French Major
Why Study French at Virginia Tech?
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.
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Study Abroad Programs
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Student Organizations
Mozaiko
Living Learning Community
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.
Atlas Vernier, '23
Atlas graduated with dual degrees in French and Industrial & Systems Engineering. They are currently a graduate student studying human-centered system design and mission engineering, collaborating with researchers around the world and presenting their work to international audiences. Ultimately, Atlas aims to utilize their French language skills as an international leader in in-space and on-Earth technological capabilities—from autonomous collaborative robotics to extended reality.
Jada Braxton, ‘23
Jada dreamed of sharing her love of music with the world while majoring in French and music performance. Encouraged by her French and music professors, she used their teachings to begin a new journey in Québec after graduation. Jada's passion for foreign language and music led her to pursue a masters in flute performance at the Université de Montréal. Jada enjoys the best of both worlds by studying at this French-language university in Canada.
Careers and Further Study
What can you do with a major in French?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- 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
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
We share a deep commitment to undergraduate teaching, and our esteemed faculty has received numerous teaching awards. Learn with them in small class sizes and study abroad opportunities.
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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Join our French club, Le Cercle Francophone. We encourage appreciation of francophone culture and recognize your outstanding scholarship in the 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.
The French and Francophone Studies program provides a comprehensive overview to the literatures, cultures, and languages of the French and Francophone world. The program exposes students to research methods, critical analysis, and advanced pedagogical tools. The principal goal of the program is to prepare students for career tracks that require advanced linguistic and cultural knowledge.
Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
French Major Requirements
- Introduction to Francophone Studies
- Studies in French Literature
- Advanced Composition and Stylistics
- French for Oral Proficiency
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Foreign Languages
45 hrs
General Education
36 hrs
Major Requirements
39 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.