About the German Language Program
German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe and a top language for international business, diplomacy, and innovation. In Michigan alone, leading German-owned companies often prefer or require German language skills for roles in engineering, customer service, compliance and other areas.
Whether your goal is to apply German in international business, teach the language, or serve in a government or diplomatic capacity, EMU’s German Language program equips you with thefluency, cultural competency, and career-ready skills to stand out in today’s job market.
- Bachelor of Arts in German Studies [BA] - Develop advanced skills in reading, writing, and speaking German while building critical thinking and intercultural competencies. You'll graduate prepared for careers or graduate study in fields like literature, music, psychology, political science, social services, and more.
- German Studies Minor (for non-German majors) - Gain language skills and cultural insight through German literature and history, adding global perspective and career value to any major.
- Master of Arts in German [MA] - With a master’s degree in German, you’ll build advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while also developing the research and analytical tools to interpret cultural patterns, literature, and specialized texts.
- Bachelor of Arts in K - 12 German Language and Literature [BA] - If you’re passionate about German and enjoy working with students, a career as a K–12 German teacher could be a perfect fit. At EMU, you’ll study methods for teaching foreign languages, learn to design engaging, age-appropriate lessons, and gain real classroom experience through peer teaching, working with a range of learners, and leading your own class during student teaching.
- K - 12 Bilingual Education [BA] - Turn your passion for language and teaching into a high-demand career. EMU’s K–12 Bilingual Education degree prepares you to teach English to non-English speakers and German to K–12 students. With bilingual teachers in high demand across Michigan and the U.S., you’ll graduate ready to lead inclusive, impactful classrooms.
- Master of Arts in Teaching [MAT] - Commonly Taught World Languages Concentration - This concentration prepares you to teach German with confidence while meeting Michigan standards and national benchmarks. You’ll build strong teaching skills, explore cross-cultural topics, and deepen your expertise in German language, culture, and literature.
- Bachelor of Arts in German Studies [BA] - Earn your undergraduate degree in German and put it to work around the world in careers like global business, translation, international nonprofits and diplomacy.
- Language and International Trade (German) [MA] - Deepen your German proficiency and gain practical insight into German-speaking markets, while building the cultural awareness and communication skills to lead in global business.
- German for Business Practices [Graduate Certificate] - With this graduate certificate, you’ll develop professional-level German language skills and gain insight into business culture and communication.
Student Activities and Involvement
American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) supports German language and culture education at all levels. Students can join to access scholarships, study abroad opportunities, teaching experience, and a network of educators and peers
Fulbright Teaching Assistantships Students who are interested in teaching English in a German-speaking country are encouraged to apply for a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship. EMU's German program has more Fulbright awardees than any other department at EMU, reflecting the strength of our students and the quality of our program. Recipients include:
- 2017–2018: Jessica Wenzel, Germany
- 2014–2015: Elaine Gurich, Germany
- 2008–2009: Jason Fischer, Germany
- 2006–2007: Jason Bishop, Germany
- 2005–2006: Adrienne Muncy, Germany (renewal) and Joshua Gartner, Austria (renewal)
- 2004–2005: Adrienne Muncy, Germany and Joshua Gartner, Austria
German Club Boost your German skills, connect with others, and enjoy authentic German food.
Join us for conversation, culture, and community with fellow German speakers. For meeting details, please contact a member of the German faculty.German American Day Each October, the EMU German Section celebrates German-American Day with an annual on-campus event that highlights German culture, showcases our academic programs, and builds community connections. The event features guest speakers, student engagement opportunities, and outreach to local high schools, colleges, and community members—while also honoring faculty and donors who support German studies at EMU. Student Research & Funding - Undergraduate Research Symposium - The Undergraduate Research Symposium celebrates students' outstanding academic work. The Tom and Mary Layher Symposium Undergraduate Fellowship (SURF) was established to help fund a student's research project and work closely with a faculty member. Students who are interested in this $2,000 per year renewable scholarship should contact German program faculty for more information.
- Graduate Research and Creative Activity Conference - The German program supports graduate research and students are encouraged to participate in the annual Graduate Research Fair.
- Graduate and Teaching Assistantships - Interested students are invited to apply for a graduate assistantship or teaching assistantship.
Study Abroad Opportunities Deepen your proficiency of German through study abroad opportunities or semester-long experiences at our exchange partner institution. Study abroad scholarships may be available.
- German Study Abroad Opportunities
- Justus Liebig University German Exchange Partner
Photo Gallery
Featured Students
"I owe my deepest thanks to the EMU German LIC Program for providing me the skills which were the deciding factor in my selection for an international project with a large German automaker. These skills have since become vital in my day-to-day work as an expatriate in Germany and will continue well beyond this project."
–Joseph Eilerman (BA15)
"Big thanks to the EMU German department, for teaching me literally everything I know! I just completed my first series of successful business tele-correspondences in German."
–Hannah "Cat" Hilbert
Undergraduate Degrees & Minor
- German Studies [BA]
- K - 12 German Language and Literature [BA]
- K -12 Bilingual Education (German) [BA]
- German Studies Minor (non-German majors)
Graduate Degrees
- Master of Arts in German [MA]
- Master of Arts in Teaching - Commonly Taught World Languages (German) [MAT]
- Language and International Trade (German) [MA]
- German for Business Practices [Graduate Certificate]
Resources
- Call: 734.487.6729
- Office: 337 Alexander Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
- Email: [email protected]