Why study German-American Studies?

German-American studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences leading to the awarding of a certificate. It aims to familiarize students with all aspects of the history and heritage of the German immigration to the U.S., German-American culture and the immigrants' contributions to the American way of life. It examines the time when immigrants left their countries in Europe, what they left behind, and what the found and how they contributed to the United States.

Major Maps

• Guide: German-American Studies Certificate Curriculum Guide

Advising

Every student is assigned a faculty advisor from the program. The advisor aids in the planning of a meaningful course of study designed to meet the particular needs of the student. Advisors are responsible for monitoring the student's progress, as well as advising on course selections.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

The German-American studies program at the University of Cincinnati is the only one of its kind in the U.S. The Library resources, based on the private library of Dr. H.H. Fick, who was head of the German bilingual program in the Cincinnati Public Schools before World War I, are outstanding. The German-Americana Collection, which is housed in Blegen Library, is one of the major collections of its kind. The published catalog of the collection provides access to 5,000 items of printed and unprinted sources, and is a major resource for students. It is especially strong for materials pertaining to history, literature and culture of the German influence in the Midwestern states. Supplementing these library holdings are several libraries in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the certificate to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the certificate program using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that they are aware that you are pursuing the certificate and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your certificate.

Students not currently pursuing a degree may declare the certificate after establishing non-matriculated status

Graduation Requirements

Make sure that you have declared the certificate program online. Next, make sure that the certificate program director is aware of when you are finishing the program. If you are pursuing another bachelor's degree, then your certificate will be reviewed at the time that you submit your separate degree application.

Accreditation