French
French
What You’ll Study
Because French is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world, our French majors have endless opportunities to use their skills. The Francophone world, home to as many as 525 million people, is larger than the entire European Union. Whether you grew up around the French language, studied it in high school, or you’re ready to try something completely new, a French major is a smart idea. The skills you will learn as a French major can open the doors to many exciting careers and experiences at home and abroad.
At Queens, you won’t be just studying a language. You’ll also be exploring French literature, cultures, and history with passionate faculty members. Language learning is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary. It’s about gaining a deeper understanding of other ways of life. Our experienced faculty will work with you to plan unique study abroad and internship experiences tailored to your skills and interests. Interested in teaching? You can also earn a license to teach French through coordination with our Cato School of Education.
How Can You Use This Degree?
Students report that their degree is highly flexible and applicable in a variety of industries. You will find opportunities in the United States and abroad in fields such as government, nonprofit, healthcare, business, education, communication, translation and interpretation, and tourism and hospitality. French is also an official language of Canada, one of our largest trading partners.
Did you know? The following international organizations use both French and English as official working languages:
- United Nations
- UNESCO
- NATO
- International Labor Bureau
- OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)
- International Olympic Committee
- 31-member Council of Europe
- European Community
- International Red Cross
- the European Council of Justice (French is the dominant language)
Highlighted Courses
- Vital Conversations (FRN 340)
- French Civilization and Culture (FRN 351)
- Nuances of Grammar (FRN 410)
- A Taste of Literature (FRN 360)
Student Highlights
“The French Program at Queens opened up the world and broadened my perspective about what it means to be globally minded. Through my degree, I advanced my written and oral proficiency, study abroad in the south of France, and familiarized myself with the ways of the Francophone world.”
– Luke Gossert ’23
Program Contact
Michele Shaul, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, World Languages Department
Director, Center for Latino Studies
shaulm@queens.edu
704-337-2318