GERMAN
Minor Programs
With 29 Nobel Prizes in chemistry, 24 in physics, 17 in physiology and medicine, and several more in peace, literature, and economics, Germany has made a significant worldwide impact both scientifically and culturally.
German, an official language in Austria, Belgium, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland, is the most widely used language in the European Union. Germany has the largest economy in the EU and is home to recognizable brands like Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, Nivea, and more.
A minor in German language can open doors at global organizations that do business in or with German-speaking countries. This minor can also pave the way for careers in teaching, translation, travel and tourism, and foreign service.
Over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities will increase by 15% for international bank managers, 7% for postsecondary German teachers, and 2% for interpreters and translators.
Program and degree requirements
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
50+ study abroad programs
With more than 25 programs in countries where German is the official language, UW-Whitewater’s study abroad platform gives Warhawks numerous opportunities to speak German with native speakers and gain cultural competence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
What our German students do
Enhance their career opportunities by adding German as a minor
Practice German language skills through internships and community service
Immerse themselves in German culture while studying abroad
Why study German at UW-Whitewater?
Pair a German minor with any UW-Whitewater major to gain valuable language and cultural skills that can help you stand out after graduation. With only 12 credits required, it's easy to fit into your degree plan while leaving plenty of room for other courses and opportunities.
Study abroad and cultural immersion
One of the most effective ways to gain cultural competency and improve your conversational skills is to immerse yourself in a German-speaking environment. Among UW-Whitewater’s 50+ study abroad/study away options, you’ll find opportunities in these regions of Germany:
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Frankfurt
- Friedberg
- Mannheim
- Marburg
The Hessen-Wisconsin Exchange program, a partnership between the Universities of Wisconsin and the German state of Hessen, offers year-long, semester and summer programs in a variety of subject areas including banking, finance, biotech ethics, renewable energy, intercultural communication, social work and economics.
UW-Whitewater offers a variety of other international experiences, including:
- International student teaching
- International service-learning
- Faculty-led travel studies
Campus and community involvement
You’ll find many student clubs and organizations that offer opportunities for German conversation or cultural interaction, including:
- German Club
- International Student Association
- Delta Phi Alpha (German Honor Society)
- Zeta Sigma Chi (a multicultural sorority)
What our graduates do
Work for multinational corporations and global NGOs
Take foreign service roles in (or to) German-speaking countries
Earn Fulbright Teaching and English Teaching Assistant fellowships and other international scholarly honors
German jobs: What can you do with a German minor?
UW-Whitewater graduates can use the skills gained in their German language minor in a variety of industries, including:
- Education
- Biotechnology
- Law
- International business
- Governmental service
- Journalism and media
Many of our world languages students also continue on to graduate school.
Hired Before Graduation
Colleen Almond, from Fitchburg, Wisconsin, earned a BBA in accounting and finance with a minor in German and was hired as a staff accountant with Wegner CPAs in Madison, Wisconsin.
Our faculty
The diverse faculty and instructional academic staff members in UW-Whitewater’s World Language and Culture programs include:
- Respected scholars nationally and internationally
- Authors bestowed with international awards
- Distinguished alumni
- Instructors bestowed with teaching awards
Faculty members also represent many countries including Egypt, Japan, Colombia, Mexico and Spain.
Our German faculty members have been honored for excellence in teaching, service and preservation of German-American culture.
Want to learn more about earning a German minor?
262-472-1975 | wlc@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater’s World Languages and Cultures offerings include the following undergraduate German options:
Minors:
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, as a German minor, you’ll take a variety of basic, intermediate and advanced language courses, as well as elective classes. Here’s an example of available electives:
- German Language and Culture Through Film
- German Civilization
- Readings in Modern German Literature
- German Conversation
Students pursuing German education will complete courses and teaching placements required for state certification.
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in a German minor.
If you studied German in high school, you’ll take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for your first UW-Whitewater course. Native/heritage speakers should speak to the program coordinator for placement information.
