German Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
German Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the cultural, historical, political, and economic dimensions of Germany and its broader European and global contexts. Students engage deeply with the development of German-speaking societies, from the medieval period to the present, while examining cross-border influences and the legacy of German cultural and political expansion.
- German History: Traces the evolution of German states, empires, and nationhood from the Holy Roman Empire through unification, two world wars, division, and reunification, emphasizing key turning points and their lasting impacts.
- German Literature and Language: Analyzes major literary movements, authors, and linguistic developments from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, with advanced language training in reading, writing, speaking, and critical interpretation.
- Political and Social Systems: Investigates the structure and dynamics of German governance, civil society, and social institutions, including the role of federalism, political parties, and public policy in shaping modern Germany.
- Cultural Studies: Explores visual arts, music, film, architecture, and popular culture as expressions of national identity, regional diversity, and transnational exchange within German-speaking regions.
- Economic and International Relations: Examines Germany’s role as a leading economic power in Europe, its integration into the European Union, and its influence on global trade, diplomacy, and migration patterns.
- Minority and Diaspora Cultures: Studies German-speaking communities beyond national borders, including historical and contemporary experiences of German minorities in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as diasporic identities in North America and elsewhere.
German Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
German Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with German Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
German Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for German Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 30 institutions offering German Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in German Studies is found at Brigham Young University (BYU) (11 graduates), Vanderbilt University (VU) (8 graduates), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) (6 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (5 graduates), and University of Kansas (KU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 97 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| Yale University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Davidson College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Davidson, North Carolina | Private | davidson.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Hamilton College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Clinton, New York | Private | hamilton.edu |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | kutztown.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Public | behrend.psu.edu |
| Claremont McKenna College (CMC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Claremont, California | Private | cmc.edu |
| Pomona College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Claremont, California | Private | pomona.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Other Award
|
2 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Swarthmore College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Swarthmore, Pennsylvania | Private | swarthmore.edu |
| University of Richmond (UR) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | University of Richmond, Virginia | Private | richmond.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Harvey Mudd College (HMC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Claremont, California | Private | hmc.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Wellesley College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Wellesley, Massachusetts | Private | wellesley.edu |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Norton, Massachusetts | Private | wheatoncollege.edu |
| Saint Anselm College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | anselm.edu |
| University of Portland (UP) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Portland, Oregon | Private | up.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about German Studies programs
How much can I earn with a German Studies degree?
Salaries for German Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest German Studies programs?
Currently 30 accredited institutions offer German Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brigham Young University (BYU) (11 graduates), Vanderbilt University (VU) (8 graduates), and University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in German Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 107 in 2010 to 97 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a German Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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