German Studies
About Our Program
Guten Tag! Explore the language, history, and diverse cultures of the German-speaking world in our German studies program.
In the classroom, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the German language with the guidance of a fluent professor as you examine historical and current events through a variety of disciplines such as art, literature, film, music, philosophy, and more.
With your German language skills, you’ll be prepared for an immersive international experience in the historic German university town of Freiburg im Breisgau or Austria's capital and largest city, Vienna.
The skills and experiences you gain in our program will open doors to a variety of careers in a global setting. Students who studied a language at St. Lawrence work in the finance industry, serve in the Peace Corps, and teach language in countries around the world.
A Global Perspective
With a wealth of opportunities for a global education, you can put your language skills to use in our study abroad programs as you explore the origins of the language you’ve mastered.Study Abroad
Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Germany.
Senior Year Experience (SYE)
Turn your passion into a project with a Senior Year Experience. For example, Madison Rusch ’17 used her language skills to translate a manuscript originally written in Spanish, to English.
Travel Grant Opportunities
Do you want to pursue independent study or research while abroad? Our students can apply for grants through the Center for International and Intercultural Studies (CIIS) to support projects that enhance immersion in a different culture and extend international or intercultural awareness.
CIIS Fellows Program
Apply for a grant to undertake off-campus research in another country or within a minority U.S. culture with a faculty mentor.
Service Work
Learn by doing in a real-world environment. Our majors gain experience while making a difference through service work. Students in our program have volunteered as language teachers in local areas schools or on campus as teaching and writing assistants for language courses.
Peace Corps
Since 2014, St. Lawrence has ranked among the Peace Corps’ list of top volunteer-producing small colleges and universities. Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, nearly 300 Laurentians have served abroad as volunteers.
Connect with Community
Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve your passion for language, culture, and global perspectives, including:
- African Student Union
- Asian Students Intercultural Association
- French Club
- Islamic Culture Club
- La Sociedad Hispana
- Literacy for Nepal
- Model U.N.
- Euphrates Institute
Why St. Lawrence for German Studies
Outcomes Rate
Recent graduates were employed or in graduate school within 7-9 months of graduating.
The number of languages you can learn at St. Lawrence
Become fluent in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
- Swahili
of our language programs offer an immersive study abroad opportunity
Graduates who studied languages have found domestic and international careers in:
- Education
- Business
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Accounting
- Social Services
- Government
- Immigration Law
of St. Lawrence students studying at least one language participate in internships
of St. Lawrence students study off campus at least once
Simon Award
In 2018, St. Lawrence received the prestigious Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, which distinguishes excellence in integrating international education throughout all facets of the university
Language labs at your disposal with resources to fine-tune your speaking and writing skills
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore German studies minor requirements, as well as electives and combined study options.
Complementary and Related Programs
If you’re interested in German studies, you might also like these programs.
World Languages, Cultures, and Media Faculty
Janice Brown
Alessandro Giardino
Marina Llorente
Nafisa Omar
Zhenjun Zhang
“I took German and French courses and studied in Vienna. I now work for a New York based, international private equity firm as a European investment associate. What differentiated myself from other applicants was being able to interview in German.”
James Merrell
Expert, Passionate Faculty
Our faculty have traveled the globe gathering expertise in language, art, literature, and film. They are authors, gardeners, chess players, and photographers who love a good detective novel.
Language Learning Abroad
Experience Germany or Austria first-hand in our immersive study abroad program. You’ll have ample opportunities to put your language skills into practice as you explore picturesque European cities, tour medieval old towns, visit Gothic cathedrals, and attend theater performances.
The Language Lab
Experience Germany or Austria first-hand in our immersive study abroad program. You’ll have ample opportunities to put your language skills into practice as you explore picturesque European cities, tour medieval old towns, visit Gothic cathedrals, and attend theater performances.
Meet at the Language Table
Grab a seat at the language table of your choice and practice your skills. During these get-togethers with fellow language lovers, you’ll prepare traditional food, listen to guest speakers, and even head off-campus for various activities.
World Languages Week
During this campus-wide, week-long series of events, you’ll celebrate language and culture with trivia, off-campus study seminars, language lessons, an International Iron Chef competition, and a showcase of multicultural talents and traditions.
Get More Information
We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.