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Minor in German Studies

Considered one of the world's major languages, German is the first language of about 95 million people around the world. It's the most widely spoken native language of those who live and do business in the European Union. About 110 million people speak German as a second language.

Some of the world's top artists and scientists speak German. Some of the greatest scientific discoveries in the 20th century were made by Germans. Scientists from German-speaking countries have won dozens of Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and medicine. About one-fifth of the world's new books (and one-tenth of all e-books) are originally published in German. 

Why earn a minor in German studies at Â鶹ֱ²¥?

In both business and social settings, earning a minor in German studies will enable you to better understand one of the world's most important languages.

This minor is an excellent choice for careers in business, engineering, finance, law, public service, religion and the ministry, international relations, philosophy, healthcare, the sciences, and the arts.

• In 2014, The Economist reported that MIT professor Albert Saiz calculated that American college students who learn German earn about 3.8 percent (or about $128,000) more in lifetime earnings than those who do not know the language.
• Germany and Germany-speaking countries enjoy a strong business climate and economy that is based on innovation and high-quality new inventions. It is one of the world's largest exporters of manufactured goods and it is one of the largest export markets for American goods. 
• It's also the most widely taught non-English language in the U.S. after Spanish, French, and American Sign Language.

Fluency in German will enable you to diversify your career options after graduation, no matter what bachelor's degree program you choose.

What will you study?

To earn a minor in German studies at Â鶹ֱ²¥, you'll complete 18 hours of courses above the 100 level determined in consultation with your advisor. Together, you'll choose from courses like:

• Narrative prose in German
• History of the German civilization
• Germany's collective memory in literature, film, and memorials
• German drama
• Survey of German literature
• Written communication in German

What career paths are available?

Whether you want to work internationally or here in the U.S., you'll be an attractive job candidate for employers who want to build relationships in German markets or among German customers, clients, and stakeholders.

Some of the career paths you might choose include:

• Working in marketing or management for multinational corporations who want to expand their European operations
• Science, technology, and research careers for biology, chemistry, mathematics, clinical laboratory science, and other majors
• Banking, finance, and investment firms
• Publishing, content development, and technical writing
• Teaching at the secondary level
• Political science and government service
• The arts (film, literature, theatre, or music)