German Major
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
Jacob Paule, '17
As a student, Jake studied German, materials science, and engineering. Hestarted his career with Evonik Corporation, a German specialty chemicals company. He works as a technical service representative and travels to Germany several times per year to engage in global meetings with German colleagues.
Lena Campbell, '20
While studying German and Mechanical Engineering, Lena served as a German tutor to help develop other students’ skills and love of the language. She valued the opportunity to engage with the close-knit German community through German Culture club events. Lena is working as an Embedded Software Engineer with Thales Defense and Security, Inc. and hopes to use her German skills throughout her career.
Kabyl Oxikbayev, ‘21
Before graduating in Spring 2021, Kabyl applied for Masters’ programs in Europe, one of which was at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He was accepted by the program and began his studies in October of that year. At TUM, Kabyl is specializing in Transportation Demand Management with the interestto explore more about combining urban design with transportation engineering to create sustainable cities that are well integrated with public transit and less car dependent.
Samantha Vasquez, ‘17
After completing a bachelor’s degree in German and International Studies, Samantha worked for an international trade organization in Washington DC before earning a master’s degree in Education from George Mason University. She now teaches German at the high school level, drawing upon her German major and study abroad experience every day at work. In addition, Samantha teaches at the Virginia Governor’s World Language Academy, a three-week summer German immersion academy at Washington and Lee University.
Jonathan Falls, '22
While working towards B.A.s in German and International Relations, Jonathan Falls developed lasting interests in 19th- and 20th-century German philosophy and literature. Outside of the classroom, he held various positions in the German Culture Club and was a German tutor. He has served as a Language Mentor and German Teacher at the Virginia Governor's World Language Academies. Jonathan is currently an Instructor of Humanities and Associate Administrator at Community High School in Roanoke, VA, where his knowledge of German continues to inform his pedagogy.
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
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.
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.
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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Find extra help with your German classes. We offer tutoring for you through the Student Success Center.
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.
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
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
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
Campus Life
Campus Life
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