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Boost Your Resume!
In today’s increasingly interdependent world, the ability to speak a second language is an extremely valuable skill and learning German boosts career prospects and salaries in many fields. Germany is the largest economy in the European Union, a key trading partner with the United States and a leader in science and research. German companies like Adidas, Lufthansa, Bayer, T-Mobile and Volkswagen employ 800,000 people in the U.S. alone, with U.S. companies creating the same number of jobs in Germany. The basic German language proficiency certificate provides students a language certificate that marks their achievements in acquiring the German language at the basic level. The certificate includes elementary and intermediate language study, with a focus on developing all modes of language production: speaking, listening, writing and reading in an everyday context. The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major. The basic German language proficiency certificate is a value-added credential to any major and is particularly relevant for majors in business, construction, engineering, agriculture, healthcare and education.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Seek to gain basic proficiency in the German language and increase your communication skills in any job.
- Want to understand how the German-speaking world impacts and is shaped by globalization.
- Like to travel, broaden your horizons and engage with diversity.
- Are interested in working internationally.
- Want to learn about cultures that speak German in the Americas, Europe, or Africa.
Career Opportunities
- Business
- Construction management
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Education
- Pharmacy
- Government employee
- Social work
Suggested Majors
- Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Communication Specialization
- Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Leadership Specialization
- Early Childhood Education (B.S.) - Birth to Eight Specialization
- Elementary Education (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
- Global Studies (B.A.)
- History (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization
- Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management (B.S.)
- Human Biology (B.S.)
- Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)
- Journalism (B.A./B.S.)
- Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)
- Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations (B.S.)
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Operations Management (B.S.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Political Science (B.A./B.S.)
- Public Relations (B.A./B.S.)
- Respiratory Care (B.S.)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.