Ithaca College

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines progressive language instruction with courses in literature, culture and linguistics. You will move from foundational German language courses through intermediate and advanced conversation, composition and reading, while also taking thematic literature and culture classes that cover periods from medieval texts to contemporary German-language film and media.

Core linguistic work introduces students to phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, historical linguistics and sociolinguistics, with opportunities to apply analytic tools to German and related Germanic languages. Electives and seminars explore translation practice, applied linguistics, language pedagogy, second language acquisition, and topics such as dialectology and multilingualism.

Programme structure typically includes a mix of language sequence courses, core literature and linguistics courses, options for a capstone project or honours thesis, and experiential components such as internships or study abroad. Students are encouraged to develop advanced proficiency through conversation-intensive classes, independent study, and participation in exchange programmes with German-speaking institutions.

• Progressive German language sequence (elementary to advanced)
• German literature and culture courses — from medieval to contemporary
• Foundations of linguistics: phonetics, syntax, morphology, semantics
• Applied courses: translation, language teaching methodology, second language acquisition
• Capstone project, senior seminar or honours thesis option
• Study abroad and internship opportunities to build professional language use

Entry requirements

Admission is through Ithaca College's general undergraduate application process. Applicants should present a completed secondary education credential and a competitive academic record. Preparation in a modern language at secondary level is beneficial but not always required; beginners can often enter at introductory levels while students with prior German study may place into higher-level courses.

International applicants whose first language is not English will be asked to demonstrate English proficiency according to the college's standard requirements. Placement in the German sequence is determined by prior coursework or a placement test administered by the department. Transfer applicants should provide transcripts of prior college work and may receive credit for language courses and relevant liberal arts courses evaluated by the department.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics leave with advanced communication skills, analytical training and intercultural competence that employers value across sectors. Common career paths include secondary and post-secondary language teaching (often combined with teacher certification or further training), translation and interpreting, publishing and editing, international business and trade, tourism and hospitality, and roles in cultural institutions or NGOs.

Many graduates also move into related fields such as journalism, public diplomacy, government service, and information technology roles that require linguistically informed problem-solving. The degree also provides solid preparation for graduate study in linguistics, applied linguistics, literature, cultural studies or professional programmes in law, education and international relations.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a personalised liberal arts environment with small class sizes, direct access to faculty and an emphasis on experiential learning. The department supports language development through conversation-focused classes, language labs and opportunities to practise German in real-world contexts via internships and community engagement in the Ithaca region.

Students benefit from the college's connections with study abroad programmes and exchange partners in German-speaking countries, enabling semester- and year-long immersion experiences. The curriculum is designed to balance rigorous academic study with practical skills — such as translation, teaching methodology and applied linguistic analysis — so graduates are well prepared for both professional work and further study.