Admissions to the Scandinavian Studies Certificate have been suspended as of fall 2023 and will be discontinued as of fall 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department.

Please see the new Languages and Cultures of Northern Europe certificate for more information.

The Scandinavian Studies program provides the opportunity to learn the literature, folklore, politics, and culture of the Nordic countries in the original languages and in English translation. Partly in cooperation with other departments, we offer courses in Scandinavian language, history, culture, social institutions, geography, arts, archaeology, myths, and folklore. 

Scholars with knowledge of Scandinavian languages and cultures are equipped for careers in the countries that are the world leaders in gender equity, societal welfare, and 21st-century business practices, as well as a range of careers including education, law, international trade, translation, civil service, non-profits, the arts, linguistics, literature, environmental sciences, conservation, diplomacy, and more.

How to Get in

Admissions to the Scandinavian Studies Certificate have been suspended as of fall 2023 and will be discontinued as of fall 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department.

Please see the new Languages and Cultures of Northern Europe certificate for more information.

Certificate Requirements

The Scandinavian studies certificate requires 18 credits of SCAND ST. 9 credits must be taken at the 300 level or higher. Select at least one course from each of the following areas:

Languages

Language, Culture, and History Courses

Literature

Residence and Quality of Work

• At least a 2.000 GPA is required among all courses eligible for the certificate.
• At least 9 credits must be taken in residence. A UW–Madison-sponsored study abroad program applies as in-residence credit.

Certificate Completion Requirement

This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding in a global context in a field of study covering literature, history, area studies, folklore, or philology classes.
2. Select and utilize the most appropriate methods of study and inquiry within the content of the classes taken.
3. Evaluate and respond to information pertaining to the classes taken, showing clear analytical and critical thinking skills.
4. Communicate clearly in appropriate ways in the classes taken.
5. Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.

Advising and Careers

For advising and placement, please contact our undergraduate advisor:

Joanna Schuth, Undergraduate Advisor
jschuth@wisc.edu
836 Van Hise Hall
Make an appointment through Starfish

Students who transfer to UW after a year abroad should contact the undergraduate advisor as early as possible to schedule a placement test.

Note:  SCAND ST 302 Intensive Finnish II satisfies the third semester of the Finnish language sequence for the purpose of meeting the College of Letters & Science foreign language requirement.

Majors should see the advisor during the semester before their last semester. Prospective majors are urged to consult the undergraduate advisor about their program at the first possible opportunity.

For additional career advising, please contact:

Lydia Odegard
Language Directions Specialist
Language Institute

L&S Career Resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.

• SuccessWorks
• Set up a career advising appointment
• Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
  • INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
  • INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
• Learn about internships and internship funding
  • INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
• Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives

People

Professors

Kirsten Wolf*
Susan Brantly
Thomas DuBois
Dean Krouk

Assistant Professors

Claus Andersen
Benjamin Mier-Cruz
Liina-Ly Roos

Teaching Faculty

B. Marcus Cederström
Scott A. Mellor

Lecturers

Ida Moen Johnson
Helen Durst

Associate Lecturers

Todd Michelson-Ambelang

* unit head