Overview

The German Studies B.A. at North Central College provides students with a deep understanding of the historical, social, and artistic traditions of the German-speaking world. This interdisciplinary programme combines rigorous language training with cultural analysis to prepare graduates for the complexities of the global marketplace. Students develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers in diverse international sectors.

Why German Studies at North Central College?

Students benefit from a rich learning environment that extends far beyond traditional classroom settings. The university offers unique opportunities for immersion, including study abroad programmes in Austria and Germany, as well as intensive May Term excursions to Berlin or Erfurt. These experiences allow students to apply their linguistic skills in authentic cultural contexts while building international networks.

On campus, the Roberta I. Meyers Language Resource Center provides dedicated support through individualised tutoring and advanced audio-visual tools. Students can also participate in language roundtables and join Delta Phi Alpha, the national German honour society. Research is highly encouraged, with opportunities to conduct independent projects alongside expert faculty or apply for Richter Grants to fund academic travel.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 33 credit hours, including extensive coursework taught in German to ensure high-level proficiency. Modules may include:

German History and Identity
Sport in Germany and Europe
German History Through Visual Arts
German Film and the Individual
Germany and Two World Wars
German Studies Capstone
Fairy tale in German Culture
The Urban Landscape
Professional Portfolio

Careers with German Studies

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for roles that require cultural expertise and linguistic precision. The demand for German speakers remains strong across various industries, particularly for positions that involve navigating foreign markets or international relations. Many alumni find success in professional environments where understanding German culture is a primary requirement.

Common career paths for graduates include:

International Business and Banking
U.S. Government and Foreign Affairs
International Marketing and Media
Translation and Interpretation
Hotel and Travel Management
Education and Cultural Programme Direction
Communication Specialism and Law

The programme also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to teach English abroad or pursue further graduate studies in global affairs, literature, or professional writing.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Dictators, Terrorists and Hooligans: Sport in Germany and Europe
War, Revolution and Chaos: Germany and Two World Wars
Castles, Cathedrals and Culture I: German History and Identity
Renaissance and Reformation Europe
Early Modern Europe
Vampires, Seductresses, Villains and Misfits: German Film and the Individual

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

German and Scandinavian studies View 313 other Bachelors in German and Scandinavian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for German Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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