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German
A specialization in German offers you the opportunity to explore the rich histories, cultures, and global influence of German-speaking countries. Through topics like literature, film, contemporary culture, and business German, you’ll gain language fluency and cultural insight that prepare you for a range of international careers.
This flexible program is ideal whether you're pursuing language-centered roles or enhancing another field—such as international business, government, education, science, or social services—with German proficiency. Study abroad opportunities and interdisciplinary learning help you build a global perspective and stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
The German Specializations can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 118 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- College of Liberal Arts Requirements: 12 credit hours
- Courses German: 9 credit hours
- Language Electives: 21 credit hours
- General Electives: 37 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
(K-12 Teaching License, School of Education)
The German Specializations can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 118 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- College of Liberal Arts Requirements: 6 credit hours
- Language Area Requirements: 12 credit hours
- LCIS 436: 3 credit hours
- LING 472: 3 credit hours
- LING 444: 3 credit hours
- LING 470: 3 credit hours
- Courses German: 18 credit hours
- Education Requirements: 24 credit hours
- General Electives: 9 credit hours
Teaching Degree Program
The Teaching Degree Program (TEP) in German prepares you to teach German from kindergarten through 12th grade and leads to an Illinois Professional Educator License with a German endorsement.
You’ll gain a solid foundation in language and pedagogy through coursework, hands-on training, and student teaching, equipping you to engage and inspire learners at all levels.
Earn Credit for What You Already Know
If you’ve already studied a language, you might have what it takes to test out of the language requirement. But why stop there? By enrolling in second- or third-year German courses and earning an A or B in your first semester, you can receive up to six hours of validating credit. It’s a smart way to turn your existing skills into momentum and even take the first step toward adding German as a major or minor.
Placement Test
SIU offers a free placement test for students who have previously studied German in high school or at a community college. The test helps determine the appropriate course level within the German Studies program. Students who place into and successfully complete an upper-level course with an A or B may qualify for Validating Credit, earning credit for two lower-level courses. This option rewards prior experience and allows students to advance more quickly in their language studies.
Student Organization
The German Club is a student-led organization that offers all students a fun and welcoming way to engage with the German language and culture beyond the classroom. Open to all proficiency levels, the club hosts casual conversation sessions and cultural events that help build language skills and foster community.
Each semester, students can enjoy activities like German movie nights, Oktoberfest and Maifest celebrations, game nights, holiday parties, and field trips to German restaurants. The club also organizes Stammtisch—informal gatherings where students, faculty, and peers come together to practice German in a relaxed setting. It’s a great way to connect, learn, and immerse yourself in German culture.
Spark
SPARK is an after-school program that brings German language and culture courses to local high schools through a partnership with the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) and the Goethe-Institut. Taught by SIU undergraduate students preparing for teaching careers, the program gives high school students early exposure to German in a fun, engaging environment.
Offered free of charge, SPARK will run for up to seven weeks in spring 2025 at Murphysboro and Vienna High Schools. Students will learn basic German while exploring topics in the humanities. With limited enrollment, this unique program provides an enriching introduction to language learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Explore Germany’s Rhineland through a global seminar that brings history and literature to life. Visit cities like Cologne, Bonn, and Frankfurt, tour four UNESCO World Heritage sites, and dive into the region’s rich past—from the Roman Empire to modern Germany. A unique study abroad experience for anyone interested in European culture and global perspectives.
Scholarships
In addition to the many scholarships available at SIU, students pursuing a specialization in German may be eligible for the Helmut and Mary Liedloff Award. Established in 1986 by Dr. Helmut Liedloff—a respected professor, scholar, and author—and his wife Mary, this award offers nine full-tuition scholarships to German majors.
Dr. Liedloff was known for his dedication to language learning, cultural exchange, and translation studies. His impact on German education earned him the Lieutenant Governor’s Award from the Illinois Council on Foreign Languages, leaving a lasting legacy at SIU.
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? (Do you speak German?)
Proficiency in German opens the door to global careers across industries like business, science, engineering, and the arts. It's especially useful in fields tied to international trade—think finance, automotive design, pharmaceuticals, aviation, and tourism.
Whether you're managing global partnerships, translating, teaching, or working in diplomacy, German gives you a competitive edge. From journalism and museum work to event planning and government service, your skills can take you anywhere.
Herzlich Willkommen!
Contact Information
Scott Collins
Interim Director
Faner Hall 3080
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-5571
sll@siu.edu
Mary Bricker,
German Section Head
Faner Hall 3034
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-2920
mbricker@siu.edu