Academic ProgramsWorld Languages & CulturesGerman StudiesAcademic Requirements

Academic Requirements

Major Requirements

To major in German Studies, you will take at least eight courses (32 credits) at the 200, 300 and 400 levels and complete the Senior Capstone Experience (SCE). The courses chosen for the major must include:

  • GRS 301 and GRS 302 (or an equivalent taken abroad)
  • GRS 304 or GRS 305
  • GRS 375, if studying abroad
  • At least one course at the 400 level, which must be taken during the senior year on campus.
  • Only for those students beginning GRS at either the 100 or 200 level, 200 level courses may count toward the major.

You are encouraged to continue to take courses in the language throughout the period up to graduation, even if you complete their required courses earlier. We encourage our majors to complete a semester of study abroad in Germany (or a summer program if pre-approved by the German faculty), and further recommend a year-long course of study.

In some cases, study abroad may be necessary in order to complete all the coursework. As part of your study abroad experience, you will complete a study abroad portfolio (GRS 375) to be turned in to the faculty advisor. Through exchanges coordinated by the Global Education Office, we offer semester-/year-long programs in Mainz and Tübingen and we can advise you on summer programs. Please consult the faculty when planning your study abroad experience to ensure that the program you choose meets the needs of your major and that you have a well-balanced course of study while abroad, including classes that complement your course of study on campus. There are opportunities for language-related internships as well. German courses taught in English (ILC courses) may also count toward the major if all written work is done in German.

Minor Requirements

If you’re primarily interested in another field, adding a German Studies minor can broaden your understanding of that field and propel your career – a language minor goes well with every major! Students who begin a language with 101, 102, or 201 must take a total of six classes in order to obtain the minor.

Students who begin with 202 or above must take a total of five classes, at least one of which must be at the 400 level.