German
German studies is an interdisciplinary academic subfield of the humanities concerned with the languages, literatures, arts, and politics of German-speaking communities in Europe and across the world (e.g., Pennsylvania Germans). In pursuing each of these areas, German studies intersects with the related fields of linguistics, literary studies, visual studies, and history, respectively.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Minor
Degree Options
Degree Concentrations
- 3 B.S. options: Business, Engineering, or Applied German
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Arts and Architecture
- International Politics
- Linguistics
- Russian
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are passionate about the language, literature, and arts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions.
- You understand the critical role Germany plays in the European Union and the world today.
- Your other major is in one of the numerous other fields in which knowledge of the German language and culture is advantageous, such as Comparative Literature, Philosophy, History, or Political Science.
- You are considering an academic or professional career requiring knowledge of a foreign language and critical thinking skills.
Transferable Skills
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
- Analytical and Research Skills
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
- Adaptability
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- German Culture and Civilization
- The Holocaust in Film and Literature
- German Film
- German Business Communication
- German Conversation and Composition
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Ernst & Young
- Penn State University Press
- State College Area School District
- IES Internships
Education Abroad Destinations
Austria
Germany
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- MBA
- Graduate school to study European affairs, history, library and information science, public relations, digital marketing, and German studies
Job Titles
- Foreign Services Officer
- English as a Second Language Teacher
- User Experience Strategist
- Federal Consultant
- Translator or Linguist
- Analyst
- Lawyer
- Professor
Industries
Business, Finance, Government, Management, Sales
Employers
- IBM
- Vanguard
- Deloitte
- Guidehouse
- Universities
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Lexington County School District
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures
at Penn State University Park.