B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in German
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in German at Lycoming College provides a holistic approach to language acquisition, moving beyond rote memorization to immerse students in the nuances of the German language and its cultural contexts. Students benefit from an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, including Fulbright Teaching Assistants from Germany, fostering a close rapport and opportunities for authentic linguistic and cultural exchange. This major is often chosen by students seeking to combine their passion for German with other disciplines, such as International Studies, Business Administration, or Education, thereby broadening their career prospects.
Curriculum: The German curriculum is structured to progressively build linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy. Students typically begin with foundational courses in Elementary German (GER 101, 102) and Intermediate German (GER 111, 112), followed by courses designed to enhance conversational skills and composition (e.g., GER 221 German Conversation & Review, GER 225 German Composition and Review). Upper-level courses, primarily conducted in German, delve into specific aspects of German culture, literature, and film (e.g., GER 311 German/Austrian Cultures, GER 426 Special Topics in German/Austrian Literature/Culture). A key component of the major is a required study abroad experience, typically a minimum of 8 credits gained during at least 12 continuous weeks of study in a German-speaking country, ensuring deep cultural immersion.
Research Focus: Research is an integral aspect of the German program at Lycoming College, primarily centered on the critical analysis of literary, cultural, and historical materials. Students engage in in-depth study of German literature, film, and intellectual traditions, developing sophisticated analytical and interpretive skills. Opportunities exist for students to conduct independent research projects under the guidance of faculty, potentially culminating in presentations at undergraduate conferences. Faculty members, who are active scholars with research interests spanning German Romanticism to contemporary German cinema, provide strong mentorship, encouraging students to pursue prestigious scholarships like Fulbright or DAAD, which often have a significant research component.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College places a strong emphasis on practical industry engagement for its German students, preparing them for professional roles where German language skills are a distinct advantage. The curriculum implicitly fosters an understanding of German business and professional etiquette, though specific "German for Professional Purposes" courses might be less explicit than in the French program. Students are actively encouraged to pursue competitive internships, both locally through programs like WISE and internationally, leveraging their language skills in diverse professional settings. Opportunities also exist for students to gain practical experience as department assistants or language lab monitors, fostering hands-on application of their linguistic knowledge and contributing to a strong resume.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is fundamentally integrated into Lycoming College's B.A. in German. The curriculum inherently focuses on the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and intellectual contributions of the German-speaking world, extending beyond Germany to Austria and Switzerland. The program actively requires and facilitates study abroad, with established partnerships that include the Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program and Otto-Friedrich Universität in Bamberg, Germany. These immersive experiences allow students to live within German-speaking cultures, practice their language skills daily, and gain invaluable firsthand insight into global perspectives. The presence of Fulbright Teaching Assistants from Germany on campus further provides daily opportunities for authentic cross-cultural exchange, preparing graduates to be truly global citizens capable of navigating an interconnected world.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in German from Lycoming College provides graduates with a distinctive and highly versatile skill set, extending beyond mere language fluency to encompass cultural understanding, critical analysis, and nuanced communication.
Translator or Interpreter: This is a direct and in-demand application of German language skills. Graduates can work for international organizations, government agencies, legal firms, healthcare providers, or as freelancers, converting written documents (translator) or facilitating real-time spoken communication (interpreter) between German and English.
German Language Teacher: With additional teacher certification (often pursued in conjunction with the B.A. in German at Lycoming), graduates are well-prepared to teach German at the K-12 level in the U.S. Alternatively, they can pursue opportunities to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) abroad in German-speaking countries, often requiring a TEFL certificate.
International Business Professional: Germany boasts Europe's largest economy, making German language skills a significant asset in international business. Graduates can work in roles such as international sales, marketing, supply chain management, or human resources for multinational corporations, facilitating communication and fostering cross-cultural business relationships with German partners and clients.
Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat: A German degree, coupled with a strong interest in global affairs, can lead to a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Graduates may work in embassies or consulates in German-speaking countries, representing American interests, promoting cultural understanding, and engaging in diplomatic relations.
Tourism and Hospitality Specialist: Graduates can leverage their language and cultural knowledge in the travel and tourism industry. Roles might include tour guides specializing in German-speaking regions, travel agents catering to German clientele, or positions in international hotel management.
Intelligence Analyst / Government Service: Federal agencies like the CIA, NSA, or Department of State often seek individuals with strong foreign language skills and cultural understanding to analyze intelligence, support diplomatic efforts, or engage in public affairs in regions of strategic importance.
Cultural Program Coordinator / Arts Administrator: Graduates with a passion for German culture can work for cultural exchange organizations (like the Goethe-Institut or DAAD), museums, or educational institutions, designing and managing programs that promote German arts, language, and cultural understanding.
Journalist / International Correspondent: With strong writing and analytical skills developed through their liberal arts education, German majors can pursue careers in journalism, especially as foreign correspondents or writers covering news, politics, and cultural topics related to Germany and German-speaking Europe.
Librarian / Archivist (Specializing in German Collections): For those passionate about preserving cultural heritage and intellectual history, a German degree is valuable for roles in libraries or archives that house significant collections of German language materials, assisting researchers and cataloging resources.
Global Human Resources / Talent Acquisition: Multinational companies, particularly those with a significant presence in Germany, often seek HR professionals who can navigate cultural nuances, recruit German-speaking talent, and manage international employee relations, making a German degree a strong asset.
