About STEM+German | iSTEP

 

International Science, Technology, and Engineering Programs (iSTEP)

Understanding yourself and others is one of the greatest challenges in our globalized world. For humanitarian and economic reasons, you want to become a person who can assess problems from different perspectives and become a thinker who can provide globally beneficial solutions. This is especially important in the STEM fields, in which people like yourself provide others with health care and solutions to such challenging problems as water and food shortages, energy and climate crises, and future transportation issues.

The international Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (iSTEP) offers students in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), the College of Engineering, and the College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) an exciting opportunity to become a truly global citizen, equipped to engage in international research and project teams and to provide out-of-the-box thinking. We combine your STEM education with an immersion in the German language and culture, study abroad, and professional experiences in Germany to equip you with the world- and career readiness skills to tackle today's international challenges.

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Why STEM + German?

Similar programs at comparable universities in the United States have demonstarted that integrated STEM and German degree studies offer students not only a unique college experience but also superior and more diverse employment opportunities after graduation. After completion of this course of study, students are prepared for international work opportunities in Germany and in other world regions and have unique qualifications for graduate and medical school applications.

Students in the iSTEP program pursue a STEM-German major, a combination of German language and culture courses that overlap with general education requirements. Students can either graduate with two majors (120-credit option) or receive two degrees: a B.S. in their STEM field plus a B.A. in German when they collect 150 credits.

Book your advising appointment with the iSTEP Director, Dr. Julia Feldhaus, at istep@umass.edu.

The Benefits of iSTEP

Through integrated programming with German and Scandinavian Studies and the International Programs Office, and collaboration with faculty in STEM departments, iSTEP provides students with:

  • individual career advising and curriculum planning
  • scientific and technical German language courses from the beginning to advanced level
  • individualized study abroad programs for your STEM field
  • internship and research opportunities in Germany
  • variable degree timelines depending on your needs and interests

Interested in joining? 

Want to learn more?

No prior knowledge of the German language is necessary to join the program. Students new to German can start with German 110 in the fall or spring. Accelerated options during the summer terms are also available. If you are interested in joining or have questions, contact Dr. Julia Feldhaus, Director of iSTEP, at @email. 

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