Undergraduate Programs

Why Study German and/or Scandinavian Literature and Culture?

To learn German or Swedish is to gain access to future international work and travel involving Northern European countries (in business, politics, journalism, culture, and academic fields). In addition, our culture-content courses offered in both the target language and English expose you to significant aspects and works of science, art, technology, literature, media, and sociopolitical history that affect and have affected the entire world in important ways, for good and ill. Political and intellectual influences we study include communism, socialism, fascism, and liberal capitalism, and matters of war, sexuality, money, nationalism and multiculturalism. Our department offers studies of society, media, literature and culture in small classes, and thus provides students with an intimate cohort and a personable home within the larger institutional environment of the UO as a whole.  

Three students seated around a table, reading and reviewing a document together.

Major in German and Scandinavian

We offer majors in German language, society and culture; and in Scandinavian society and culture (with Swedish as linguistic focus), as well as an interdisciplinary “German and Scandinavian Studies” major focus, which generally involves German or Scandinavian plus one other field of interest (see descriptions below). We also offer a five-year BA/MA Program, whereby students who arrive at the UO with advanced German skills can complete both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees in five years.


Minor in German and Scandinavian

Complement any major with a minor in German, Scandinavian, or German and Scandinavian studies. A language minor teaches powerful skills for today’s globalized world.

Minor Requirements


Students sitting in library studying

Earn a Certificate

Want to get a head start on your career? Students in the Department of German and Scandinavian can earn a certificate in global business, teaching, or film studies.


Canal in Germany

Real-World Experience

Students in the Department of German and Scandinavian can expand their skills through study abroad programs and other hands-on learning opportunities.


(Freelance person working at the airport while commuting to home. Beautiful sunset at the airport departure terminal.) School of Computer and Data Sciences

What You Can Do with a German and Scandinavian Degree

A German and Scandinavian major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor to explore potential career paths and get your questions answered.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of German and Scandinavian.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Statement Against Racism

The faculty members and graduate students of the Department of German and Scandinavian would like to add our voices to those that have recently risen in protest against racism in general, and against anti-Black racism in particular.

Read Our Statement


Events

UO Women in Graduate Science Generations Luncheon
Jun26
UO Women in Graduate Science Generations Luncheon Jun 26 Gerlinger Hall
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026
Jun26
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026 Jun 26 McKenzie Hall
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026
Jun27
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026 Jun 27 McKenzie Hall
Cyber Camp
Jul20
Cyber Camp Jul 20 Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
Cyber Camp
Jul21
Cyber Camp Jul 21 Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
Cyber Camp
Jul22
Cyber Camp Jul 22 Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
Cyber Camp
Jul23
Cyber Camp Jul 23 Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
Cyber Camp
Jul24
Cyber Camp Jul 24 Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
Writer and Poet Saeed Jones
Oct13
Writer and Poet Saeed Jones Oct 13 TBD