Degree Programs in GermanGerman Studies

We have new majors and minors in German Studies! 

Here are some highlights - scroll down for more detailed information on the new degrees!

  • Any course with the rubric GER counts for the major and minor (except 101/102)
  • GER 103 and GER 104 both count for the major and minor
  • More freedom to choose your courses = easier to complete a major or minor
  • Illinois in Vienna credit still transfers directly into your major/minor
  • You can still pursue a concentration in German Business and Commercial Studies (and we have added a new minor in this area!)
  • We still offer our Five-Year BA/MA in German Studies, with your fifth year fully paid (tuition/fees plus a stipend of approximately $20,000)

If you are a current major or minor, you will not need to do anything differently. However, it may become much easier for you to add the major, and/or you may be much closer to a minor than you think. See the Undergraduate Advisor for details! And, here are some more excellent opportunities for you, in our wonderful smaller program within the big university!

  • Can't decide whether to major in German or something else? Our new major makes it much easier to earn a double major, or, if you're not in the College of LAS, a dual degree.
  • Would you like to gain teaching experience while earning the Master's degree, and get paid to do so? Earn our Five-Year BA/MA Degree (scroll down for more).
  • Interested in becoming a teacher and helping meet the growing demand for teachers? Get a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Teaching of German (scroll down for more).
  • Consider writing a senior thesis to graduate with honors (more information below).
  • Contact the undergraduate advisor or department head for more information about all of these great options!

 

German Studies - Bachelor of Arts Degree (effective Fall 2020)

Multidisciplinary approaches to the study of German, emphasizing a balanced knowledge of German language, literature, and culture, as well as exposure to contemporary politics and social issues in broader European and global contexts. Minimum of 34 hours of GER courses including

  • GER 211 (3 hours), GER 212 (3 hours), GER 420 (4 hours)
  • 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses with the rubric GER
  • GER 103 and 104 (4 hours each) count for the German Studies major, as do any other 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses in GER
  • No supporting coursework required

 

German Business and Commercial Studies - Bachelor of Arts Degree (effective Fall 2020)

Focus on the language and customs of the business world in German-speaking countries, together with study of international affairs and commerce, especially trade with Europe. Minimum of 34 hours of GER courses including

  • GER 211 (3 hours), GER 212 (3 hours), GER 320 (3 hours), GER 321 (3 hours), GER 420 (4 hours)
  • 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses with the rubric GER
  • GER 103 and 104 (4 hours each) count for the German Business and Commercial Studies major, as do any other 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses in GER
  • No supporting coursework required

 

Minor in German

Minimum of 18-19 hours of GER courses, including

  • GER 211 (3 hours), GER 420 (4 hours)
  • GER 103 (4 hours), GER 104 (4 hours), and any 200-, 300-, or 400-level courses in GER count for the German minor
  • Students who wish to complete a minor must earn at least six hours of distinct, advanced course work in the minor (300- or 400-level classes). 

 

Minor in German Commercial Studies

Minimum of 18-19 hours of GER courses, including

  • GER 211 (3 hours), GER 320 (3 hours), GER 321 (3 hours), GER 420 (4 hours)
  • GER 103 (4 hours), GER 104 (4 hours), and any 200-, 300-, or 400-level courses in GER count for the German Commercial Studies minor
  • Students who wish to complete a minor must earn at least six hours of distinct, advanced course work in the minor (300- or 400-level classes).

 

Five-Year BA/MA Degree Program

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers a 5-year BA/MA degree program in German. Many of our undergraduate students enter the university with substantial AP or proficiency credit, and are therefore already quite advanced in the program at an early stage. Students may apply to the 5-year program during their second or third year of undergraduate studies. Requirements for this degree program are identical to those for the BA and the MA in German. In order to be admitted to the 5-year BA/MA, students need to have a general GPA of 3.0 and a German GPA of 3.0, have taken enough coursework in GER to make completing the MA in five years feasible, and must submit a short essay in German (this can come from one of their courses).

The department will monitor the GPAs of students admitted into the BA/MA program before formal admission to the Graduate College. The decision about students' admission to the 5-year BA/MA in German will be made by the graduate admissions committee in conjunction with the undergraduate and graduate advisors of the department. The Department will consider students in the fifth year of this program for departmental support as Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, or for fellowships and scholarships.

The total number of hours required for graduation from the BA/MA program: 152. Students will receive both degrees when all the requirements are met. More detailed information may be obtained from the undergraduate advisor, the director of graduate studies, or the department head.

 

Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of German

Interested students should consult the acting Director of the Foreign Language Teacher Education Program, Dr. Florencia Henshaw (henshaw2@illinois.edu). In order to be recommended for certification, candidates are required to maintain Illinois, cumulative, content area, and professional education, grade-point averages of 2.5 (A= 4.0). A minimum of 120 hours of credit is required for graduation. Consult the certification officer at 505 East Green Suite 203 for additional information. http://cote.illinois.edu/

 

Honors Work / Department Distinction

Majors in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures are urged to consult the departmental undergraduate advisor by the second semester of their junior year for information pertaining to senior honors work and honors awards in the department. Majors whose university grade point average is 3.5 or higher should enroll in German 491, " Honors Senior Thesis," for a total of four hours of credit in their last year of study. These hours are not to be included in the total number of hours necessary for fulfilling the minimum departmental major requirements. Students may be awarded departmental distinction if the prescribed honors work is successfully completed. This can be done for "Highest Distinction" by students with at least a 3.67 university average and a 4.0 average in departmental courses who write a thesis of superior quality; for "High Distinction" by students with at least a 3.5 university average and a 3.67 average in departmental courses who write a distinguished thesis; or for "Distinction" by students with at least a 3.3 university average and a 3.5 average in departmental courses who write a paper of merit. Final determination of the merit of the thesis will be made by a committee of three faculty members appointed for each student.