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French Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Study one of the world’s most beautiful and influential languages with a B.A. in French from UND.

Studying French leads to a deeper understanding of history, culture, art, theater, fashion and much more. A degree in French from UND is a gateway to a world of opportunities.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a degree in French?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

More than 400 million people around the globe speak French, making it one of the most widely spoken and influential languages in the world. French is an essential language for anyone who wants to converse fluently in the international arenas of business, diplomacy, science, art and culture.

As a French major at UND, you'll immerse yourself in French language and culture. You'll also examine literature, film and other media from the 50-plus French-speaking countries of the world. Choose upper-division courses from the following categories:

  • The study and practice of spoken and written French in national and international contexts
  • An interdisciplinary approach to the study of Francophone literatures and films
  • The understanding and analysis of Francophone perspectives regarding socio-cultural contemporary world issues

Our students have paired a degree in French with engineering, medicine, education, aviation, criminal justice, music, history and many other fields.

French is also offered as a minor or certificate. We also offer a French teaching track that meets the requirements for licensure set by the State of North Dakota.

Degree in French at UND

  • Spend a summer, a semester or a year studying abroad in a French-speaking country

  • Participate weekly in our vibrant French Club.

  • Work with faculty who hold doctoral degrees and expertise in a wide array of cultural and linguistic subjects.

  • Apply for language scholarships to invest in your education.

  • Supplement your bachelor's degree in French with an International Studies minor.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

What can you do with a French degree?

84k

Median annual salary for postsecondary teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in French opens the door to a wealth of career opportunities in the United States and abroad. Researchers predict that French-speaking communities will grow rapidly in the coming decades, expanding opportunities in international business, tourism, diplomacy and more.

UND's proximity to French-speaking Canada means your French degree will increase your marketability in the local job market. With a degree in French from UND, you'll be prepared for any career path you choose.

French Degree Jobs

Our alumni have gone on to graduate study and/or careers in:

  • Law
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • International business
  • Human rights

French alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Fargo Public Schools
  • University of Colorado
  • Delta Airlines
  • Applied Engineering, Inc.

French Degree Courses

FREN 305. French/Francophone Culture and Oral Expression. 3 Credits.

Contemporary issues of the French-speaking world with an emphasis on oral expression. Prerequisite: FREN 202 with a grade of a C or better or consent of instructor. F.

FREN 340. Business French. 3 Credits.

Oral and written practice with terminology and idioms used in commerce and business correspondence. Readings on such topics as banking, employment, markets, production, services, trade and practices in the French business world. Prerequisite: FREN 301 with a grade of a C or better, French placement exam or consent of instructor. On demand.

FREN 413. Advanced French Grammar Review. 3 Credits.

An oral and written approach to French grammar and stylistics. Prerequisite: FREN 302 or equivalent. On demand.

FREN 340. Business French. 3 Credits.

Oral and written practice with terminology and idioms used in commerce and business correspondence. Readings on such topics as banking, employment, markets, production, services, trade and practices in the French business world. Prerequisite: FREN 301 with a grade of a C or better, French placement exam or consent of instructor. On demand.

LANG 318. Individual Arranged Study Abroad. 1-12 Credits.

Participation in individually arranged programs of study abroad. For major or minor credit, the language used abroad must correspond to the language being studied at UND. The Department reserves the right to test the student upon his or her return to Grand Forks. Repeatable to 12 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

FREN 372. Studies in African, Asian, Caribbean, and/or Polynesian Francophone Literatures, Films and Cultures. 3 Credits.

Topics for this course may include genre studies, survey of literary and or social/political movements, or a specific time period. Depending on the topic and the range of interest outside the major, the course may be taught in French or English. For major or minor credit, written work must be done in French. Repeatable up to 6 credits when course content differs. Prerequisite: FREN 202 with a grade of a C or better, French placement exam or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. On demand.

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