BA in French
French Club outing at Poutine and Cream on Hertel Ave, Buffalo.
Build fluency. Explore culture. Expand your world.
French is spoken on nearly every continent and remains a major language of diplomacy, international organizations and global culture. In the BA in French at the University at Buffalo, you will build advanced language skills while exploring literature, linguistics and cultural expression across the Francophone world. This flexible degree supports careers that connect people, cultures and ideas.
Did you know?
- French is an official language of the United Nations and many international organizations
- Over 300 million people speak French worldwide
- French is one of the fastest-growing global languages
The BA in French combines language mastery with cultural and intellectual exploration. Students strengthen their communication skills while studying literature, linguistics and cultural production from across the Francophone world.
Students choose this degree because it offers:
- Advanced language training that builds confidence in speaking, reading and writing
- Exploration of literature, culture and media from France, Africa, the Caribbean and other Francophone regions
- Small, discussion-based classes that support close mentorship
- Flexibility to double major or combine French with another field
- Preparation for graduate study and globally connected careers
French is especially valuable for students interested in international relations, education, business, law, communication and global cultural work.
The BA in French offers a flexible pathway that allows students to build strong language skills while exploring cultural and intellectual traditions across regions and historical periods.
Highlights of the program include:
- Upper-level coursework in literature, linguistics and cultural studies
- Opportunities to study film, media and cultural production
- Advising support for heritage speakers and students entering at different proficiency levels
- Study abroad opportunities that deepen language proficiency and cultural understanding
- Flexible degree planning that works well with double majors or minors
Global Pathway: Language and Culture
Nine credit hours in French can fulfill the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track. These courses can also count toward a French major or minor.
Students in the BA in French develop advanced language proficiency while building strong analytical and research skills.
You will learn to:
- Demonstrate advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in French
- Use communicative strategies effectively across cultural contexts
- Apply knowledge of language history and linguistic structures
- Analyze literary, cultural and media texts critically
- Identify rhetorical strategies across genres and historical periods
- Conduct research using scholarly sources
- Produce original research and written analysis
- Apply insights from multiple disciplines to cultural and linguistic questions
These skills prepare students for careers that require communication, cultural awareness and analytical thinking.
Curriculum overview
The French major builds gradually from language development into advanced cultural and literary study. Students begin at the level that matches their experience and progress toward more specialized coursework.
Students typically explore areas such as:
- French literature across historical periods
- Francophone literature from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond
- Linguistics and language structure
- Film and cultural production
- Advanced communication and rhetorical strategies
As students move into upper-level courses, they deepen their ability to interpret texts, analyze cultural contexts and conduct independent research.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in departmentally approved study abroad programs. Living and studying in French-speaking environments helps students strengthen language proficiency while experiencing cultural traditions firsthand.
In addition to study abroad, students may pursue:
- internships
- independent study
- research projects
- interdisciplinary coursework
These experiences help students apply language skills in real-world contexts.
The BA in French works especially well for students who want to combine language study with another field.
Double Majors
Love two subjects? You can major in both (like French and Political Science) graduate with one degree by completing the requirements for both programs.
Joint Majors
Want something more streamlined? A joint major lets you blend coursework from two programs without doubling up on everything. It's a smart choice.
Double Degrees
If you're up for a challenge, you can pursue two separate types of degrees—like a BA in Italian and a BS in Chemistry—and graduate with both and on time!
Combined Degrees
Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. These programs let you dive deeper into your field and get a head start on grad school or your career.
- BA in French and EdM in French Adolescence Education
A BA in French prepares graduates for careers in fields where communication and cultural knowledge matter.
Graduates pursue roles in:
- international relations and diplomacy
- education and teaching
- global business and international trade
- law and public service
- translation and interpretation
- cultural institutions and nonprofit organizations
Many students also continue their studies in graduate programs in literature, linguistics, education, law, public policy or international studies.
French strengthens many career paths by signaling communication skill, cultural awareness and the ability to work across cultures.
The BA in French combines language mastery with deep cultural knowledge across regions and traditions. Whether you plan to work internationally or in your own community, French gives you tools to communicate, analyze and lead in a connected world.
