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German Studies Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Explore the language, history and culture of one of the world’s most influential nations by studying German.

Germany’s history, politics and culture have influenced the world far beyond its borders. With a major or minor in German from UND, you expand your understanding of the world and your place in it.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a bachelor's degree in German studies?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Germany's leadership role in the European Union and on the world stage puts it at the center of international business, diplomacy and culture. A degree in German Studies and an understanding of the art and culture of German-speaking countries sets you apart in the job market.

Earn the only German Studies degree in North Dakota at UND. As a German Studies student at UND, you will:

  • Study the German language
  • Explore the literature, film, art, music, architecture, politics, economies and traditions of German-speaking countries
  • Examine the historical development of the modern German nation

We offer both a major and a minor in German Studies. When you pair your German Studies with a major in Global Studies, Business, Engineering, Art, Music, Psychology, Political Science, History, English, Education or anything else, you demonstrate your readiness to engage in the global community.

We also offer a German teaching track that meets the requirements for licensure set by the State of North Dakota.

German Studies at UND

  • Study abroad at our sister institution, the University of Regensburg in Bavaria

  • Join a faculty-led summer course in Berlin or Vienna

  • Apply for an Excellence in German Studies Scholarship for four years of financial support

  • Participate in German Cooking Club and German Club events

  • Practice your language skills at our weekly Stammtisch (conversation table)

  • Earn college credits in high school through the State Seal of Biliteracy awards, and AP, IB or CLEP exams. Plus, your language proficiency may help you earn up to 16 free credits at UND.

German Studies Careers

57k

Median annual salary for interpreters and translators, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

4%

Projected job outlook for interpreters and translators, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Studying German sets you up for success in any career. The insights and perspectives you gain from learning about a foreign culture and language give you the flexibility and communication skills required for success in today's global economy.

A bachelor's degree in German Studies prepares you for a variety of careers, including:

  • Teaching
  • Publishing
  • Writing
  • Translation
  • Journalism
  • International business
  • Government agency (FBI, CIA, Department of State)

In addition, UND students have a proven track record of winning scholarship awards such as:

  • Congress-Bundestag
  • RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering)
  • Fulbright

German Courses You Could Take

GERM 101. First Year German I. 4 Credits.

Introduction to written, spoken, and cultural foundations of German. F,SS.

GERM 201. Second Year German I. 4 Credits.

Continued exploration of the written, spoken and cultural foundations of German. Prerequisite: GERM 102, or equivalent. F.

GERM 206. Germany in a Global World. 3 Credits.

Cultural history course exploring the significant past and present global impact of Germany in areas such as aviation history, engineering, scientific innovation and discovery, psychology, politics, music, and the fine arts. No knowledge of German required. On demand.

GERM 404. German Stories, German Histories. 3 Credits.

Topics vary: Literary periods and genres, individual authors, or interdisciplinary projects. Repeatable when topics vary. Repeatable to 9 credits. Prerequisite: GERM 308 or equivalent. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

GERM 405. Mediating Cultures: Social Discourse in German-Speaking Countries. 3 Credits.

An exploration of German language media, focusing on social issues, such as multiculturalism, German politics, Germany and the European Union. Prerequisite: GERM 308. On demand.

GERM 409. Madness and Genius: An Introduction to German Intellectual History. 3 Credits.

Introduction to major intellectual, literary, and artistic movements of German- speaking cultures from Middle Ages to the present, with emphasis on the historical and philosophical environments in which they came to being. Prerequisite: GERM 308 with a grade of C or better. On demand.

Learn to Lead at UND

Amy Shirek leaves her legacy at UND and continues to make an impact on the next generation of leaders.

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