German illustration
Off

German

“Ich finde das Verbindende und wie das Gedicht zur Begegnung Führende.” – Paul Celan

Why study German?

At MU, students in German explore the language, literature, and culture of German-speaking countries. Because almost every discipline in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences has a strong German tradition, and Germany plays a crucial economic and political role both in the European Union and on the world stage, MU German majors and minors have brought their study of German to careers in a wide variety of fields—from business, engineering, and law to journalism, philosophy, music, and film. From extracurricular fun like German Club and German Day, through horizon-expanding opportunities like study abroad and internships, the German programs at MU work beyond the classroom to prepare students for global careers.

Neue synagogue

Undergraduate Program

Our undergraduate program offers courses in English and German that focus on German language, culture, and history and Germany’s place in the broader world. Advanced courses taught in German are structured around in-class dialogue and both creative and critical-analytical writing, with low student:teacher ratios allowing for hands-on mentoring that extends beyond the classroom to opportunities for studying abroad or even completing internships and fellowships in Germany.

Frankfurt

Graduate Program

The MA program in German prepares students for admission to PhD programs and for professional language careers in a number of fields. Courses in language, literature, teaching techniques and skills, seminars in various specialized aspects of German studies, and directed study and research provide candidates with opportunities to acquire a comprehensive background in German studies. All graduate students serve as instructors during their time as MA candidates, and receive specialized training in language pedagogy and ongoing mentoring throughout their stay in the program.

Munchen

Courses

Our undergraduate courses introduce students to key ideas, experiences, and media that have shaped modern life. German faculty teach core courses in the International Studies program and the Honors College and serve the broader campus with courses taught both in German and English—including the History of German Immigration in Missouri; Totalitarianism and Culture; the History of German Film.

Get involved

German Club

Our entirely student-run German Club brings together German language-learners and enthusiasts of all things German at a range of events, including film evenings and card games, taking place throughout the academic year. Each event is free and open to the Mizzou community, with a special highlight being the spring German day, where all students taking German language classes come together for fun events including spelling bees, scavenger hunts, and trivia contests.

Clubs & Organizations
wien

Finding a close-knit community

OUR STUDENTS

Rachel Morgan

BA and MA in German

"The German program has provided me with a solid foundation for continuing to perfect my German, the tools to think and consume media critically and has led to so many fulfilling relationships and friendships with my professors and peers alike."

 

Rachel Morgan

Study Abroad

MU offers short and long-term stays in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This includes a faculty-led summer program in Leipzig, Germany, and semester and year-long study abroad experiences at the Universities of Marburg and Bonn.

Study Abroad Opportunities
Berlin

Experts in their field

Our faculty

Our collaborative community of world-class faculty are dedicated to research excellence and student success. 

Our faculty
faculty

Get started in German

To learn more about German courses at MU, or to ask about internships, fellowships, and study abroad opportunities, please contact German advisor Sean Ireton (iretons@missouri.edu) to schedule an advising appointment. 

 

Learn more about scholarship and awards for students here.