A German major can stand alone as a field of study that enables students to participate – through language and in-depth study of texts, documents, and cultural objects – in both the contemporary life and the historical study of a major world culture. At the same time, the tools of linguistic and cultural understanding developed in a German major enrich students’ knowledge and professional prospects in any field, and the major is designed to be combined successfully across departments and colleges, from engineering and business to design and education.
German


I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet good friends who have the same passions of language learning as I do, as well as amazing professors who do the best they can in providing us with the right resources to pursue our desires and careers.
Sarah Rizvic, ’25 entrepreneurship and German LCP
Studied abroad in Marburg, Germany. “My favorite part was finding “hidden gems” around the town from popular fairy tales like Cinderella’s slipper, the mirror from Snow White, and Rapunzel’s tower.”
General requirements
In addition to general education course requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), students obtaining a German emphasis for a bachelor’s degree in world languages and cultures must also complete at least 30 credits beyond the intermediate level (GER 2010 & GER 2020).
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000/4000 level.
Minor
The Minor in German requires at least 17 credits of courses taught in German. At least 9 credits must be 3000-level German courses, 3 credits of which must be chosen from GER 3200 and 3300.
Courses
Check out our full list of courses we offer on the ISU Course Catalog, and see this semester’s courses on the ISU Schedule of Classes.
Study abroad
The ISU German program works individually with students to find study abroad programs that can best fit their academic, professional, and personal goals. Students have successfully undertaken a wide range of short-term and long-term study and internships in German-speaking countries hosted by a range of institutions. The Berlin Tech(no) Cultures summer study abroad program is led by WLC German and Anthropology faculty. For exchange programs and affiliate programs in Austria, Germany or Switzerland, visit isuabroad.iastate.edu to learn more.
NOTE: Study abroad is open to every student, regardless of field of study. Discuss your plans with your academic advisor as well as study abroad advisors on campus to plan your journey.
Student clubs and organizations
Students at Iowa State University can tailor their experience to make sure they gain valuable skills for the future.
WLC students can engage with other language and cultural studies students when they join one of our department-specific student clubs: Spanish Club, German Club, Anthropology Club, Classical Studies Club, and others.
A wide variety of campus-wide student organizations and clubs are available for students to join—including academic, honor societies, political and activism, and intramural sports. Gain leadership and service experience through the Student Activities Center, go to one of the many fun campus events like the Cyclone Carnival, or learn more about clubs and activities at the annual ClubFest to see the many ways you can get involved during your time at Iowa State.
Have an idea for the next big thing? The Start Something LAS Academy, part of the ISU Start Something network, provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Build community with other innovators as you explore innovation and entrepreneurship.