Learning German at Samford

Our undergraduate program provides a comprehensive introduction to the language, literature and cultures of German-speaking countries while exploring the multicultural, transnational and global contexts that shape these societies today.

Whether fulfilling a language requirement or pursuing a major or minor, students gain a deeper understanding of the German language and the significance of cultural literacy in an interconnected world.We offer challenging courses in German language, culture and business designed to prepare students for global citizenship and a variety of career paths. To enhance language proficiency and cultural immersion, we encourage all German majors and minors to participate in our four-week summer program in Bamberg, Germany.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the German program, German majors at Samford may apply for The Hilda Hicks Scholarship in German Studies, which can be used to offset tuition expenses.

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Is This Program for Me?

  • Customizable Learning Experiences – Our curricular and extracurricular activities can be tailored to align with student interests and career goals.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach – We collaborate with departments across campus to ensure students develop both strong linguistic skills and the content knowledge needed for their chosen careers.
  • Career-Focused Guidance – From day one, we encourage students to consider life after graduation, helping them make professional connections and identify the best career path.

Students have the opportunity to spend 4–8 weeks studying in small, individualized classes with certified teachers at Sprachinstitut Treffpunkt in Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city. During their stay, students live with local families and engage in a variety of cultural enrichment activities, gaining real-world language experience in an immersive environment.

Students pursuing German studies gain a high level of career preparedness through advanced proficiency in the German language and cultural competency related to living and working in a German-speaking context. The program prepares students for advanced studies in German and for academic programs related to their field of interest. It also fosters professional development by facilitating connections between students and German businesses in Alabama as well as Alabama businesses working with German-speaking companies.

Future Opportunities

The study of German opens doors to a wide range of future opportunities in fields such as public policy, law, education (including teaching and administration) and business (including accounting, finance, economics, marketing and human resources). Additional career paths include the fine arts such as music, literature and art, as well as international affairs, tourism, translation and interpretation, religion, philosophy, history, publishing and the automotive industry.

Samford students have been recognized with prestigious awards including Fulbright grants to teach English in Germany. Recipients include Chase Trautwein (2013), Samantha McFarland (2013) and Natalie Bennie (2016), each of whom has pursued further academic or professional achievements in German-speaking environments.

Faculty

The program is led by Grant H. Henley, Ph.D., a graduate of Harvard University. Former faculty members include Angela D. Ferguson, Ph.D., recipient of the Barbara Fischer Education Award from the Alabama/Germany Partnership in 2016; Terry H. Pickett, Ph.D., former Chair of German at both the University of Alabama and Samford; as well as Hilda Hicks and Ursula Hinden.