German - BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

About This Degree

The goal of the German program at USU is to prepare students for a high level of proficiency in professional and academic contexts.

What You Will Learn

Majors take language courses in which they develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills; culture and literature courses where they learn about the traditions and perspectives of German-speaking communities; and business and translation courses, which offer practice-oriented preparation for the job market. They also have the option to participate in study abroad programs in Germany where they gain proficiency in German and experience exciting travel opportunities.

The faculty members in the German program have culturally diverse expertise in language, literature, and culture which helps majors gain a solid grounding in German language and culture and prepares them to function effectively in a variety of careers and as members of the international community.

Emphasis:

German Teaching:

This emphasis is for students who wish to obtain licensure to teach in secondary schools. It includes courses in language history, the interaction of language and society, and teaching methodologies.

Education Component

This is for the German teaching emphasis only. In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Students in the German teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department: World Languages and Cultures Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in German, students may pursue the following careers:

  • Translator or interpreter
  • Customs worker
  • Government translator
  • Immigration services
  • Language teacher or tutor
  • Social services
  • International business or development
  • Peace Corps
  • Tour guide

German Teaching Emphasis

  • German teacher in middle school or high school

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the German program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring for other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA for admission to this major.
  • The department administers placement tests for new German students who have had prior exposure to the German language.
  • STEP Requirements (German teaching with secondary school licensure emphasis only): In order to be accepted into STEP, students must go through an application process, which includes the following:
    • Complete 60 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75
    • Complete certain core courses (see department for more information)
    • Complete OPI test and score a minimum of “Advanced Low”
    • Complete a speech and hearing test
    • Pass the Teacher Education Writing Exam
    • Provide an unofficial copy of  your transcript
    • Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before submitting the application)

International students have additional admissions requirements.

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How to Apply

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