students gathered around a laptop

German

The German program emphasizes high proficiency in language and cultural studies, focusing on real-world communication skills and fostering a student-centered, immersion-based learning environment. Courses promote understanding of cultural differences, encourage reflection on literary, cinematic, and artistic works, and cultivate self-awareness and respect through diverse interactions with German-speaking countries and other regions where German is spoken.

Careers in German

  • Communications Specialist
  • Teacher
  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Analyst
  • History/Culture Representative

Potential Salary

Median Salary $59,000

The median annual wage for Foreign Language Degrees in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

German Degrees at MSU

German, Bachelor of Arts

This program serves students who are seeking high proficiency in German language and cultural studies.  Courses focus on real-world communication skills, in a student-centered, immersion- based learning environment that encourages the open exchange of ideas, instills awareness of cultural differences, and encourages a deeper understanding of events, institutions, and traditions. Students reflect on the nature and value of literary, cinematic, and artistic works as part of a larger inquiry into the making of cultures.

German, Minor

The German minor prepares students for high proficiency in the German language and cultural studies.

German Teaching, Bachelor of Science

Accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the German Teaching program prepares student to teach in the K-12 environment. This degree requires additional instruction offered by the College of Education as well as courses in professional language teaching methods for use in the K-12 classroom.

Two students in Europe in front of old building.

German Program Study Abroad Opportunities

The German program has partner universities in Erlangen-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe, Germany where students can pursue studies for a semester or academic year in German and their second major. The German program also has short-term study opportunities, which are led by University faculty.

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German Club

The German Club provides members with opportunities to converse in German and deepen their understanding of German culture through social activities and discussions.

Teaching German

Accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the German Teaching program prepares student to teach in the K-12 environment. This degree requires additional instruction offered by the College of Education as well as courses in professional language teaching methods for use in the K-12 classroom.

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Global Education

Learn more about global education opportunities, including international student services through Kearney International Center, study abroad programs and English language programs.

Related Programs

Woman teacher at chalk board with student.

Spanish

The Spanish program serves students who are seeking high proficiency in the Spanish language and cultural studies. The focus on real-world communication in our classes promotes a student-centered environment with opportunities to exchange ideas and open minds to different ways of interpreting events from a variety of cultural perspectives.

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Scandinavian Studies

The Scandinavian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that combines acquisition of a Scandinavian language with study of the diversity and richness of the greater Nordic cultural region of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. 

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French

The French program teaches students to not only to communicate correctly and effectively in French, but also to understand and appreciate the diverse cultural perspectives and practices of French-speaking populations.

a person writing on a paper

History

The History program fosters diverse communities and multicultural connections while equipping students with critical analysis, information literacy, and writing skills for careers in various fields such as education, law, museums, public service, and more.

Department of German

College of

Humanities and Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.

Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences