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The French Program at UMSL develops learners who are both linguistically and culturally competent and ready to be global citizens. UMSL offers a broad range of coursework in French from foundational courses in language and culture to courses focused on the many facets of literature and culture to pre-professional courses, all aimed at developing skills for the 21st century.

Native and Heritage Speakers of French: Please see the Native and Heritage Speakers page for additional details on this degree path.

Find us on Facebook: UMSL Students of French Facebook Group

Dedicated and caring French faculty at UMSL actively engage learners both in and out of the classroom. You can expect a challenging, collaborative, and interactive environment in every course. Our students at all levels are a part of a larger learning community connected through the Students of French website, the Table Française conversation group, and numerous activities throughout the year.  Our students are encouraged to further their language skills and cultural competence through study abroad. We offer summer, semester, and year-long programs at our partner institutions as well as a short-term faculty-led July program in Strasbourg France.  

Whether you are seeking to fulfill the language requirement or planning to major, studying French provides you valuable skills no matter what you plan to do. You will learn to think critically, negotiate familiar and unfamiliar situations, evaluate and analyze texts, and communicate with a variety of people. Come join our community of learners and see where French will take you!

More Information

French is widely spoken on all continents as a native language and as a second language used internationally for government, business, and education. In addition to the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of France and the Francophone world, French is also the language of the future. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more than 750 million French speakers thanks to a demographic boom in French-speaking Africa. French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts. Even closer to home, French is spoken by the U.S.'s largest trading partner, Canada.  

Consider pairing French with another discipline and the career possibilities are endless!

Required Courses Title # of Credit Hours Prerequisite
French 2101 French  Language & Culture III (or the equivalent) 3 French 1002
French 2170 Intermediate French Language & Culture 3 French 2101
French 2180 Readings in French 3 French 2101
French 3200 French Grammar in Review 3 French 2170
Select four additional courses at the 3000-level 12
Select three courses at the 4000-level 9
Total Hours 33
 
  • A major in French requires 33 hours in the subject, excluding French 1001 and 1002. Three courses at the 4000 level are required; 3210, 3311, 4310, and 4399 may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
  • Native Speakers must complete at least two courses at the 3000 level and four courses at the 4000 level to obtain a major in their native language.
  • A Senior Assessment is required for all graduating French majors. Double majors may choose to take the Senior Assessment in French or their other major.
  • A minor in French requires 12 credit hours, after completing French 2101.
  • All courses must be completed with a C- or better in order to count towards the major.
Required Courses Title # of Credit Hours Prerequisite
French 2170 Intermediate French Language & Culture 3 2101
French 2180 Readings in French 3 2101
Select two French courses 3000-level or above 6 2170 and 2180    
Total Hours 12

 

  • A minor in French requires 12 credit hours, including completing French 2101.
  • All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
  • Completion of four courses in the language beyond the basic foundation sequence (Language 1001, Language 1002, and Language 2101).
  • Transfer students must complete at least two courses in residence at UMSL.
  • Upon completion of minor requirements, submit completed application to department advisor.
  • Students must also process the Declaration of Major/Minor form through the A&S Dean’s Office.
  • Minor is officially recorded on transcript at the time of graduation.