German
Let's start with 100 million reasons—that's the number of people who speak German around the world. German is more than one of the most common languages—it's also one of the international standards for engineering, science, business and many other academic and professional fields. This program is for students who want to be fluent in German, study the largest economy in the European Union, and learn more about the birthplace of Einstein, Arendt, Nietzsche, Beethoven and other world-famous Germans.
What will I learn?
As a German major, you’ll spend a lot of your time in small classes, with plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and work closely with your classmates and teachers. This program is designed to make you proficient in understanding, speaking, reading and writing German. In addition, you’ll gain knowledge and insight about German culture, which gives you an advantage as you’re preparing to work as a teacher, translator and in other careers.
What can I do with a German degree?
German is one of the most common languages in the world, which means a German degree gives you choices throughout your career. Common career paths include:
- Academia and education. Teach at schools and universities in the U.S. or German-speaking countries, or help develop effective educational materials.
- Publishing and translation. Become a translator, announcer, interpreter, technical writer, journalist or specialist at a book publisher, media company, immigration agency or many other types of organizations.
- Industry, research and consultation. Work as a linguist or diplomat for a government agency. Study and document how German is used for a research lab. Become an import/export specialist or lawyer, or perhaps consult for law enforcement and other professionals.
Many students continue their education in graduate school, often for an advanced degree in teaching English as a second language, linguistics or a related field.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $112,950.00 | N/A | |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $78,500.00 | N/A | |
| Interpreters and Translators | $40,540.00 | $19.49 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.