French Studies (B.A.)
Learn French, Prepare for the World
In today’s global economy, the ability to speak French is an extremely valuable skill. French is spoken on five continents, by over 220 million people in the world, and it is the official language in close to 30 different countries. In this program, you will learn to communicate effectively in French with courses that integrate language and culture. Our curriculum will also help you develop what employers call desirable “soft skills” such as empathy, creativity, mental flexibility, critical thinking and intercultural communication strategies. You can take advantage of our study abroad opportunities to refine your language skills, immerse yourself in one of the many cultures that use French, and participate in service-learning projects that will help you become linguistically proficient, open to new perspectives, and globally literate. The French studies major can easily be combined with another major and is especially desirable when paired with a major such as nursing, engineering, English or journalism for instance.
- Like to learn about cultures that use French as a language in North America, Europe, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
- Want to travel, broaden your horizons and engage with different cultures and perspectives.
- Plan to work internationally and need to develop your intercultural competency.
- Want to understand how the French-speaking world impacts and is shaped by globalization.
- Seek to gain proficiency in the French language and increase your overall communication skills for any job — domestically or overseas.
- International education: ESL teacher in the U.S. or overseas
- International development: health care industry worker, translator, community organizer, human rights agency or nongovernmental organization worker, etc.
- Health care: doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, physical therapist, administrator, pharmaceutical product representative, nongovernmental organization worker (Doctors without Borders)
- International business: salesperson, trader, sales representative
- Tourism industry: director, hotel manager, travel agent, tour guide
- Ministère de l’Éducation (France, education)
- euNetworks (UK, Fiber network company)
- WestJet (Canada, Airline Industry)
- National Wildlife Refuge Association (Washington, D.C., Nonprofit organization)
- Hormel (California, Global food corporation)
- Lewis Drug (Minnesota, Pharmacy)
- Minnesota Department of Health (Minnesota, Health Industry)
- Government Center (Washington County, Minnesota)
- Sioux Falls School District (South ֱ, Education)
- South ֱ State University (South ֱ, Recruitment)
- Community development, education and English as a second language, family and youth development, health, human rights (Morocco)
- Fashion, marketing, tourism, data analysis and computer science (Paris)
- Agriculture, agribusiness and organic farming (France)
- French Club
