The Program of German and Scandinavian Studies has been designated a German Center of Excellence by the American Association of Teachers of German.
The German Center of Excellence designation is presented only to, “well-established and growing German program[s] with strong support from the administration, colleagues, alumni, parents, and students.”
"This is truly a program that is designed to meet the needs of students," wrote Michael R. Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the AATG, in a letter of congratulations to the program. Citing their strong ties to the wider community, exemplary faculty, extracurricular activities, special events, a "most impressive curriculum, and dedication to students," he said the AATG found the UMass Amherst German program to be "excellent in every category."