German Graduate Certificate Program

BGSU.EDU/GERMANCERTIFICATE

Overview

The Certificate in German for Professionals and Educators is designed to develop professional grade German language skills, deepen cultural knowledge of the German world, and acquire advanced intercultural competence. The program includes an international component (summer or one semester study in Salzburg). High school teachers may add an additional 3 credit hours course to fulfill Ohio’s College Credit Plus requirements.

The certificate program builds on the international expertise offered by BGSU. It includes a summer study abroad component (3 or 6 weeks, may be repeated). Summer component coupled with evening and distance courses allow candidates to ascertain the certificate without interruption to their existing careers.

While the certificate program offers an alternative to the M.A. in German, credits earned for the Certificate can also be used as part of the M.A. program.

Click on the link to view the German Graduate Certificate Program Brochure:

Learning outcomes

Students who complete the Certificate in German for Professionals and Educators will attain “Advanced Low” or higher (following ACTFL guidelines) proficiency in German. They will also be able to apply cultural knowledge of the German speaking world in personal contexts.

The program also trains students to utilize advanced intercultural competence — compare and assess cultural similarities and differences between North Americans and Central Europeans. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to interact in professional contexts with Central Europeans, as well as navigate and analyze daily life traveling and living in Europe.

Program strength and uniqueness

• Experienced professors and teachers with expertise in language pedagogy, intercultural competency, >and the humanities.
• Flexibility of the program, allowing professionals to complete the certificate within one year.
• Study abroad component: spend the summer learning in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe.
• Linguistic and cultural immersion component in Salzburg, Austria.
• Unique program not offered by any of BGSU’s peer institutions in Ohio.
• Preparation for a globalized world with increasing demand for proficiency in a foreign language and intercultural competence.

Professional opportunities

The certificate addresses the need of professionals working for businesses or organizations with ties to a German speaking country. The EU remains the 2nd largest trading partner of Ohio (after Canada). Germany, Austria and Switzerland have powerful economies (in export numbers rivaling China) and many connections to Ohio.

The certificate is also ideal for teachers of German at high schools who have to take graduate level courses for certification. High school teachers may add an additional 3 credit hours course to fulfill Ohio’s College Credit Plus requirements.

Admission requirements

The program strongly recommends that applicants have a minimum 2.7/4.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA). Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from all colleges and universities attended. The GRE is not required for admission to BGSU certificate programs.

All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (2-3 pages) outlining their experience with German, their professional goals and the research interests they wish to pursue.

International applicants are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

What is the cost of tuition?

Please refer to www.bgsu.edu/offices/bursar for the most recent information on tuition and fees.

Funding options

Summer support (Max Kade) for high school teachers is available. For more information, please contact the department.

How to apply

Visit the BGSU Graduate College website at www.bgsu.edu/graduate/admissions.

Curriculum

A total of 15 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level are required. High school teachers may add an additional 3 credit hours course to fulfill Ohio’s College Credit Plus requirements.

Required Course

• GERM 6870: Independent Study in German (research project)

Elective Courses:

(Two language courses at least one course needs to be taken in Salzburg)

• GERM 5170: Advanced Composition and Conversation (BGSU, Salzburg, online)
• GERM 5180: Stylistics, Syntax, and Structure of German (BGSU or Salzburg)
• GERM 5820: Selected Topics in German (BGSU or Salzburg)
• GERM 6170: Advanced Grammar and Stylistics I (Salzburg)
• GERM 6180: Advanced Grammar and Stylistics II (Salzburg)
  

(One culture course)

• GERM 5150: The German Film (BGSU)
• GERM 5800: Seminar in German (BGSU or Salzburg)
• GERM 5820: Selected Topics in German (BGSU or Salzburg)
• GERM 6150: German Culture and Civilization (BGSU)
• GERM 6160: Contemporary Germany (BGSU)
• GERM 6800: Seminar in German (BGSU)
• GERM 6820: Topics in German (BGSU or Salzburg)
  

(One area of specialization course)

• GERM 5200: German Linguistics (Salzburg)
• GERM 6300: Translation (German – English)
• GERM 6400: Translation (English – German)
• GERM 6700: Teaching College German (BGSU)
• GERM 6820: Topics in German (BGSU or Salzburg)
• GERM 6890: Internship in German (Salzburg)

Or an additional “Language or Cultural Component” Course

Or any graduate course with an international component (e.g. from business, tourism, history, POLS, Communication Studies: MC 5090: International Communication; TESL)