French BA

The French and Francophone Studies major is designed to provide students with advanced proficiency in the French language while deepening their understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, and literatures of the French-speaking world. Students will develop strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a carefully structured curriculum that combines language acquisition with courses in literature, film, history, and cultural studies. The program emphasizes both linguistic fluency and critical engagement with the cultural and intellectual traditions of France, Canada, Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions where French is a primary language of communication.

A distinguishing feature of the program is the opportunity to participate in the Summer Study Abroad Program in France, which allows students to immerse themselves in French language and culture while gaining first-hand experience in international living and learning. This experiential component enhances linguistic confidence, cultural adaptability, and global awareness—skills highly valued in today’s interconnected world.

Graduates of the program are fully prepared to pursue graduate study in French literature, linguistics, or cultural studies, as well as careers in education, translation, or interpretation. With its emphasis on communication, analytical thinking, and intercultural competence, the degree also provides excellent preparation for careers in government, diplomacy, commerce, tourism, international business, and hospitality management. Florida, home to more than 200 French-owned companies, offers abundant professional opportunities for bilingual graduates, while knowledge of French also provides access to Canada—America’s largest trading partner—where French is one of the two official languages.

French is consistently recognized as one of the most important languages for international relations, business, and global diplomacy. For this reason, the major is also an ideal complement to degrees in Business, International Relations, Political Science, or Global Studies. Whether students envision themselves working in multinational corporations, contributing to international organizations, teaching at the secondary or post-secondary level, or continuing their studies at the graduate level, the French and Francophone Studies major equips them with the linguistic expertise, cultural knowledge, and intellectual versatility to thrive in diverse and competitive fields.