COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in German is a structured graduate program designed to provide advanced study in German literature, language, culture, and related interdisciplinary fields through three distinct focused areas: German Literature, Germanic Philology, and German Studies. Each track is offered in both thesis (Plan I) and non-thesis (Plan II) formats, typically requiring a total of 30 graduate credit hours, with the exception of Philology where specific coursework distribution may vary by focus. Across all options, students are required to complete foundational graduate-level coursework such as GN 510 (History of the German Language), GN 515 (Middle High German), and additional literature and culture seminars like GN 551 and GN 576, ensuring strong grounding in linguistic history and literary analysis. Elective flexibility allows students to pursue specialized interests through courses in German literature, historical linguistics, and seminar-based thematic studies, while also permitting up to 6–9 credit hours of advisor-approved coursework from related fields such as applied linguistics, English language studies, or bilingualism, depending on the track.In the German Literature track, the thesis option requires 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis research (GN 599), while the non-thesis option replaces the thesis with additional electives to reach 30 total credit hours. The Germanic Philology track places stronger emphasis on language history and linguistic development, requiring coursework in historical linguistics and teaching methodology alongside literature, with either a 6-credit thesis or additional coursework in the non-thesis option. The German Studies track is the most interdisciplinary, combining literature, philology, culture, and German history with an interdisciplinary seminar requirement and additional related-field study, also culminating in either a thesis or expanded coursework depending on the plan.Overall, the program emphasizes comprehensive expertise in German studies through a balance of core linguistic training, literary analysis, cultural and historical understanding, and research or applied academic work, preparing students for careers in academia, education, translation, or advanced interdisciplinary research.The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Education & Promotion is a 42-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for professional practice in public health, with a strong emphasis on health behavior change, program planning, and health equity. The curriculum is structured to build both theoretical understanding and applied skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs that improve individual and community health outcomes. Core coursework includes foundational public health training such as advanced foundations of public health and health promotion, theories of health behavior, health promotion techniques, program planning and evaluation, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health promotion, and health disparities. Together, these courses provide a multidisciplinary framework that helps students understand how biological, environmental, behavioral, and social factors influence population health and how interventions can be developed to address them effectively.Students also gain methodological training through research-focused coursework, selecting either research methods in health or advanced research techniques in health, ensuring they are equipped with skills to critically analyze data and evaluate public health interventions. A required Applied Practice Experience, completed over two courses, allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world public health settings, strengthening professional readiness and practical competency. In addition, students complete 6 credit hours of approved electives, allowing specialization in areas such as global health, sexual health education, women’s health, field study in international health, or independent research, as well as interdisciplinary options from anthropology, communication studies, nutrition, counseling, and education.This flexible yet structured curriculum prepares graduates for diverse careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofit sectors, and community health programs. The program also supports professional advancement by preparing students for national certifications such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Overall, the MPH in Health Education & Promotion integrates scientific knowledge, applied practice, and interdisciplinary learning to develop skilled public health professionals capable of addressing complex health challenges and promoting health equity at both local and global levels.