching.  

German Studies Faculty

Person smiling

Katrin Bahr

  • Assistant Professor of German • Fulbright and DAAD Fellowship Advisor
  • Chair, German, Chinese, and Japanese
Person wearing glasses smiling

Ian W. Wilson

  • H. W. Stodghill, Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of German
  • Assistant Dean of General Education

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