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WRLD-French-IMG-5011

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Minor 

World Languages and Cultures: French

The BGSU world languages and cultures bachelor's program with a specialization in French offers the benefits of learning a truly global second language –  the only language other than English spoken on five continents. 

Proficiency in a second (or third) language and in intercultural competence can lead to greater understanding, increased tolerance and empathy for others. Among the neurological benefits are enhanced concentration, the ability to multitask and improved communication and social skills.

BGSU also offers an undergraduate certificate in French.

The language of over 275 million people

French is predicted to be the most commonly spoken language globally by 2050, thanks to growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The French language continues to play a vital role in globalization, with 29 countries speaking French.

Recognizing French as an international language and the growing importance of cross-cultural experiences, the department has established a curriculum that includes coursework and study abroad opportunities in both France and the broader French-speaking world.

Are you planning to work in North America? Mastering a foreign language can give you an edge in finding a fulfilling career in areas ranging from international organizations, government agencies, teaching and tourism to banking, import-export  and computer science. In our networked world, students in the 21st century can expect to work in organizations with foreign contacts and with domestic teams made up of international professionals.

How do I get there? Building proficiency in French – like excelling in music or a sport – works best when you plot out a sequence of courses continuously. When coupled with a study abroad experience, you will be in a better position to highlight your communication skills and demonstrate intercultural understanding to future employers.

The BGSU French program aims to offer students not only a traditional background in literature and culture, but also highly marketable employment skills with our applied minor focusing on French for professions.

Why study French at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Highly-skilled educators. Our award-winning world language and cultures faculty leverages their wealth of scholarship, research and real-world experience to ensure each student excels.
  • Study abroad. Immersion is one of the best teachers. That’s why BGSU prioritizes study abroad experiences for our students.
  • On-campus resources. Our on-campus learning resources include expansive university libraries and student language clubs.
  • Ample scholarship opportunities. BGSU students have so many scholarship prospects – for specific degree programs, international travel or study abroad opportunities.
  • Hands-on experiences. Experiential learning is a core focus of the world languages and cultures degree program. BGSU offers service learning classes, the Global Village learning community, field trips, research opportunities and more!
  • BGSU Peace Corps Prep Program. The BGSU Peace Corps Prep Program is a 15-credit, 3-course study concentration that offers students a chance to be a part of life-changing (and resume-boosting) international outreach and aid operations.
  • Career connections. Our impressive alumni network includes professionals at prominent universities, major corporations and elite government agencies such as the FBI.
  • Get hired! Graduates of the BGSU B.A. in world languages and cultures degree program bring essential skills to the global job market. Employers across industries recognize them as stand-out workers with exceptional abilities to communicate across cultures, think critically and ethically adapt to diverse environments with social awareness.

Second language acquisition can boost salary and job prospects by as much as 35%.
– Empirica

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As a double major, French adds a practical, international credential to any other field of study.

Career - what can you do with a French degree?

Bilingualism opens an incredible world of employment opportunities across the globe. Working either in French entirely or using dual languages, career choices are more than doubled by adding a second language to your resume. 

Careers of previous BGSU French majors include international business, supply chain management, import-export, external communications, hospitality, government, social services and nonprofit organizations.  

French-speaking graduates will be well prepared for opportunities in companies involved in translation (a fast-growing industry), tourism, computer science or any business that works with the Francophone world.

Career paths

  • Peace Corps and other NGO associate
  • State Department diplomat
  • International banker
  • Translator
  • Educator
  • Supply chain manager
  • International lawyer
  • Environmental consultant
  • Museum curator
  • Publisher 
  • Foreign press journalist

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View average salaries

Curriculum

The French specialization curriculum has been specially designed to help students continue developing their language proficiency even as they move beyond the initial skills classes and into special topics and content classes.

The BGSU undergraduate program includes courses in conversation, composition, French for professionals, culture, literature and film. BGSU also offers a Peace Corps Prep program whose requirements can be fulfilled through your major and BGP courses; check with your advisor as early as possible to keep your options open. The Peace Corps Prep certificate can lead to work with the Peace Corps and many other international outreach organizations.

French students can spend a semester or a year in a French-speaking country. Most choose our exchange university, l’Université Paul-Valéry (Montpellier). Another option is to pick up six credits of French over the summer by studying four weeks in Montpellier.

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad with one of BGSU’s affiliated programs in particular, in Montpellier, in the south of France.

Students who want to teach French in elementary or secondary schools should pursue the BGSU world education bachelor's degree. This program requires a series of professional education courses, field and clinical experiences and supervised student teaching, leading to certification from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

WRLD France study abroad

Sample courses

  • Conversations Across Cultures
  • French for the 21st Century
  • French for the Professions
  • French Culture in/and Writing
  • Independent Readings in French

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Study in France

Study abroad experiences boost global awareness, creative problem-solving skills, communication and social skills.

Students may choose to spend a summer, semester or academic year in our study abroad program in France. BGSU has established an exchange program with l’Université Paul-Valéry in Montpellier (the south of France). This exchange allows students to use their BGSU scholarships to study abroad.

BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The world languages and cultures program with a specialization in French is part of the Department Of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Updated: 12/03/2025 11:01AM