Minor in French

Our students become skilled critical thinkers who know French language, literature, cinema and culture, and then apply that knowledge to a range of satisfying careers.

French, spoken by more than 300 million people in the world, can be a strong addition to your major, particularly for those studying in the arts, business, international affairs, literature, history and philosophy. We offer a minor in French that develops foundational French-language skills while providing instruction in the literature, cinema and culture of France and other areas where French is spoken.

  • Speak and understand modern French in daily life 
  • Explore critical approaches to the study of French language and culture 
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

Learn in our Anderson Language Technology Center (ALTEC), which includes multimedia classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment and a library of more than 3,000 films from around the world

We offer a number of French-speaking locations in our Education Abroad program, including Aix-en-Provence, Rennes, Nantes and Paris, France; Canada, Belgium, Madagascar, Cameroon, Senegal and Switzerland

Our French major works well in combination with international studies, history or philosophy

Be successful.

A minor in French allows you to enter the workforce with a background and foundation in the French language and culture.

 

Job growth for language translators and interpreters is expected to grow 19% between 2018 and 2028, much faster than average job growth

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

 

French is the second truly global language after English and opens doors to international business, relations, law and diplomacy

 

Work for nongovernmental organizations, the United Nations or the Peace Corps, or in publishing, fashion, the arts, international business, government, banking and education

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a minor in French, students must complete the prerequisite for admission and a minimum of 18 upper-division credit hours. Courses taught by the department in English do not, in general, apply to the minor, with the exception of FREN 3200 and FREN 3300.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

Many alumni of the department have gone on to fruitful careers, credit their knowledge of French for their success, and mention both their language skills and multicultural knowledge as a major asset.

Some alumni of the program include:

Emma Carroll

('15)

Worked as an English-as-a-second-language instructor in the Peace Corps in Namibia and is now in the Class of 2022 at CU Law School.

Maiji Castro

('16)
A development associate at the National Museum of Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State.

Nick De Toustaint

('93)
Has worked in Paris, London and New York for Valtech, a French IT consulting company; French software company LTU Technologies; and Getty Images. He now works in New York for the French software company Sinequa.  

Kenneth Landers

('16)
Works in philanthropic support at Harvard University.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover