German Studies, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in German Studies, offered by the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences, requires departmental approval for admission. Language coursework may be waived based on prior preparation, with placement determined in consultation with an advisor. Students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum 2.00 GPA, fulfill college writing and university mathematics requirements, and meet general education standards: ten courses across five foundational areas, including at least one lab science in the Natural and Mathematical Sciences, with no more than two courses in the same discipline.The major comprises 39 credit hours with grades of C or better, following completion of intermediate language level. Requirements include one of the following concentrations: 12 credit hours in a second foreign language, 12 credit hours in advanced area studies, teacher education for secondary language certification, or an approved related minor. Core courses encompass 12 credits such as GERM-332, GERM-333, GERM-438, and GERM-439; 3 credits in linguistics (e.g., ANTH-225 or ANTH-254); a 3-credit senior capstone at the 400-level; and 21 credits in electives from advanced German studies. American University also offers combined bachelor's and master's programs for eligible students.