Apr 06, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

German BA

Let’s start with 100 million reasons-that’s the number of people who speak German around the world. German is more than one of the most common languages-it’s also one of the international standards for engineering, science, business and many other academic and professional fields. This program is for students who want to be fluent in German, study the largest economy in the European Union, and learn more about the birthplace of Einstein, Arendt, Nietzsche, Beethoven and other world-famous Germans. 

Visit the German academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Linguistics department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the German BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements

German Core (41-64 credits)

Total Credits Required for Major: 41-64

Notes

Students are required to complete Introductory Language Core courses unless some or all are waived by the Department based on demonstrated proficiency. Appropriate language placement is based on a student’s high school preparation. Below are possible sequences to satisfy this requirement:

  • No Prior Instruction: GER 101 or GER 111, GER 102 or GER 112, GER 151 and GER 152 
  • Fairly Strong High School Preparation: GER 151 and GER 152

Students may substitute three or four courses taken in other departments that are relevant to Germanic Studies with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies in German. Up to five 300+ level courses (15 credit hours) may be taken through the study abroad program.

Language courses are subject to placement. Alternate exam credit or transfer credits may change placement. For clarification, contact Professor David Fertig at 716-645-2177, or by email.

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA of 2.000 in required courses. 300-level GER courses require intermediate-level proficiency.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall

Total Credits: 16 or 17

First Year Spring

Total Credits: 13 or 14

Second Year Fall

Total Credits: 15

Second Year Spring

Total Credits: 14

Third Year Fall

  • Elective Credits: 3
  • GER 300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3
  • GER 300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3
  • Communication Literacy Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Third Year Spring

Total Credits: 13

Fourth Year Fall

  • PHI 300 Level Elective Credits: 3
  • GER 300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3
  • GER 300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Fourth Year Spring

Total Credits: 16

Total Credits Required: 120

Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes

German majors will have achieved advanced proficiency levels in the language and in German grammar and culture.

 

(HEGIS: 11.03 GERMAN, CIP: 16.0501 German Language and Literature)