The major in German provides students with a fluency in the German language, as well as fostering knowledge of the literary, historical, artistic, and cultural dimensions of German speaking regions. The program is wide-ranging and diverse, with graduates going on to careers in teaching, translation, foreign service, international business, international service organizations and trans-cultural communication. German students are encouraged to study abroad for at least one semester.

Recent IS topics in German have included an investigation into environmental consciousness amongst Germany's "Post-Wende" Generation, an examination of the links between Leni Riefenstahl and fascist aesthetics and a multilingual novel about identity.

German Studies is based in Kauke Hall.