French

The French major and minor at Saint Joseph's University focus on the language, literature and cultures of the French-speaking world. Our interdisciplinary courses incorporate history, philosophy, gender studies, film studies, art and the sciences, and we also offer courses in French for business and translation. 

Small class sizes allow for the individual attention necessary to make continual progress in French and for students to work closely with faculty members. Saint Joseph’s University is home to an active chapter of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society, as well as a French Club that organizes diverse activities for students.

Like many of our majors, you may combine your studies in French or Francophone Studies with a specialization in a second field, such as biology, political science, international relations, another language, English, linguistics, philosophy or international business and international marketing. In combination with the education department, we prepare students for certification to teach French at the secondary level.

The critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that students hone as they work closely with faculty prepare them to be agile and resourceful in their diverse career paths. Most French majors study abroad, and the sociocultural fluency that they develop helps them see situations from diverse perspectives, an advantage in any profession. 

Saint Joseph University’s French program offers various courses on literature and culture throughout the Francophone world and current events and translation. These courses, along with possible internships, encourage students to apply their language study to learn more about their individual professional and personal interests.

As a French/PreK-12 Education dual major, you will pursue your passion for French and at the same time prepare to effectively educate students in grades PreK through 12. Upon successful completion of the dual major, SJU degree requirements, and required certification exams, teacher candidates may apply to obtain an Instructional I World Language PK-12 Education Teaching Certificate from the State of Pennsylvania. 

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition rates can be found on our Tuition and Fees page.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.

First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options are available. For a full timeline of deadlines, visit our admission page.

Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms.

1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University:

• Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
• Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above
• Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit
• Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
• The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph's
• Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
• Earned credit may be submitted for review based on a timeline of less than or equal to 5 to 10 years between completion of course and enrollment at SJU

Visit the Transfer Admission page for a detailed breakdown of courses and institutions eligible for transfer.

If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

• Satisfy general admission requirements
• Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
• Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
• Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
• Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
• Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)