Scandinavian

Become familiar with the cultures, history, and global influences of the Nordic languages.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Scandinavian in the College of Letters & Science offers a rare opportunity to explore the languages, literatures, cultures, and histories of Scandinavia, a region of the world often depicted as an egalitarian utopia. We study this and the rich heritage of the Nordic region from the Viking age until today, while also delving beneath the polished surfaces and encouraging critical thinking about the established narratives of the region, the disparities between ideals and reality, and the blind spots in Scandinavian self-perception.

Highlights

  • Customize your studies with a concentration in Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Old Norse Studies, or Swedish.
  • Connect with other students interested in Nordic culture at Nordic Kafe.
  • Apply for a FLAS award to fund your language study.
  • Immerse yourself in Scandinavian language and culture through study abroad.
The Department of Scandinavian has not only allowed me to explore Nordic languages…but it has also fostered a community for events such as International Cinnamon Bun Day and Maypole decorating through the Nordic Kafe.
Class of 2025 student

Undergraduate Program

Curriculum 

The Department of Scandinavian offers an undergraduate major with concentrations in five areas: Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Old Norse Studies, and Swedish. Each of these concentrations allows students to explore the major while developing expertise within the language and literature of one of the Nordic languages.

While the electives built into each of the five concentrations allow room to explore all phases of Scandinavian literature and cultural history from the medieval to the modern, the core courses for each will emphasize the specific language of choice. Students receive further training in their major language skills by pursuing reading in original Scandinavian languages when coursework allows, and through special add-on major units. 

Learn more at scandinavian.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/

Study Options

In addition to the major, the Department of Scandinavian offers:

Students can also add Scandinavian as a double major. Frequent pairings include environmental studies, history, architecture, public policy, linguistics, political science, film, and economics.

Declaring the Major

Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the Scandinavian major, contact the Undergraduate Advisor as early as possible to review the major declaration process and plan an individualized course of study.

The Scandinavian major accepts both first-year admits and transfer students. Transfer students do not have to take language prerequisites and SCANDIN 60 and 75 before applying for transfer to be considered for admission to UC Berkeley and the major in Scandinavian.

What Can I Do With My Major?

The Scandinavian major trains students in language skills, critical thinking and writing, and cultural understanding, and can serve as a first step to careers in writing, translation, editing, or business, especially those in which ties to the Nordic region are important. Program graduates have career trajectories in academic as well as a broad range of other professions that require language skills, research acumen, and persuasive argument such as business, law, medicine, public policy and government, and the arts.

UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Scandinavian. The College of Letters & Science spotlights career pathways for students in the Arts & Humanities, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.

Employment

Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include: 

  • Attorney
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Control Operator
  • Environmental Educator
  • Photographer
  • Professor
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer
  • Translator

Graduate Study

Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:

  • Bioarchaeology
  • Cognition and Communication
  • English
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Medieval Icelandic Studies
  • Scandinavian Studies
  • Urban and Regional Planning

Spotlight

Jacob, class of 2020

Jacob Casey graduated with a double major in Scandinavian and Psychology, and works as an environmental educator for a nature conservancy.

Why did you choose Scandinavian? I taught myself Norwegian as a kid and was an active member of a Scandinavian cultural club as a teen.

How did your degree shape your career? Scandinavia's commitment to environmentalism and sustainability as well as the concept of friluftsliv inspires me in my career as an environmental educator.

Any advice for future students? Be an active agent in shaping your own future—make connections, utilize available resources, and most importantly never give up on your passions.

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

Undergraduate Advising

Have questions about Scandinavian or choosing a major?

The Department of Scandinavian offers undergraduate advising for students interested in the Scandinavian major, minor, or Nordic language study. The Undergraduate Advisor is available for in-person and remote appointments for help with major, double major, and minor planning and declaration; study abroad course and requirements planning; and other matters. Email issaug@berkeley.edu for advising hours, contacts, and additional information.

The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.

Related Programs

Looking for programs similar to Scandinavian? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs: