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German Major

What is a Major in German?

Prepare to be a global citizen by understanding the culture and society of one of today’s major political, economic, and cultural players. You will work with dedicated faculty to attain fluency in speaking and writing German while developing critical thinking and communication skills to compete in the global market.

Why Study German at Virginia Tech?

Study in small classes with award-winning faculty who will share with you their expertise and appreciation of the German language and culture. You will develop the language and cultural knowledge necessary to collaborate with German-speaking partners in professional and research fields.

 
75%
Students Double Major

 
Mozaiko
German House Living Learning Community

 
4
German Language and Cultural Groups

Careers and Further Study

What can you do with a major in German?

Jobs Held by Our Graduates

  • International Attorney
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Translator/Interpreter
  • Foreign Diplomat
  • Chemist
  • International Marketing Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Foreign Correspondent 
  • University Professor

Beyond the Classroom

Experiential Learning

Strong Community 

Join our German Culture Club, which organizes a variety of activities.  

We also host a monthly Kaffeeklatsch, where you can enjoy cookies and German conversation. 

Students who excel academically in their German studies are invited to become members of Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honor Society. 

Participate in Teach for Jamie, an after-school language and culture program for elementary school students. You'll serve with us in memory of Jamie Bishop, a former German instructor at Virginia Tech.

German Culture Club

Undergraduate Research

As you complete undergraduate research, you'll have opportunities to publish your work in peer-reviewed journals, including Philologia, and to submit your work for presentation at conferences.

Jamie Bishop Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship provides support for students majoring or minoring in German who plan to study, intern, or conduct research in a German-speaking country. Apply by December 1 or April  1. 

This fund was created to honor the memory of Professor Jamie Bishop, who, as a German instructor, held “the conviction that learning a foreign language and culture is not just a joy, but is fundamental to our civilization.” If you have questions, contact Dr. Esther Bauer.

German mountain

Living, working, and conducting research in a German-speaking country are great ways for students to familiarize themselves with the people, language, and customs of a country. Virginia Tech students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities for study, internships, and research available in Austria, Germany, and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Programs abroad can be for a few weeks in the summer, a semester, or an entire academic year.

Contacts
Global Education Office 
German majors and minors interested in opportunities abroad should consult their German advisor.

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German Tutoring 

Find extra help with your German classes. We offer tutoring for you through the Student Success Center.

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Summer Internship at the Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe

The Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe offers an 8-week summer internship for an American student from Virginia Tech. Applicants should have knowledge of written and spoken German and at least one 3000-level German course by the end of the semester before the internship. Responsibilities include office duties, assistance to international students, English tutorial programs, and support for the excursion program. Interns receive free lodging, one meal each weekday, public transportation within Karlsruhe, and the opportunity to attend classes and participate in excursions. Interns are responsible for travel expenses to and from Karlsruhe, health insurance, and visa fee.

For questions, contact Dr. Debra Stoudt.

Ian Thomson, Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe Intern
Live in the German House

Live in the German House at Mozaiko, a Living-Learning community where the world is at your fingertips. U.S. and international students live together in a diverse community, where you learn about each other's cultures, immerse yourself in language practice, and prepare for a lifetime of intercultural leadership.

The German tandem language learning program pairs native German speakers with VT students at the intermediate level to develop authentic communication skills. The one-on-one learning takes place virtually according to a schedule developed by the two partners. Tandem learning allows you to build your German speaking and listening skills, reflect on cultural differences, and further your ability to interact in intercultural and international contexts.  It is great preparation for an internship, research opportunity, or study abroad experience in a German-speaking country.


Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Degree

German Major Requirements

  • Conversation, Composition, and Grammar
  • Oral proficiency
  • Culture of the German-Speaking Countries 
  • German Culture and Literature 
  • Advanced Composition and Stylistics
  • Advanced courses on a variety of topics

Minor and Elective Hours

Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.


120 hrs
B.A. Foreign Languages

45 hrs
General Education

33 hrs
Major Requirements

42 hrs
Elective


 

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