If you’re passionate about learning spoken and written German, its literature, and its diverse cultures, the University of Mary Washington can help you attain mastery. Our program brings language and culture to life through small, intensive classes and fully equipped labs. At UMW, you’ll study with expert teachers, converse with native speakers, and take advantage of cultural events in nearby Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. UMW strongly encourages German majors to study abroad through our partner university in Erfurt, Germany, or in programs in Austria and Switzerland.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in German who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Foreign Languages.
Areas of Study
UMW offers beginning and intermediate German; introduction to German literature; business German; German civilization; numerous advanced German literature courses; advanced grammar, conversation, and composition; seminars in German; individual studies; and for-credit internships.
Career Opportunities
UMW German graduates find career opportunities in interpreting, translating, research, social services, education, and international business.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for interpreters and translators will increase by more than 46 percent between 2012 and 2022, making this field one of the fastest-growing occupations. In 2012, the median annual wage in this field was $45,430.
Internships
Internships offer hands-on experience and course credit to juniors and seniors. Recent UMW German students have had internships with the U.S. State Department, the FBI, and Volkswagen USA. There also are internship opportunities abroad.
Honors
Students who have at least a 3.5 grade-point average in the French major and a 3.0 GPA overall by the beginning of senior year can apply to complete a research-based thesis for departmental honors. A three-member committee will hear the thesis defense and determine whether honors will be awarded.
An undergraduate research grant, awarded through the Office of Academic Affairs, may be available for travel and other thesis-related expenses.
Requirements
Major Requirements
Students complete eight courses on the advanced level, including two required courses in writing and speaking; one required course in literature and culture; and five electives in advanced literature, culture, or language.
Minor Requirements
The German minor requires 26 credits including core classes and three upper-level electives.
The minor in business German also requires 26 credits including a sequence of business or economics courses.
Scholarships
Eligible students can apply for scholarships to defray costs of faculty-led travel programs. Multiple awards are made each semester. Several scholarships also are available to help students spend a semester studying abroad.