MA in French Language and Literature

The MA in French combines rigorous scholarship with close faculty mentorship. Students build strong research and analytical skills while exploring literature, language and culture across the Francophone world. 

At UB you will benefit from: 

• small graduate seminars with direct faculty mentorship 
• interdisciplinary dialogue across humanities and social science fields 
• opportunities to design a focused academic path 
• strong preparation for doctoral study and academic careers 
• a collaborative community of scholars 

UB is the flagship public research university for the State of New York. As an R1 research institution, it offers access to world class libraries, research centers and faculty expertise while maintaining a supportive graduate environment. 

Degree type: Master of Arts (MA)
Field: French Language and Literatures
Program length: Typically two years

The MA in French is a research focused degree that allows you to shape your coursework around your intellectual interests while building strong theoretical and methodological foundations. 

Students begin with a graduate seminar in literary theory and research methods and then select courses aligned with their research goals. 

Areas of study may include: 

• French literary history 
• Francophone studies 
• critical and cultural theory 
• French linguistics 

Students work closely with faculty mentors to design a coherent course plan that supports their research interests. 

The program concludes with a substantial master’s research project completed under the supervision of a two-person faculty committee. 

Graduate courses explore literary, cultural and linguistic traditions across the French speaking world. Recent and rotating topics may include:

• medieval and early modern France
• Francophone Africa and the Caribbean
• contemporary French philosophy
• French phonology and language structure

Students also gain advanced training in research methods, textual analysis and scholarly writing.

Through coursework, research and mentorship, students develop the intellectual and professional skills needed for advanced scholarship and teaching. 

Graduates of the program will learn to: 

• locate, evaluate and interpret primary texts and cultural sources 
• apply critical theories and scholarly methods to literary and cultural analysis 
• develop specialized knowledge in a chosen research area 
• conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field 
• communicate complex ideas clearly in academic writing and discussion 
• understand the cultural value of literature and language in global contexts 
• develop teaching skills and pedagogical approaches for language and culture courses 

Core courses and requirements include: 

• One graduate seminar in literary theory and research methods 
• Elective coursework in French literature, Francophone studies or linguistics 
• Language proficiency in a language relevant to the student’s research 
• A final mentored MA research project demonstrating scholarly research and writing 

Graduate students are encouraged to include study abroad in their academic plans. Students often conduct research or coursework in places such as France or Québec, with additional Francophone destinations depending on individual research interests.

Studying abroad can deepen language proficiency and provide direct engagement with the cultures studied in the program.

An MA in French prepares graduates for careers that require strong analytical thinking, cultural knowledge and communication skills.

Graduates pursue paths such as:

Advanced language proficiency, research skills and cultural knowledge are valued across many sectors.

The MA in French at UB offers rigorous scholarly training in a supportive academic community. Whether you are preparing for doctoral study or a career that values global cultural knowledge, this program will help you deepen your expertise and expand your opportunities.