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French Major

Bachelor of Arts in French

Become proficient in the French language with the Bachelor of Arts in French in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. In this 123-credit undergraduate degree program, you’ll immerse yourself in the language, and explore the rich history and cultural heritage of France and Francophone regions.Ìý

The French BA program’s engaging linguistic experiences and small class sizes allow students to not only develop a strong foundation in French but also graduate ready and able to converse with native speakers. Students gain the communication skills needed to navigate the world across local, regional, national and global perspectives.

In addition to learning French, you’ll explore 

  • the cultural and social norms, practices and traditions of the many diverse regions of the Francophone world;
  • the evolution of French cinema, literature and art; and
  • how France’s rich, but turbulent, history helped shape the country as it is today.

Graduates have a comprehensive knowledge of French language, culture and societal structure, which is necessary in an increasingly interconnected world. Students in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s foreign language programs are globally minded, observant and travel oriented, and they are encouraged to take advantage of the university’s study away opportunities to implement their studies in the real world.Ìý

Students are expected to have a certain degree of French language education before entering the program. Learn more about the program’s admissions requirements.Ìý

Two students engaging in a foreign language class at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Classes & Curriculum

In addition to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and College of Liberal Arts course requirements, students in the French BA program will be required to complete 10 courses in French, including reading and composition.

Reading courses focus on techniques that promote understanding French texts without translating to English, and writing courses emphasize vocabulary and sentence patterns that are helpful for writing French. Students will also be required to complete two survey courses, which covers the movements, trends and events that shaped French literature throughout key time periods.Ìý

Examples of elective courses available include the following.

  • Conversation
  • Francophone Literatures and Cultures
  • French for Business
  • French Culture through Film
  • Topics in French Cinema and Literature

Learn more about the French BA program requirements.Ìý

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

* School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

With questions regarding the French Major, contact the following staff member. 

TJ Cusack is the senior manager of administration.
Email: 

The following staff member leads the French program.

Patricia Melzer is the chair. 
Phone: 215-204-8249
Email:  

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

Students pursuing a French BA degree are encouraged to join , intended to educate its members about French language, history, culture and cuisine.Ìý

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student clubs and organizations.Ìý

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your academic experience and fine-tune your conversational French through .Ìý

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information