French

Major, Minor

Why choose a French major?

French is an official language of the United Nations, the European Union and many other international organizations. It is a key language for global communication and diplomacy. It is also the international language of cooking, fashion, theatre and the arts. Mastering French prepares you for exciting jobs at home and around the world.

As a French major, you'll learn more than just the language. You'll also focus on French-speaking areas like Québec, Canada, which is important for trade with Michigan and the U.S.

All French majors and minors get to study abroad in France or Québec. After you graduate, you can even spend a year in France teaching English through a special program called TAPIF.

What you’ll:

• Speak and write in French, which will help you stand out on job applications.
• Understand and respect people from other cultures.
• Learn how world issues like immigration, the environment and human rights affect us all.
• Embrace critical thinking skills like writing, analyzing and understanding.

Highlights of our French major

As a French major, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Experience French in the real world: Take your French skills to the next level by studying abroad for a summer, a semester or even a full year in the cities of Pau or Aix-en-Provence, France or in the heart of French-speaking Canada, Chicoutimi, Québec. You'll boost your confidence, discover new cultures and impress future employers.
• Tailored to your level: Receive personalized instruction and individual mentorship from dedicated French faculty.
• Explore francophone culture: Take classes such as France’s Gastronomies, France at War in the 20th Century, Topics in French and Francophone Film and Francophone Literature and Culture.
• Find your French community:  Join our faculty and students in extracurricular activities like French Club: Le Cercle Francophone or Pi Delta Phi the French Honor Society.