French
Overview
With French spoken by more than 276 million people in 29 countries on five continents, having the ability to speak, read and write in French has countless personal and professional benefits.
What Is a French Major?
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.
Ways to Study French
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.
What Can I Do with a Degree in French?
In an increasingly interdependent world community, the French program helps students become articulate, knowledgeable and culturally aware global citizens. Saint Joseph's French majors and minors have pursued a variety of professions in fields including law, medicine, business, education, linguistics and international relations. They hold a variety of professional roles at businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies and in academic settings. Many graduates have participated in service opportunities abroad immediately following graduation and before pursuing advanced degrees or entering the workforce. These programs include:
- Jesuit Volunteer Corps
- Teach for America
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Fellowship in France
- English language teaching assistant in France
Our French majors have gone to pursue careers such as:
- French teachers
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors
- Attorneys
- International consultants
- Digital marketing and communications specialists
- Health professionals (including physicians, immunologists, community health specialists)
- Academic advisors
- International relations specialists
- Translators
- Civil and foreign servants
- Grant administrators
- Insurance representatives
- Business professionals
- Journalists
- International marketers
How Will a Degree from Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for a Future Career?
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.