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History of French Language

French Language and Literature is a field of study focused on the French Language.  The French language is a romance language part of the Indo-European language system.  French descended from Latin along with such languages as Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages from around the globe.

French is the official language of nearly 30 countries making language is dominant in those French speaking countries.  Additionally, the French language is the fourth most popular language in the European Union.  It has been estimated that nearly 120 million individuals are native French speakers with nearly 200 million secondary French speakers.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$73,750

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

49.74%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,720

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best French Language and Literature Degree

Harvard University is prominent for excellence; providing exceptional quality of higher education, as it is known for groundbreaking research, world-class faculty, and an environment for talented students. Harvard offers 

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures offers languages courses in French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish; the four most widely used in Romance languages. RLL students will gain expertise, and develop deeper understanding in the language, literature, translation, visual arts, and cinema in historical context. Through extensive teaching, students will get confidence when it comes to individualized programs that are made for students’ according to their interest, upon consultation with faculty advisers and the DUS. There are a number of activities /programs tailored to help and improve the students further, such as creative writing and translation, studies in film, text, and image, even internships at home and abroad. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Princeton University is the fourth oldest college in the United States, granting excellent quality higher education to all aspiring students across the nation since it started in 1746. It’s now home to more than 5,000 students from across the nations and different countries, and to 1,289 faculty including 27 Nobel Prize-winners faculty. 

Top ranked French degree courses are offered at Princeton University, under the Department of French and Italian for students who are keen on achieving proficiency in French language, history, culture, and literature. Students are prepared with a variety of activities conducted to help the students strengthen their vocabulary, grammatical structures, and translations in French. Expert and well-knowledgeable instructors and faculty in the department will provide the activities, and lectures that will help the students all throughout the program. 

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Yale University has been dedicated to providing excellence in sharing knowledge, innovation, developing the community since its founding 1701. Yale is home to exemplary faculty, and talented, aspiring students. 

Within the top ranked Department of French studies, the school offers the Yale French Studies degree.  It is devoted to French and Francophone literature and language, undergraduate students who are keen on studying this course will be led to a level of competence. Students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation in French language, literature, and cultures of France and other French-speaking countries. The major in French is a liberal arts major, and it focuses on one of the most famous and greatest literatures in depth. The department offers courses that are designed for authors’ works, literary, and cultural movements that span ten centuries and four continents. Students will also have a closer look in history, law, religion, politics, and the arts that greatly influenced French literature. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York was founded in 1754, it is one of the oldest institution of higher education in New York and fifth oldest university in the U.S. Columbia University now is deemed one of the world’s most important research centers, and one of the most distinguished universities; it is now home to thousands of bright, talented students, and acclaimed, dedicated faculty. 

Columbia University offers a lot of degree programs, and under the French Department is the French Language and Literature, and French and Francophone Studies – these are the two undergraduate majors students may take, if they are keen on French studies, or would like to become proficient with the French language and literature. The major and concentration in French studies provide an associative and extensive learning scheme for studying French language, history, literature, arts, and culture of France, and parts of the world wherein French have had a great impact. Class lectures and activities are conducted mostly in French to further help the students practice, become familiarized, and get comfortable with the language. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University is a distinguished leading researched university, founded in 1746. It is a home to world-renowned faculty, and thousands of creative, and intelligent students, driven to academic greatness. 

One of the undergraduate programs offered in Brown University is French Studies. This program will prepare students who are interested in learning the French language, and other aspects of the field; students are prepared to have deeper knowledge about the French and Francophone literatures, and civilizations. Brown’s faculty are leading scholars and adept in anthropology, creative writing, cultural studies, history, film, postcolonial studies, second language acquisition, translation, and more. The program aims to give vast career opportunities for students as college and secondary teaching, translation, linguists, international relations and diplomacy, as well as well-rounded education for careers not exactly related to France. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740, and since then opened a lot of opportunities for excellent higher education, and producing professionals in different fields. It is home to more than 25,000 students from different parts of the U.S. and some other countries, and 4,722 faculty members to impelling UPenn’s goal for greatness. 

Students who are interested in learning the French language, or would want to improve their knowledge in French literature and more, a French course program is being offered in UPenn. The program is to help the students become more proficient both writing and speaking the language. Class lectures will be conducted entirely in French, and students will be given activities which are to be done in French, to gain familiarity and develop vocabulary. Students will have deeper understanding in French and Francophone, language, literature, culture, and arts as they use authentic materials such as written materials, simple articles, songs, films, videos and taped conversations of native speakers. Students may opt to advance to the level of the course program and pursue a major or a minor, and will be given a chance to study French abroad and sponsor a summer program in France (Penn-in-Tours) as well as several semester/year programs in France.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University opened its doors in 1891, and since then provided dedicated, and excellent quality of higher education to aspirants from all over the nation and different countries. It is a   home to more than 16,000 students including both undergraduate and graduate students, with 2,219 dedicated faculty – including 19 Nobel laureates are currently members of the Stanford community.

The School of Humanities and Sciences span to 23 departments of field of study; under the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Language (DLCL) involves the Department of Comparative Literature course program, including French and Italian. The French and Italian department provides intensive training in French and/or Italian literary history; students will also be trained to study the language or language acquisition and refinement, literary history and criticism – all of which will be provided by Stanford faculty who are committed to interdisciplinary work, and giving the students deeper and wider knowledge in the field. The Department of French and Italian provides vast opportunities to pursue the students’ course work at various levels in the languages, cultures, and literatures. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769 and a member of the Ivy League; persistently ranks among the world’s greatest academic institutions across the nation as it’s classified by the Carnegie Foundation for having very high research activity. It is home to more than 6,000 students including graduate students, and excellent faculty. 

French language degree courses are offered at Dartmouth College for qualifying students within the French and Italian Department. Students who are interested in studying French and Francophone may take this course to widen their understanding in the language, and become proficient in speaking and writing in French language. Professors conduct extensive learning techniques, using only authentic materials, from artworks, literature, and more; to further help the students become familiar, with the language, culture, and other works. Students may opt to take French as a major field of study, for a more advanced learning, and have the chance to study in France. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University was created in 1924 and has become one of the wealthiest private universities in North Carolina, it is known for producing excellent and acclaimed scholars in the U.S. and has ranked as one of the best colleges in the country. It is now home to more than 15,000 students, coming from different parts of the U.S. and other countries. 

Under the Department of Romance Studies, French and Francophone Studies program is being offered for students who are interested in learning and becoming proficient in speaking and writing the language. It’s been long proven that the faculty in Romance Studies in Duke University are pioneering, and acclaimed international force in research and teaching French and Francophone studies. Students benefit from the extensive teaching framework conducted by an excellent group of faculty that handles the course; students will sure have deeper understanding in the learning language, literature, culture, histories, written works, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Amherst College is a liberal arts college that began in 1821, providing higher education to students who might not have had the means to go to an institution; Amherst, since then aimed to provide quality education without reservation. Amherst is now home to thousands of talented and bright students, and dedicated, acclaimed faculty. 

French major is being offered in Amherst for students who are interested in studying the French language, and Francophone literature, etc. The major’s main goal is to help students learn more about the culture, history, language, literature, art, and more. From a range of historical periods to the present time, that affects and changes the French language and literature. Almost all aspects of the field of study will be discussed and studied all throughout the course, the courses will be conducted in French, to further help the students become comfortable and familiar with the language.

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Pomona College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California established in 1887 – since then provided an excellent and comprehensive curriculum in higher education, it is one of the premier liberal arts colleges across the nation. Pomona is a diverse community, with approximately 1,670 students from 59 nations and all 50 U.S. states. 

French major or minor in Pomona will help students to master the French and Francophone language, literature, and culture holistically. Through extensive teaching techniques, such as class discussions that will be conducted in French, practice vocabulary, grammar, and hands-on activities. As part of the extensive learning techniques, students may have the opportunity to spend a semester in France, Cameroon, Senegal or Morocco. Students will be taught and assisted with experienced, distinguished, and multidisciplinary French language professors; and have wide-ranging areas of expertise. 

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts and engineering institution founded in 1864 aimed to provide quality education that can be obtained equally to other institutions; values giving higher education available to all people. It is now home to thousands bright, aspiring students, and dedicated faculty- the university offers more than 600 courses each year, and 40 courses of study. 

The top-rated French and Francophone Studies degree is one of the academic programs being offered in Swarthmore College. The program aims for the students to become proficient in French and Francophone world. Through extensive teaching techniques, students will expand their knowledge in French cultures, histories, arts, and political development that have influenced and shaped France and its colonies. Students may opt to take French and Francophone as a major or minor; students are prepared to take advanced courses conducted entirely in French, to develop their language acquisition and become comfortable speaking and writing the language. 

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Cornell University is private research university that was founded in 1865; contributing vastly in all fields of studies, providing wide-ranging knowledge that can be obtained by all. Cornell University is home to 23,620 talented students, and 1,695 dedicated and experienced professors, and offers thousands of degree programs including master’s and doctoral degree programs. 

In the College of Arts and Sciences, French degree program is offered under the Department of Romance Studies. Students who are interested French and Francophone studies will benefit greatly in pursuing this program – Students will be taught a wide range of topics in French and Francophone, preparing the students to become fluent in speaking and writing the language. Classes and activities in this program will be conducted in French by a professor expert in the field. Students will have deeper knowledge in French and Francophone cultures, language, literature, arts, histories, and more.  

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University is known as a comprehensive research university, since it opened its doors in 1855, and has long been committed in providing excellent quality education, teaching, and innovative research. The university is home to more than 20,000 students, 3,334 full-time, dedicated faculty, and offers award-winning degree programs.

French major is offered under the Department of French and Italian, one of the highly acclaimed courses in Northwestern University. The course will prepare students who are keen in studying French language, and literature, but the course offers an extensive learning program, wherein students will have deeper understanding in French cultures, histories, literature, arts, social, and more. The Department is confident that students will gain and develop skills and knowledge as they will be taught and assisted by the department’s faculty of experts. There’s also a French course program for graduate students who would love to have an advanced learning in the field of study. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Williams College is a private, liberal arts college that was founded in 1793 and has long been dedicated in providing exceptional quality of education; highlighting hands-on learning, and gaining valuable experience, and development. 

William’s College Center for Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers the French degree program. The program offers a variety of French courses for students who are interested in French and Francophone studies. Courses will be in French; classes and activities, conducted by specialists in their field, for the students to gain acquisition and familiarization of the language. Students will have wider understanding, and deeper understanding in French and Francophone literature, language, cultures, histories, politics, philosophies, arts, and more. Undergraduates will have the chance to study in France or in other Francophone countries, giving them vast career opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873, and it’s now globally renowned for its excellent, innovative education, and outstanding research; top-ranked university in both academics and financial aid. The University is now home to more than 13,000 students, 4,789 outstanding faculty, and 4,470 dedicated staff. Vanderbilt University offers a number of degree programs that will open vast career opportunities to many aspirants.

The Department of French and Italian falls under the College of Arts and Sciences in Vanderbilt University. The program aims to provide extensive knowledge in French and Francophone studies, not only in speaking and writing the language, but also understanding the culture, literature, history, arts, politics, and more. Courses are conducted in French by expert professors to help the students become more comfortable, proficient in speaking and writing the language.  Students may pursue a major in French for an advanced learning, and may study in France, or in other Francophone countries. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Rice University has developed over the years since its founding in 1912, has ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, and promoted diversity, tradition, excellent quality of higher education, and ranked highly for the best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Studies is offered at Rice University.  This degree pathway can open a vast array of career opportunities for students who are motivated to earn a degree in this field.  Students will be taught and trained by experienced, fluent faculty members in this program; they will gain language acquisition, becoming more fluent in communicating and writing in French. Course programs are conducted in French; all throughout the course, the students will not only gain proficiency in speaking the language, but also will develop their research skills, reading skills, and criticism to French texts, and articles. Students will have an in-depth knowledge in the field, including French and Francophone cultures, literature, arts, history, social science, religion, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Notre Dame is one of the high-ranked universities across the state, it’s a private, research university founded in 1842. A home to more than 12,000 students, and 1,396 faculty, and offering 78 majors; today the university’s achieving breakthrough in a number of academic disciplines. 

The Department of Languages and Literatures under the College of Arts and Letters, offers French course programs to those who are interested French and Francophone studies. Students can choose between taking the program as a major or minor with all the French courses offered. Students will have deeper and broader understanding in French and Francophone cultures, literatures, history, politics, art, and more. Not only students will become fluent in speaking and writing the language, they will also learn more in the field of study. Classes and activities done in this program will be conducted in French by expert faculty in the field; opening a vast career opportunities in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Georgetown University is the oldest private, catholic and Jesuit research institution of higher learning in the United States, founded in 1789 to provide excellent higher education and has grown majorly to be an international research university. It is now home to more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and those from different countries. 

The top rated French major at Georgetown University can be located within the Department of French and Francophone Studies.  Students who are interested in learning advanced areas of French and Francophone studies begin their studies in this specialized area of study. Qualifying students have the option to select specific courses according to their overall academic and career preference; they may consult advisors and director of Undergraduate studies for assistance. Students taking French courses, will have an in-depth appreciation for French language, Francophone cultures, literature, history, art, and more. Courses/programs will be conducted in French and students will be provided with tools to help them analyze and interpret texts, refining the students’ research, writing, and linguistics proficiency.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Washington University in St. Louis has been dedicated to exceptional quality of education, and research. With more than 300 academic programs being offered, 14,500+ full-time students, and 3,645 dedicated and exceptional faculty members, Washington University in St. Louis didn’t cease to innovate, and is still driven to provide quality education.

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, under the college of Arts and Sciences, offered the French degree program. Students who are interested in learning French language and literature may take this course and develop the acquisition of language, and have wider knowledge in French literature. Vast areas of studies will be covered in this program, such as French and Francophone language, literature, cultures, histories, philosophy, politics, arts, and more. The classes and activities in this program is conducted in French by a proficient faculty/instructor, to help the students familiarize and get comfortable in speaking and writing the language. The French program opens vast career opportunities for the graduates in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore opened in 1876 and has been renowned to be one of the top research universities in the U.S. It is now a home to distinguished professors, and 24,000 bright, talented students taking the more than 260 programs in various fields of studies in Johns Hopkins University. 

The degree in French studies program can be found under the Department of Languages and Literatures.  This degree is currently offered as an undergraduate major, minor, and PhD in French literature. Students who are interested to study this program will gain valuable and broader knowledge in the French language, literature, cultures, arts, and more. Classes and activities in this program will be handled by distinguished and dynamic, expert faculty; the course program will be conducted mostly in French, to help the students gain language acquisition. Students are also encouraged to study abroad to have real Francophone-world experience, and gain mastery in the field

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University was established in 1852, and has become one of America's leading providers in higher education and distinct for its success; the university is renowned for excellence in research, providing students with quality education, and personal growth. It is home to more than 11,000 students, 1,546 faculty, and 3,498 staff, offering over 90+ majors and minors. 

French is one of the most-used languages in the world, and studying French opens vast career opportunities. Students who are interested in learning the French language and Francophone studies can take this program and have an exceptional experience in French program. Students will have the opportunity to live in the aptly named French House: Maison Française, which allows the students to speak in French on a daily basis in an informal setting, for the students to practice, and become more familiar and comfortable with the language. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for them to study abroad – Tufts-in-Paris program will give the students that real French-world experience, exposing them to native French speakers, culture, arts, literature, philosophy, and more. They are also qualified to take internships for two months in the spring semester, placements may vary and you can have an experience as an intern in small French companies, art galleries, NGOs. 

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Department of French at Barnard College is a top-rated program that has earned a long-standing reputation for quality curriculum.  Students who are interested in French language and literature, Francophone Studies will find the Barnard program an engaging, challenging degree pathway.   The overarching  emphasis of the French language program is to help the students broaden their knowledge in French and Francophone culture, language, histories, arts, literature, and more. Through extensive teaching technique, students will become fluent in speaking and writing the target language; the courses will be conducted in French, by faculty experts in the field. Students will have the opportunity to study in France or other Francophone countries to give the students a real-world experience in Francophone cultures.

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Southern California has a rich tradition of academic excellence across many of their colleges and schools.  As with the French Language major, this tradition is upheld substantially.  USC is has long been committed in providing quality higher education across the sprawling campus.  USC is a renown institution in language instruction and global studies with robust academic programs and world-class facilities in Sciences. The French program is offered under the Department of French and Italian Studies. Students will be taught and trained thoroughly to become proficient in the French language, and be well-knowledgeable of French literature, cultures, cinema, history, arts, and social sciences.  Classes and activities will be conducted in French by expert faculty, to enhance their language acquisition, and to become more competent in speaking the language with other French native speakers. The students may have the opportunity to study in French-speaking countries, as the department aims for the students to experience the real French-speaking world. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Claremont McKenna College was founded in 1946, and now renowned as the nation’s top liberal arts college; producing scholars to make a difference. It is now home to 8,500 students, and 3,000 dedicated faculty and staff. Claremont is distinguished by eleven world-class research institutes, as the number of undergraduate students conducting research with professors is exceptionally high. 

French studies in Claremont McKenna College is under the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. French is one of the most sought-after languages in the world, that’s why students or some are interested in taking French courses to learn the language. In Claremont, all courses in this field of study are conducted in French, group conversations are conducted by native French speakers, in order to practice and familiarize the students in speaking and writing the language. Students may take French courses, and take French as a major for a more advanced learning in French, students can have the chance to study in France or another French-speaking country to get a real French world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Degrees in French Language

The degree options in French language and literature can include a traditional on-site classroom program, online degrees, and/or hybrid programs blending the two modalities. The various learning formats afford students the opportunity to earn a degree in French through various degree programs. Students seeking to major in French may elect to earn an Associates of Arts (AA) or a Bachelors of Arts (BA) in French literature. Alternatively, students can enroll in a graduate program such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Doctorate degree often listed in a course catalog as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Each degree level mentioned will dictate a unique set of coursework and student responsibilities in and out of the classroom. For example, students working towards an associate's degree will take a series of general education classes like creative writing, philosophy, and math along with core French curricula. Core classes for students working towards an AA will be foundational 100 and 200 level classes. Introductory classes about speaking French is key to overall proficiency.

On the other hand, earning a master's degree in French is a much more intensive degree to obtain. Graduate students will have already completed a host of entry-level classes before entering a master in French degree program. Students in graduate programs will be required to take a host of French speaking courses to help them speak French more fluently. Graduate students will have fewer, more intense classes to prepare them for a career in French speaking capacities.

French Classes You Will Take

The classes you may find in a French Language and Literature program may not identical at every college but will contain a great deal of overlap. As a general rule, you can expect to take a variety of college French classes that include any number of the following:

  • Introduction to France
  • Contemporary French Literature & Language
  • Anthropology
  • French Poetry
  • Urbanism in France
  • Economic Analysis
  • Social & Cultural Change
  • Modern France
  • History of France
  • French Culture & History
  • Methods and Theories of French Art
  • Globalization and Gender Studies
  • French Music and Art

Skills & Abilities Required for French Majors

  1. Clarity of Speech in English and French
  2. Exceptional Oral Expression
  3. Fluent French to English Translation
  4. Instructing Small and Large Groups
  5. French Language Reading Comprehension
  6. Active Listening Skills in English and French
  7. Writing in French
  8. French Comprehension
  9. Speech Recognition in French
  10. Written Comprehension of the French Language
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & French Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in French Language and Literature, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from middle school teachers, high school teachers, public speakers, post-secondary teachers, translators, interpreters, business professionals, mediators, historians, authors, writers, and adult literacy teachers to name a few possible career tracks.

French Major Jobs & Career Outlook

Job growth for French majors are forecast to be above the national average according to studies performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the rate of job growth for interpreters is expected to jump 29% through 2024 compared to a six percent average for all vocations in the country. Given the rapid increase in jobs, careers in French language should be readily available to qualified candidates.

In terms of compensation for French majors, studies reveal it will vary from industry to industry. More specifically, your prior work experience in conjunction with city of residence and employer will dictate your salary. To provide you a baseline, the median salary for French interpreters is currently $47,190 with the bottom ten percent earning just under twenty-six thousand dollars and the top 10% earning $82,290 per year on average.

Resources for French Majors

The rich history of France provides students the unique opportunity to specialize in a particular area or learn about the country in a more general sense. Students may find it useful to link up with domestic and international French organizations to learn more about various facets of French language. We recommend the following organizations as a starting point to learn more about this area of study:

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