The major in German offers a comprehensive undergraduate program of study in German. It facilitates the development of proficiency and confidence in the German language from basic language courses for beginners through advanced courses in language, linguistics, film, literature, and culture.
Europe has approximately 100 million native speakers of German, and knowledge of German is an important skill for students interested in European business, government, history, philosophy, religion, art, film, and literature. German-speaking Europe includes Germany, Austria, and the majority of Switzerland. German is also an important regional or second language in several other countries.
Why Iowa?
Iowa’s German program offers courses in areas such as literature, culture, and linguistics as well as the German language itself. The program’s faculty members have expertise in a wide range of topics in German literature, linguistics, film, and culture. Many German faculty members are also engaged in interdisciplinary projects and cooperate with faculty in departments and programs across campus.
As a German major, you’ll find outstanding technological resources and modern approaches to teaching and learning in your courses. The University of Iowa Libraries provides access to an extensive collection of works and periodicals in all major areas of German literature, culture, film, and linguistics.
German is an ideal major to combine with a second major or a minor, or with an interdisciplinary certificate. At Iowa, you’ll have almost unlimited choices for combined areas of study, which will broaden your options for careers and graduate or professional schools.
Admission Requirements
Students interested in this major must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Information
First-Year
Transfer
International
Careers and Outcomes
Within six months of graduating, 95 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking work. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
German majors frequently pursue careers with an international focus, and many others enter teaching professions. It is often effective to combine other skills and studies with the major in German to prepare for careers in international business, government, communications, the foreign service, non-governmental organizations, museum studies, and other fields in which language skills, effective communication, international experience, and intercultural competence are essential.
Student Opportunities
In addition to more than 600 student organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 study abroad programs and multiple undergraduate research opportunities.
Every week, students have the opportunity to converse in German with faculty members and fellow students at “Kaffeeklatsch,” the German program’s informal conversation hour. There is also an undergraduate German Club, which organizes events such as movie nights, field trips to German restaurants and heritage sites, German breakfasts, game nights, and an end-of-semester party.
Study and Internships Abroad
The German program offers an academic-year study abroad program at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in Freiburg, Germany. It includes a four-week intensive language program followed by special classes and regular German university courses. Organized field trips provide perspectives on German culture and semester breaks provide time to travel throughout Europe.
Other study abroad opportunities in Germany include an exchange program with the Universität Dortmund, summer and semester length study abroad programs in Lüneburg and Berlin, and a semester-long European Union focused program in Freiburg designed for students interested in Political Science and International Relations. A business program at the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business) in Vienna, Austria is open to students enrolled in the Tippie College of Business. Summer internship programs are available in Berlin and Vienna.
Study abroad experiences require advance planning to make optimal use of the time abroad and maintain progress towards on-time degree completion. Talk with your advisor as soon as possible if you are interested in participating. Scholarships and financial aid are available to support study abroad.
Scholarships
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
In addition to other scholarship opportunities, German majors are eligible to apply for the Dr. George Schulz-Behrend scholarship and the Richard S. and Helene D. Trump Scholarship. The German program also recognizes outstanding students each year with smaller awards.
Coursework
Courses focus on the cultures of Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland to provide an understanding of the historical and contemporary importance of these countries in a globalized world.
Required course work for the BA includes:
- Three advanced language courses
- German Writers Engaged
- One course in German culture
- One course in German linguistics
- Four elective courses (may include some culture courses taught in English)
- German Graduation Portfolio
In addition to course work for the major, students must complete the requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.
See German in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major or minor and graduating with honors.
Teaching Licensure
If you are interested in teaching, you will need to complete the College of Education’s world language Teacher Education Program, which includes education courses and one semester of student teaching.