World Languages and Cultures: German

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More than half the world is bilingual. Second language acquisition can boost salary and job prospects by as much as 35%. (Empirica)

A degree in German studies is a strategic investment in a global career. German is one of the most widely-spoken languages in Europe – more common even than English. It’s also the official language in Austria, Switzerland and parts of Belgium and Luxembourg.  

Fluency in German language and understanding of its culture opens doors to high-paying, competitive careers across multiple industries. 

Career possibilities for students who study German culture and language at BGSU:

• International business. Germany is a global leader in manufacturing, finance and trade – and a top investor in the U.S. Fluency in German gives professionals a leading edge in international business. BGSU German studies graduates work as international sales managers, market research analysts, supply chain coordinators and financial analysts. German language skills are essential when doing business in German-speaking countries, with German-speaking investors and clients or working with multinational companies.
• Education and teaching. German is a major academic language and essential in scholarly circles, particularly those focused on history, linguistics and philosophy. Those fluent in German may become a German language teacher in K-12 schools or universities. They may also work as linguistic researchers, studying the evolution of the German language and its cultural impact.
• STEM and engineering. Germany is at the forefront of engineering and technology. Many of the world’s top scientific journals are published in German. BGSU graduates with a B.A. in world languages and cultures with a specialization in German may work as technical translators, translating scientific and technical documents for global companies. Others find success as biomedical or pharmaceutical consultants in the thriving German medical and pharmaceutical industries. International project managers who speak German can help oversee multinational IT, engineering and tech initiatives. 
• Diplomacy and international relations. German is a key language in international politics and diplomacy. Having a degree in German prepares you for work as a foreign service officer, EU or UN representative, NGO/humanitarian aid coordinator or immigration services officer. 
• Translation services. German is one of the most in-demand languages for translation services, particularly in business, law, science, medicine and technology. Beyond work as a professional translator, graduates may work as a localization specialist and adapt software, media or marketing materials for German-speaking audiences. 
• Travel, tourism and hospitality. Germany is one of the world’s top travel destinations. German fluency can greatly enhance careers in tourism and hospitality. Graduates may excel in roles as cultural events coordinators, hotel/resort managers or international tour guides. 

Study abroad

Study abroad is one of the most important aspects of the German studies program. For more than 50 years, BGSU has partnered with the 400-year-old University of Salzburg (PLUS) and the Mozarteum University Salzburg to provide students an unparalleled study abroad experience. 

Choose from 30+ degree programs at this UNESCO Heritage site. Courses are taught in German and English and supervised by BGSU faculty. The program is open to BGSU undergraduate students after four semesters, as well as graduate students in their first year of the M.A. in German program.

It’s hands down one of the most affordable study abroad programs in any German-speaking country, welcoming students from around the world to gather, learn, experience and grow in a beautiful, historic city. 

Other Austria Academic Year Abroad (AYA) options include: 

• Fulbright fellowships
• Fulbright teaching fellowships
• DAAD Fellowships
• Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals
• CDS Internship and the CDS Summer Internship. 

Check out the BGSU AYA Austria newsletter to learn more.

Curriculum

BGSU promises a holistic approach to learning German language and culture. The curriculum for B.A. world languages and culture with a specialization in German offers practical instruction and immersive experiences that emphasize critical thinking, cultural fluency and global awareness. 

Courses explore topics such as:

• Political, economic and social systems in Germany and Austria
• Comparative daily life and cross-cultural perspectives
• German and Austrian popular culture, film and media
• Environmental issues and sustainability
• Historical transformations, including the East German revolution and reunification
• Race and identity in the German-speaking world

You have the flexibility to explore additional areas based on your interests. Our 122-credit program ensures you gain not just language fluency, but academic depth and real-world relevance. 

Specialized tracks for professional growth include a reading and translation sequence tailored for international studies, business and the sciences. Culture courses delve into the contributions of German-speaking countries to art, philosophy, film, science and German-American culture.

German literature courses refine analytical and critical thinking skills through engagement with major creative works. A drama workshop as well as courses in linguistics and business German (offered during study abroad in Salzburg, Austria) enhance professional language skills for careers in education, business and beyond. 

Upon graduation, German studies majors are expected to:

• Assess an awareness of oneself and others when engaging in cultural activities and projects. 
• Develop cross-cultural communication by effectively interacting with diverse languages and cultures. 
• Evaluate information, situations and pressing issues in complex cultural and linguistic contexts through critical thinking.
• Examine the aesthetic qualities and sociohistorical contexts of a set of representative texts and artifacts from German culture.
• Create original materials in German that engage with the German-speaking world.

Required courses