German is the language with the largest number of native speakers in the European Union. Knowing German unlocks career prospects, since Germany has the largest economy in the EU, and it creates opportunities in science, engineering, and culture. The German language offers access to rich philosophical and artistic traditions, and it facilitates working, living, or traveling in German-speaking countries, such as Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
At Lehigh we offer a major in German Studies and a minor in German. Questions about the major or minor should be directed to Professor Vera Stegmann.
German Studies Major Requirements
The major in German Studies requires 32 credits in German language, literature, and culture. This includes GERM 001, GERM 002, GERM 011, GERM 012, and any German Studies courses that are 100 level and above. Four of these credits must be at the 200 level or 300 level. Students who arrive at Lehigh with prior knowledge of German will be placed into an appropriate level and take more advanced German courses. At least 24 of the required 32 credits need to be taught in German. A maximum of two courses may be taught in English when students complete writing assignments in German, and one of these courses with German Studies content may be chosen in another department, in consultation with the advisor.
Study Abroad
Majors in German Studies are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program in a German speaking country for the equivalent of one semester or more. A maximum of 16 credits of study abroad may be transferred toward the major, with a maximum of 8 credits for summer, 12 credits for a semester, and 16 credits for a year of study abroad. In order to have credits from foreign institutions count toward their major, students must obtain approval from the German Studies major advisor prior to their departure.
Advanced Placement
Transfer students may transfer up to 12 credits from another college or university toward the major. Credits from Advanced Placement (AP) exams and SAT subject tests count toward graduation but NOT toward the major in German Studies.
Complete the major declaration form and the CAS Major Declaration Powerform linked below to declare a German Studies major. Both forms need to be completed.
German Minor Requirements
15-16 credit hours, taught in the German language, are required. This includes GERM 001, GERM 002, GERM 011, GERM 012, and any courses in German that are 100 level and above.
A maximum of 8 credits, from study abroad or another college or university, may be transferred toward the minor in German. Credits from Advanced Placement (AP) exams and SAT subject tests count toward graduation but NOT toward the minor in German.
Complete the minor declaration form linked below to declare a German minor.