The German program at Northwestern University offers a rich exploration of German language, literature, and culture within a broader European and global context. Across four years of study, students gain advanced language proficiency while engaging with texts that span medieval poetry, modernist literature, and contemporary cinema. The program emphasizes both linguistic competence and cultural literacy, enabling students to analyze critical historical developments, political ideologies, and philosophical movements that shaped the German-speaking world. Foundational and advanced language courses are complemented by seminars on themes such as identity, memory, and migration.
Students are encouraged to study abroad at partner universities in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, immersing themselves in native-speaking environments that deepen their cultural insight. Faculty members with diverse research interests support student-led projects and independent studies. Whether exploring Goethe’s legacy or examining Germany’s role in the European Union, students develop the intellectual tools to engage critically with cultural narratives. The program also fosters interdisciplinary connections with fields like history, philosophy, international relations, and media studies.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: German
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: German and Scandinavian studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Language and Foundations
• Elementary German I & II
• Introduction to German Culture
• Reading and Conversation in German
• Writing and Grammar Workshop
Year 2 – Intermediate Language and Cultural Analysis
• Intermediate German I & II
• German Literature in Translation
• Modern German Society and Politics
• Film and Visual Culture in Germany
Year 3 – Advanced Language and Historical Themes
• Advanced German Composition
• History of German Thought
• German Romanticism and Realism
• Nationalism and Memory Studies
Year 4 – Research and Global Perspectives
• Seminar on Contemporary German Issues
• Senior Research Project or Thesis
• Germany in the European Union
• Intercultural Communication and Translation
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in German pursue a wide array of career paths across education, international business, diplomacy, and cultural sectors. Many find positions as language educators, translators, foreign service officers, or cultural program coordinators. Others work in publishing, journalism, international nonprofits, or multinational companies that value cross-cultural competence and multilingual communication. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, analytical reading, and global awareness also supports entry into graduate studies, including law, literature, European studies, or global communication. The ability to navigate complex cultural and political contexts gives graduates a distinctive edge in today’s interconnected world.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who wish to develop deep cultural understanding and linguistic mastery while exploring key intellectual traditions of the German-speaking world. Northwestern offers personalized instruction, close mentorship, and access to global opportunities such as immersive study abroad and intercultural projects. The curriculum encourages students to think across disciplines and time periods, helping them connect literature, history, and politics in meaningful ways. With a balance of academic rigor and cultural exploration, this program equips students with both the language skills and cultural fluency needed to thrive in international careers or further academic study.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
