Pursuing a Degree in German

Yale University describes its German program as "a terrific way to become fluent in the language and culture of German-speaking lands and to tackle one of the richest traditions of literature and critical thought."

Those who study German may find classes focused on German current events, political history, and the history of Germanic culture. In some programs, including the one offered at Yale, "Students also receive practical training in close textual analysis, the logics of literary language, the ethics of reading, and the discourses of knowledge and their critiques since the enlightenment."

What can you do with a German Degree?

According to Yale, "graduates work in fields as diverse as environmental policy, journalism, arts management, consulting, and engineering, as well as in governmental and non-governmental organizations and businesses."

A Degree in German prepares students for careers in a variety of fields, such as:

Arts (Administration and Creative)
Business
Communications
Education
Government
Journalism
Law
Media
Public Policy
Politics
Research

Earning a degree in German can mean studying toward an Associate's Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral program.

Certificate in German

With a Certificate in German, students will immerse themselves in language studies.

A Certificate is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of entry-level careers, especially those that serve mixed cultural communities. A Certificate in German also prepares students for further educational success should they choose to continue with baccalaureate studies.

Did You Know?

German is the official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is also the official language of parts of Italy, France, and Belgium.
German is one of the official languages of the European Union
German companies account for approximately 100 million US-based jobs
Approximately 60 million Americans can trace their heritage to Germany, this is almost 1/5th of the total US population

Jobs with a Certificate in German

Teacher Assistant – Work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. May specialize in specific student populations given area(s) of expertise. Median Annual Salary: $29,000.
Translator – Convert information from one language into another language. Some work for translation and interpretation companies, individual organizations, or private clients. Many translators also work remotely. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in German

Students who have a passion for German culture and language will thrive in a Bachelor’s Degree program. Students will grow their knowledge and expertise on all things German while cultivating their language, writing, and research skills. Students will acquire the skills to think critically, creatively, and independently.

A Degree in German is interdisciplinary and may include courses such as:

Women’s Studies
History
Literature
Culture
Popular Culture
Humanities
Politics
Art

Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in German

News Correspondent – Work for a newspaper, website, periodical publisher, or in television or radio broadcasting and inform the public about news and events. Specifically, as it relates to and/or impacts international and German news. Median Annual Salary: $46,000.
Interpreter – Convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Some work for translation and interpretation companies, individual organizations, or private clients. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
Public Relations Specialist – Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
Customs Broker – Works to ensure client shipments meet the dozens of requirements enforced by US Customs and Border Control. Median Annual Salary: $76,000.

Master’s Degree in German

A Master’s Degree in German will help students further build their German communication skills including speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also further develop their research and critical thinking skills.

A comprehensive German graduate program will encourage students to become active and engaged citizens in a complex global world. A Master’s is a popular choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in German

Historian – Research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher – Instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential. Median Annual Salary: $55,000.
Postsecondary Teacher – Instruct students in German courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
Public Relations Manager – Direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Median Annual Salary: $118,000.

Doctoral Degree in German

For students seeking the ultimate accolade in postsecondary education, a Doctor of Philosophy in German is available at select universities and colleges. PhD students are poised to become the foremost authority in their field with candidates focusing on their passions and specific area(s) of expertise in German language and culture.

Jobs with a Doctoral Degree in German

Postsecondary Education Administrator – Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Median Annual Salary: $98,000.
Author – Develop written content for various types of media on international topics. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.

Is a German Degree worth it?

By taking advantage of educational entitlements such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program and students can earn a degree for little or no money out-of-pocket. Don’t forget about the MyCAA program for eligible spouses; MyCAA provides funding for Associate Degree and Certificate programs.

GI Bill-approved Schools with German Degree Programs

Ready to start your degree in German? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Virginia Tech

Offers a Bachelor of Arts in German. Virginia Tech is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Virginia Tech is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Moorpark College

Offers an Associate Degree in German. Moorpark College is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Moorpark College is a MyCAA-approved school.

Kent State

Offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in German. Kent State University at Kent has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for CLEP exams. Kent State University is a MyCAA-approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Arizona

Offers a Bachelor of Arts in German Studies and a Master of Arts in German Studies. The University of Arizona has GI Bill-approved programs, is approved for Tuition Assistance, awards credit for the DSST and CLEP exams, and offers credit for military experience. The University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon school.

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