Our French Major | Our French Minor | Declare a French Major or Minor | Study Abroad with French | What Can I Do with a French Major? | Our French Speaker Heritage Program | French at UCA FAQs
Why Study French?
What Our Students Say (Outstanding Experiences):
What French Degrees do You Offer?
Major in French
Major in French (no Licensure): Traditional or Business Concentration
We offer three different types of French majors (one that leads to licensure to teach French in the state of Arkansas) and a French minor. If you’re most interested in learning about the French language and cultures, films, and literatures of places that speak French (especially West and Central Africa and the Caribbean), the Traditional track in our major is right for you. Finally, if you’re hoping to use French in business settings, or work for a company abroad in a French-speaking country, our Business track in the French major is right for you.
BA, Major in French K-12 Education (with Teaching Licensure)
Dr. Suzanne Johnston, Director of Modern Language Education
This major concentration is for you if you either know you want to teach French or are at least thinking about it. Though French majors can pursue almost any career path they choose, being a teacher is truly one of the most rewarding careers imaginable. Teachers do not simply teach; they inspire. The process by which you can be licensed to teach French in grades K-12 in the state of Arkansas is rigorous but worthwhile.
Should you have any questions or want to talk through this major in more depth, contact the Director of Modern Languages Education, Dr. Suzanne Johnston or stop by her office in Irby 405.
This concentration requires 37 credit hours. It also requires a 28-hour minor in Teaching and Learning. Candidates for teaching licensure may earn no lower than a C in any French or professional education course. Candidates for teaching licensure must apply for admission to the teacher education program; you can see what that entails here.
Minor in French
Our French minor also complements any major, or even works well as a second minor! It’s 18 hours (6 courses) starting at the 2310 level and will ensure you have working proficiency and a good introduction to the cultures of places that speak French. A lot of French Minors attend our most popular study abroad program in France. After that program, you’re 2/3 of the way done with a French minor!
See the French Minor Checksheet→
Declaring A Major or Minor
Not yet a French major or minor, but want to declare one? Email Mrs. Deanne Murphey. (dmurphey@uca.edu) She will help ensure the major or minor gets added and help you get connected to the right academic advisor to ensure you make degree progress!
Declare a French Major or Minor Now!
Study Abroad with French!
UCA has three main partner institutions in French-speaking countries, and with the National Student Exchange program, students can also study in Canada.
You can go to our partner in West France for a summer or a semester, or to West France, Aix-Marseilles, or Mons, Belgium for a semester. Our West France (UCO) program is the default for most French students; Aix-Marseilles is for exceptionally strong students; and Mons is for students most interested in business.
What Can I Do with a French Major?
Anything and everything!
A French major not only prepares you to speak, read, write, and understand spoken French, but it also teaches you important cultural skills valued in the 21st-century workplace. You will learn to: draw from cross-cultural sources and ideas, notice patterns and infer meaning, navigate ambiguity, distill complex information, propose persuasive ideas, and engage with people of different backgrounds.
But what does that really mean?
Our alums work in communication, technology, business, public service, social work, education, law, and health fields. Featured careers include teachers of all kinds, entrepreneurs, business owners, diplomats, psychologists, audiologists, NGO founders; those who open coffee shops and those who go on to get a PhD.
Whatever your interests, French opens career doors.
Career Ideas by Passion
Our French Heritage Speaker Program
Did you grow up speaking French or have you studied it for four or more years? If so, you likely qualify for free UCA credit (up to 8 hours!) for your existing French proficiency. Email kknox@uca.edu to learn more.