French Major
Discover the unique cultures, literatures, and histories of France and the francophone countries while you study one of the world’s most globally used languages.
Total Credit Hours: 120
French Major Courses (36 hours)
General Education (45 hours)
Electives (39 hours)
What You'll Study
Develop your proficiency in spoken and written French through coursework in literature and language. You will learn about France’s many historical periods, along with their cultural movements. Our program offers opportunities to study abroad with our faculty in Paris and Senegal to experience French culture outside of the classroom. Take advantage of the flexibility our program offers to pursue a double major in another area of interest.
You'll take 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Forgein Languages, including Virginia Tech's Pathways. We offer classes such as:
- Introduction to Francophone Studies
- French Culture and Civilization
- Studies in French Literature
- Advanced Composition and Stylistics
- French for Oral Proficiency
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What Is a Major in French?
A French major prepares you to become proficient in this important, historical language. You'll gain analytical, writing, and public speaking skills that will prepare you for your future profession. You will also develop a strong knowledge of French culture and the francophone world.
Why Study French Here?
Our award-winning faculty care about our students and are dedicated to helping them grow intellectually. Small class sizes ensure that you will get to know your professors, and they will know you. Students will become fluent in the language and have a chance to immerse themselves in French culture through a study abroad or student exchange program. Our graduates pursue careers in a range of fields or continue their education at the graduate level.
Beyond the Classroom
Collaborate
We share a deep commitment to undergraduate teaching, and our esteemed faculty have recieived numerous teaching awards. Learn with them in small class sizes and study abroad opportunities.
Get Experience
As you complete undergraduate research, you'll have opportunities to submit your work to conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals, including Philologia.
We offer internships in a variety of fields, including the U.S. State Department, Intrax Internships Abroad, International Student Volunteers, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Virginia Tech in Paris, France
Imagine yourself in the world's most romantic city. Tailored to your level of French, our experienced faculty will lead you on guided tours of Paris. You'll explore castles in the Loire Valley, lights in Chartres, and art in Giverny.
Virginia Tech in Senegal, West Africa
Encounter French influence in the Wolof community of exotic Senegal. As you immerse yourself in the language and culture, you'll visit the stunning Lac Rose (the pink lake) and the chilling slave house on Gorée Island.
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Get Involved
Join our French club, Le Cercle Francophone, or our chapter of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society. We encourage appreciation of francophone culture and recognize your outstanding scholarship in French language.
To work on your conversational skills, attend The Cercle Francophone. We meet weekly and plan activities and interactions with native-speakers. You can also volunteer with Teach for Madame, which facilitates a French after-school program for local children.
Live in Mozaiko, a Living-Learning community where the world is at your fingertips. U.S. and international students live together in a diverse community, where you learn about each other's cultures, immerse yourself in language practice, and prepare for a lifetime of intercultural leadership.
Explore the scholarship opportunities available to French students.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I spent my junior year in an exchange program with the Université de Caen in France. I completed intensive French classes, had time to travel, and held a job as an English language teaching assistant in a local school. It was such an enriching experience as I was able to engage in the local French community. The skills that I mastered helped me obtain an internship with the French specialist at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C."
Courtney Johnson, '16
Careers and Further Study
Courtney Johnson, ‘16
As a double major in French and art history, Courtney spent her junior year doing a bilateral exchange at the Université de Caen in Normandy, France. She interned in a local high school during her study abroad. After returning, she interned with the French specialist at the Library of Congress. Now, she is teaching English at a secondary school in France.
Maria Betances-Koegle, '18
Following graduation, Maria wanted to live in a francophone country. With the help of French professors, she applied to a program to teach English at a secondary school in France. Maria believes the French major provided her with the knowledge and skills to launch her career abroad.
Rachel Kirk, '12
While majoring in French and political science, Rachel developed an urgency to work for positive change and a profound love for language learning. She taught high school French for three years in New Orleans through Teach for America before receiving a Fulbright grant to teach English in Rabat, Morocco. Rachel is currently completing her masters in international education development at Columbia University.
Courtney Ebersohl, '19
Courtney studied French literature, language, and culture at the Université de Caen in Caen, France. While there, she combined her French and History double majors to research postwar reconstruction in Normandy, specifically how modernization, memorials, and nuclear development affected French identity.
What do I do with a French major?
French has historically been a major language in the arts, international relations, and business. Its importance will continue to increase as the number of people living in francophone countries is expected to grow dramatically. Since French is used in many regions of the world and in a wide variety of professions, the possibilities are limitless. Our graduates are pursuing careers such as:
- International Business Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Global Account Manager
- Bilingual Communications Officer
- Curator/Archivist
- University Professor
- International Project Manager
- Translator/Interpreter
- Teacher in the US and abroad
- Public Relations Professional
- Nongovernmental Organization Director
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