Study German culture, history, politics, and more, on campus or while studying abroad!
This is a transnational and interdisciplinary program that encompasses the various German-speaking regions of central Europe and offers an intellectually diverse program, which can include literature, history, politics, arts, philosophy, and business. Currently, Germany is a leading trade partner and ally of the U.S. and is a linchpin in the European Union. The cultural and linguistic traditions of Austria and Switzerland enrich the field of German Studies.
German Studies majors are encouraged to complete a pre-approved study, internship, or work experience of one to two semesters in a German-speaking country, or in an approved immersion program. NMU’s exchange partner in Germany, Oldenburg University, offers excellent support services at an affordable cost. Elective courses toward the major may be taken abroad and may substitute for the electives with departmental approval.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Vienna
NMU's Vienna Program is NMU's longest-running faculty-led study abroad program! Alongside NMU German Studies and History faculty, students will immerse themselves in the area's history and culture. From hiking in the mountains, weekly chats at Kaffeehaeuser (coffee houses), and learning German at any level, there's many reasons why this program is so popular!
On past trips, participants managed to do everything from hiking the Alps to boating down the Danube; from visiting Prague, Bratislava, and Hungary to regular excursions up and down the countryside of Lower Austria; from daily coffee and pastry to meals that left them exhausted; from ballet to opera and everything in between. Castles, palaces, cathedrals, Roman ruins. Museums of history, art, war, anthropology, hunting.
German Club
The German Club meets regularly to promote the study and appreciation of the German language alongside the history, culture, and traditions of the German-speaking world. We host regular events, including weekly film nights, collaborations with the other language clubs, provide resources to help get ready for study abroad, and more!
My favorite moments as an LLIS student were almost always in Dr. Sherman's classes. He is an enthusiastic and humorous professor who is passionate about teaching German while keeping it exciting. We read Graphic novels, listened to German music, and watched German movies and television shows. This is something I would have never had the opportunity to experience if it wasn't for Dr. Sherman.
Hannah Mahn
'21 German Studies Graduate
Coursework
The German Studies program emphasizes aptitude in cultural diversity, communication, critical thinking, reading and writing, thus providing students with marketable and practical skills regardless of career path. Students learn to gauge nuanced cultural differences and to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds, making them ready to navigate today’s diverse professional environments. Students develop critical thinking and abstract challenges with creativity and confidence.
While studying German language, literature, and cultures, students learn about international customs, attitudes, politics, history, world views, and artistic contributions of Germans and German-speaking peoples around the globe.
Programs Offered
- German Studies Major
- German Minor
- German-Speaking Cultures Certification of Competency
- Advanced Study in German Certification
- Intermediate Study in German Certification
- Basic Study in German Certification
Additional Considerations
Many German Studies majors also double major. Some popular major pairings include Public Relations and Communications (especially for students interested in graduate school or marketing), Mechanical Engineering (especially for students interested in the auto industry), International Studies (especially for students who plan to study abroad in a German-speaking country), Biology, and Environmental Studies, just to name a few.
Potential Careers
- Lawyer and Immigration Specialist
- International Business
- Translator or Interpreter
- German Language Teacher
- Customer Support
- Journalist and Writer
- Flight Attendant and Pilot
- Government
- Military
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- International Finance
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
Skills and Competencies
The multinational tech firm Google surveyed its workforce, and many of the top characteristics of Google employees are skills acquired in the German language, literature, and culture classrooms. Those abilities include:
- Being a good coach
- Communicating and listening well
- Possessing insights into others (including others’ different values and points of view)
- Having empathy and being supportive
- Being a good critical thinker
- Being a problem solver
- Being able to make connections across complex ideas
Language Certifications
Interested in learning German, but unsure about committing to a major or minor? Consider a language certification! Certifications are listed on a student's transcript and complement any major or minor. Each certification requires only 8 credits (2 language courses!), earning a "C" or better at a 100 (basic), 200 (intermediate), or 300 (advanced) level. Plus, earn a Credly badge for each certificate completion!
Basic, intermediate, and advanced certificates are offered for German. We also offer a Certification of Competency: German-Speaking Cultures.