Where will French take you?
Do you want to be part of a culturally diverse community of 231 million French speakers across five continents? Learning French is a powerful step toward expanding both local and global career prospects. With the language’s continued growth, an exciting range of new possibilities awaits you.
The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in French equips students with the linguistic and cultural skills to thrive as globally minded professionals. At UMSL, you’ll engage in diverse coursework, from foundational language and culture classes to professional communication and content-based courses. Our curriculum takes a global approach, incorporating materials from various French-speaking cultures. Courses explore relevant topics such as contemporary civilization, tourism, immigration, and gastronomy, fostering intercultural competence and deepening your understanding of the French-speaking world.
Our dedicated faculty creates an engaging, collaborative, and interactive learning environment both in and beyond the classroom. As a student, you’ll become part of a vibrant learning community, enriched by conversation groups, cultural activities, and study abroad opportunities that bring language learning to life.
Why French?
- The 5th most spoken language globally, with 231 million speakers, 60% of which live in Africa;
- The 2nd most studied language in the world;
- The official language in 29 countries across all continents;
- The common language of the 88 countries in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie;
- A key language for trade, with Canada, Switzerland, and France among the U.S.'s top 15 trade partners;
- An official or working language for many international organizations, including the UN, the World Trade Organization, Amnesty International, and Doctors without Borders;
- A vital language in medical research and technological fields, such as nuclear energy and aerospace technology.
Program type:
Major, BA
Format:
On-Campus
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Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages - French
Why earn your French degree at UMSL?
- Cultural Exposure: Experience diverse French-speaking cultures from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean from your first semester.
- Communication Skills Development: Build strong professional and academic communication skills.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Develop analytical and creative thinking skills.
- Intercultural Communication: Deepen understanding and appreciation of different cultural perspectives ; Engage in cross-cultural reflections throughout your learning.
- Personalized Instruction & Faculty Support: Receive guidance from dedicated French faculty.
- Welcoming Learning Environment: Learners of all levels, heritage speakers, and students from French-speaking regions are welcome;
- Real-World Experience: Participate in study abroad in French-speaking countries; Benefit from local immersion and internship opportunities
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the BA in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in French, graduates will possess the necessary linguistic and cultural competencies to interact with native speakers in culturally appropriate ways; use the target language in a variety of academic, social and professional situations and have a rich understanding of the target culture; be able to critically explore their own assumptions, value alternative perspectives and act with cultural sensitivity; meet the challenges of a globalized world and continue developing their skills as lifelong learners.
What can you do with a French degree?
The possibilities are endless. Our graduates have double-majored in Business, English, History, International Relations, Political Science, among many others. Some have started their career right after graduation and others have moved on to graduate school in the United States and abroad.
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Career Opportunities
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- International Analyst
- International Business Consultant
- International Travel or Study Coordinator
- NGO Specialist
- Translator/Interpreter/Localizer
Plan of study
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
Native Speakers
For departmental purposes, native speakers are defined as individuals who completed their secondary education or above in the target language. Students will submit an official transcript to the University.
The Modern Language Minor is not an option for Native speakers.
The Modern Language Major for emphasis areas in French, Japanese and Spanish:
- Native speakers will complete 3 classes at the 4xxx-level and at least 3 classes at the 3xxx or above. AND, FL2100 (3) and FL2294 (1). Total numbers of credits: 22 credits total, including FL2100 and FL2294.
For Dual Language Professional emphasis area:
- Please see a content-area advisor for more information.
- Native speakers will complete 3 classes at the 4xxx-level and at least 3 classes at the 3xxx or above. AND, FL2100 (3) and FL2294 (1). Total numbers of credits: 22 credits total, including FL2100 and FL2294.
Heritage Speakers
For departmental purposes, heritage speakers are defined as individuals who have been raised in a family or social environment in which the target language is habitually used for day-to-day communication but have not completed their secondary schooling in the target language.
The French Minor, Spanish Minor and Japanese Minor: Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement:
- Students who receive a score at or above Intermediate Mid across all skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) must complete 9 credits in the language, including the following courses:
- Any 3-credit hour course at the 2xxx level above 2101
- Any 2 3-credit hour courses at the 3xxx level or above
- Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement.
The Modern Language Major: Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement:
- Students who receive a score at or above the Intermediate High level of proficiency in speaking, and listening, and at or above the Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in reading and writing will be eligible to pursue the requirements of the Modern Language Major at the 3xxx and 4xxx levels. Total number of credits: 28 in Spanish or French, (XX in Japanese) including FL2100 and FL2294.
- Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a French major:
- Lingua
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
