French

Why Study French at Washburn?

Bienvenue! If you want to be able to communicate in French in any work setting, Washburn University can help you achieve that! More than half of all language majors at Washburn combine language learning with another discipline, from business or nursing to psychology or social work. You will study abroad in a French-speaking country, and you will be eligible for local internships. You also will gain French language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking that will set you up for career success.

Career Forecast Bright Outlook.Average Salary $80,000on campus

Translating Into Success

Washburn's French language program allows you to immerse yourself in the language from the start of your educational journey. Learning a foreign language is a cumulative process. By building your knowledge and skills each semester, you give yourself the best chance at a successful career speaking the sixth most widely spoken language in the world! So what sets Washburn's program apart?

• As you advance in the program, there are opportunities to practice translation skills for the benefit of community organizations.  
• You will study in a French-speaking country! Scholarship support through the department and the International Washburn Transformational Experience will make it affordable.  
• You’ll develop a portfolio that demonstrates your language and cultural skills.
• You will be eligible for scholarships and free tutoring (and you can get paid to tutor others, as well.)
• Language clubs and conversation tables will help you practice your skills, and professors will help you develop habits that will help you reach your desired level of proficiency.

Bachelor of Arts in French

• Sample Schedule

• Major Map

Enroll at WU & Declare Major

It is common to declare a major in French at enrollment and then determine your specific interest. Talk to your advisor right away if you know you want to study something else, too. Depending on that other discipline, you will earn a double major or a double degree.  

Apply to Study Abroad

Depending on the length of time you intend to study abroad, be sure you talk with your advisor and the Bods Abroad Office at International House about your options. Don’t forget departmental scholarships and Washburn Transformational Experience funding are available and financial aid applies to study abroad.

Bachelor's Degree

At graduation, students typically have an exam-demonstrated proficiency beyond intermediate level.

Workforce or Graduate Studies

Graduates work in a variety of settings and have continued on to graduate school in many disciplines and professional school for medicine, law and library information science.

Numbers & Opportunities

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Student/Faculty Ratio

12 to 1

Qualities for Success

Open-minded

Eager to learn 
Passion for other cultures 
Committed to improvement 
Adventurous

Travel Options

France

Belgium

Canada

Martinique

Senegal

Switzerland

Tahiti

Bachelor of Arts

Required Courses

	(F)	FR 311	French Grammar Review
	(S)	FR 312	French Composition
		FR 331	Introduction to French Literature
		FR 400	Senior Thesis, including Portfolio
	+ 6 hours of upper division course work (courses listed as 300 and above)
	+ 9 hours of correlated courses -- These courses are intended to complement and broaden your French classes. They are selected in consultation with your advisor.

Portfolio: All French majors are required to present a portfolio after the 202 level course. They are then required to keep updating their portfolio which is then turned in as part of their grade in FR 400 course before graduation. This has the advantage of giving the department an initial assessment as well as an outcome assessment.

All coursework for the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Study Abroad Program

Some of the hours required to complete the major can be earned through the study abroad program. The department strongly recommends study for a period of time in a country where the foreign language is spoken as a component of the student’s preparation for the major. We offer summer, semester or year-long programs. Substantial scholarships for study abroad are available each year from the department and the International Education Committee.

Washburn has a direct exchange program with the University of Clermont Auvergne in France.

Certification To Teach

Students who plan to teach will need to be formally admitted into the education department. All language majors preparing to teach must complete ED 368 Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages, and must take the following courses as part of their major:

• FR 324 French Civilization
• FR 326 La France Contemporaine

Minor

In order to minor in French a student must complete 18 hours of coursework beyond the 100 level. Of these 18 hours, six must be at the 300 level.

Program Cost

Courses in this degree program are offered at the traditional undergraduate rate. Competitive scholarships are available to French majors who qualify for the award. Scholarship applications are traditionally due by February 15.

• Tuition

• Financial Aid

• Scholarships

Apply Now

Apply now to Washburn University and begin the journey toward becoming your best self or your meilleur moi!

Study Abroad

Study for a period of time (a summer or a semester) in another country.

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Student Resources

There are many resources for Modern Language students.

Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Modern Languages

Department of Modern Languages
Morgan Hall, Room 350
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1714
modern-languages@washburn.edu