Bachelor of German at The Ohio State University
The German at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Columbus campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of German
German
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at Ohio State provides instruction in German language, literature and culture. Students majoring or minoring in German participate in a balanced program of literary, cultural and linguistic study together with practice in speaking, writing, reading and listening. For students not able to build language study into their programs, courses are offered in literature, culture and film with readings and lectures in English. In addition, the department offers instruction in Scandinavian studies, Swedish and Yiddish.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in German within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures or call the advising office in Hagerty Hall for an appointment.
Curriculum
All undergraduate students majoring in German must complete the following:
- elementary, intermediate and advanced German (or equivalent)
- German 2350: Introduction to German Studies
- 21 credit hours selected from a list of approved courses in German language, linguistics, culture and history
Undergraduates with special interests, such as translation, business or current events, will find those interests reflected in the department’s course offerings.
German minor
Undergraduate students minoring in German must complete elementary and intermediate German (or equivalent) and nine credit hours of approved electives in German language, linguistics, culture and history.
Study abroad
The Ohio State University Bonn Program 
This program, administered jointly by Ohio State and the University of Bonn, offers undergraduate students the chance to study at a German university. Students earn college credit while studying a broad range of topics. In addition to their classes, students may embark on individual pursuits ranging from internship opportunities to extracurricular events such as acting with a theatre troupe or singing in a chorus. Students are further integrated into German college life by living with German students in the university dormitories.
The Ohio State Summer Program in Dresden
The department maintains an eight-week summer program in cooperation with the Technical University in Dresden. Students can receive 9–10 hours of Ohio State credit on the program, which allows them to complete intermediate German and at least three credit hours of general education requirements in Germany. Opportunities for using the language and experiencing German culture make the program particularly attractive for students with international interests. Intermediate courses are also offered for those students working toward a German major or minor.
The Ohio State University Summer Session Berlin Program
Students participate in the three-credit course Berlin, Then and Now: People, Places and Experience while exploring and experiencing the cosmopolitan and increasingly diverse city of Berlin. They learn about some of the most influential or memorable persons who live or have lived in the city, from its establishment as a capital of the Prussian Kingdom in the 18th century to its present role as capital of a reunified, democratic Germany and a center of European and global politics and culture.
Honors and Scholars
Students can apply to the Honors Program when they apply to Ohio State. The most popular Honors courses in the German department include: The Faust Theme, Representations and Memory of the Holocaust in Film, and Religion in Modern German Literature and Philosophy.
Student organizations
The Max Kade House—“the German Houseâ€â€”provides on-campus housing for 10 students and offers students an excellent opportunity to improve language skills and experience German culture. The house serves as an “immersion environment†where German is spoken exclusively. Events at the Kade House include the Kaffeestunde (coffee and conversation hour), meetings of the German Club, German film screenings and guest lectures.
The German Club welcomes members at all levels of German or any undergraduates with an interest in German culture, food and people. Learn more on the German Club Facebook page.
Possible careers
Germany's economy is the fourth largest in the world. German companies and institutions are leaders in science, technology and the arts. And Germany is a political leader in Europe. For these reasons and more, being able to speak German can open doors to jobs in a number of fields.
The flexibility of Ohio State’s German major makes it easy to combine a second major with German, such as history, engineering, international studies, journalism, political science, business or another foreign language.
Many graduates use their liberal arts preparation as a stepping stone to advanced study or professional preparation in fields such as foreign service, medicine, law, international business and education.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of German at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of German at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of German at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus