BGSU French majors reach a conversational level in the second language of business in a culture-rich Ohio campus.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Minor 

French

The BGSU French program offers the benefits of learning a truly global second language –  the only language other than English spoken on five continents. 

Proficiency in a second (or third) language and in intercultural competence can lead to greater understanding, increased tolerance, and empathy for others. Among the neurological benefits are enhanced concentration, the ability to multitask, and improved communication and social skills.

The language of over 275 million people

French is predicted to be the most commonly spoken language globally by 2050, thanks to growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, the French language continues to play a vital role in globalization, with 29 countries speaking French.

Recognizing French as an international language and the growing importance of cross-cultural experiences, the department has established a curriculum that includes course work and study abroad opportunities in both France and the broader French-speaking world.

Are you planning to work in North America? Mastering a foreign language can give students an edge in finding fulfilling careers in areas ranging from international organizations, government agencies, teaching, and tourism to banking, import-export, and computer science. In our networked world, students in the 21st century can expect to work in organizations with foreign contacts and with domestic teams made up of international professionals.

How do I get there? Building proficiency in French—like excelling in music or a sport—works best when you plot out a sequence of courses continuously. When coupled with a study abroad experience, you will be in a better position to highlight your communication skills and demonstrate intercultural understanding to future employers.

The BGSU French program aims to offer students not only a traditional background in literature and culture, but also highly marketable employment skills with our applied minor focusing on French for professions.

 

As a double major, French adds a practical, international credential to any other field of study.

Career - what can you do with a french degree?

Are you wondering what career opportunities exist for a major, minor, or double-major in French? Learn how a major or minor in a second language will help you in your career—and in life.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) affirms: “Abundant evidence—including from employers—points to liberal education’s immense economic and civic value.” Experience in a second language and culture is an integral part of a liberal education. The 2022 AAC&U survey, “On the Same Page,” also highlights the importance of civic, global and community commitments, and emphasizes the importance of connecting learning outcomes for curricular and co-curricular activities, such as study abroad.

Bilingualism opens an incredible world of employment opportunities across the globe. Working either in French entirely or using dual languages, career choices are more than doubled by adding a second language to your resume. 

Careers of previous BGSU French majors include international business, supply chain management, import-export, external communications, hospitality, government, social services and nonprofit organizations.  

French-speaking majors will be well prepared for opportunities in companies involved in translation (a fast-growing industry), tourism, computer science or any business that works with the Francophone world.

Career paths

  • Peace Corps & other NGO Associate
  • State Department Diplomat
  • International Banker
  • Translator
  • Educator
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • International Lawyer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Museum Curator
  • Publisher 
  • Foreign Press Journalist

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Curriculum

The French degree curriculum has been specially designed to help students continue developing their language proficiency even as they move beyond the initial skills classes and into special topics and content classes.

The BGSU undergraduate program for French majors and minors includes courses in conversation, composition, French for professionals, culture, literature, and film. BGSU also offers a Peace Corps Prep program whose requirements can be fulfilled through your major and BGP courses; check with your advisor as early as possible to keep your options open. The Peace Corps Prep certificate can lead to work with the Peace Corps and many other international outreach organizations.

French majors and minors can spend a semester or a year in a French-speaking country. Most choose our exchange university, l’Université Paul-Valéry (Montpellier). Another option is to pick up six credits of French over the summer by studying four weeks in Montpellier.

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad with one of BGSU’s affiliated programs in particular, in Montpellier, in the south of France.

Students who want to teach French in elementary or secondary schools should pursue the Bachelor of Science in Education program with a major or minor in French. This program requires a series of professional education courses, field and clinical experiences and supervised student teaching, leading to certification from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Required courses

BGSU French majors study abroad, often for a whole year, minors for a semester.

Sample courses

  • Conversation Across Cultures
  • French for the 21st Century
  • French for the Professions
  • French in Writing
  • French Culture
Criminal Justice
  • Seminars that explore topics like:
    Gender in Francophone West Africa
    Paris
    Understanding 21st-century French Culture through Film
    Power Plays: Contemporary Francophone Theatre
    French Republicanism: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
    La Gastronomie: cuisines et cultures francophones
    Race Matters in 21st-century Europe (taught in English)

Study Abroad

Study abroad experiences boost global awareness, creative problem-solving skills, communication and social skills.

Students may choose a summer, semester, or academic year study abroad program in France. BGSU has established an exchange program with l’Université Paul-Valéry in Montpellier (the south of France). This exchange allows students to use their BGSU scholarships in order to study abroad.

Scholarships

Wurzburger Memorial Scholarship

The Wurzburger Memorial Scholarship for French Studies is available for students who declare a French major, or minor, or a major in World Language Education in French. The Wurzburger Memorial Scholarship for Education Abroad was established to provide support for members of the French Learning Community to study abroad in a French language program. Requirements for the Wurzburger Memorial Scholarships are available on the French website.

Janis Pallister Scholarship

Applicants for the Janis Pallister Scholarship must major in French and possess career objectives and commitment to advancement of the study of French language and its literatures.

Linda S. Woody Endowed Scholarship

The Linda S. Woody Endowed Scholarship is for French majors and minors who require financial assistance.

Le Cercle français

Come join the weekly Cercle français get-togethers to explore the (global) French world outside of the classroom. Le Cercle français offers an informal setting to meet with others interested in French and to decide together on topics to discuss. Get to know our graduate student from l’Université Paul-Valéry (Montpellier) to discover what is happening now in France. All are welcome!

Pallister French-Canadian Lecture Series

The Pallister French-Canadian Lecture Series highlights talent from French Canada and explores French cultural experiences in the North American setting. Each year, thanks to the generous bequest of the late Dr. Jan Pallister, the French program is able to invite a writer or film director to the BGSU campus to showcase their work and to interact directly with students.

Updated: 08/12/2024 10:29AM