French Architecture

French - A.B.

About this Degree

Students majoring in French take courses in small classes that emphasize interactive communications and a critical understanding of the culture and institutions of the Francophone world, from metropolitan France to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In addition to studying cultures of the pre-modern and modern world, students learning French acquire analytic skills, sensitivity to the nuances of written communications and a command of logic that puts those abilities to best use. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad, and a French-language residential community in Mary Lyndon Hall offers the opportunity to maintain accent and fluency while in Athens. With proficiency in French, graduates have a key to careers with financial, legal, journalistic, pharmaceutical, and non-governmental companies and organizations. Should they wish to further their academic study of the French-speaking world, they are well-prepared for advanced degrees.

What you will learn

In addition to French language courses, we offer a wide variety of classes that address global Francophonie, or French-speaking regions around the world.  With excellent language skills and training in literature, media, culture, history, and politics, our French and French Studies majors graduate well-equipped to enter a variety of professional schools and careers.  Follow the links on this page to learn more about our course offerings, degree requirements, study abroad and immersion opportunities, weekly discussion groups, and other French-related activities.  

Interesting Facts about this Degree or Program

Did you know?

  • There are many French-specific scholarships and study abroad funds available to UGA undergraduates for immersion in France and Francophone countries.  Pell Grant recipients can also apply for the Gilman International Scholars Award and Honors students can receive generous funding through the Honors College.  Learn more about funding your immersive language experience abroad.
  • Every year three students of French are selected for the following awards: the Willcox Award for Excellence in French, our highest recognition, the award for distinction in Spoken French, and the award for distinction in Literary Studies in French.

Francophone Studies examines the cultures and literatures of the French-speaking countries and regions of Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Americas.  Research in the department includes study of the Medieval and Renaissance periods of France and the Mediterranean world through the cultural movements of the 17th-19th centuries, to modern and contemporary literature, film, and performance, with focuses on philology, poetics, translation, visual culture, Islam, and French, Caribbean, and West African cultural production. 

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Scholarship Opportunities

Pi Delta Phi
Employers:

See the department's career planning, internship, and working abroad resources.

Students majoring in French may go on to graduate or professional school or to teach. Proficiency in the French language also helps majors find employment in the public and private sectors.

  • About.com
  • AFS Intercultural Programs
  • ARCH Language Network
  • CapTel
  • CB Richard Ellis
  • Cenarte
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Cooper's Hawk Restaurant and Winery
  • Delta Airlines
  • EDUCAUSE
  • Embassies
  • Fablevision Animation
  • French Ministry of Education
  • French-American Chamber of 
  • Commerce
  • GEORGIA Magazine
  • Global Collect
  • Google, Inc.
  • H&A Events
  • Imagine Exhibitions Inc.
  • Import / Export Companies
  • Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
  • International Studies Abroad
  • IUPUI
  • Jericho Translations
  • National Archives
  • News Bureaus
  • Peace Corps
  • Public Relations Firms
  • Public Service Organizations
  • Savannah-Chatham Public School 
  • System
  • The Cottage School
  • The Greenville News
  • The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
  • The Wesley Foundation
  • TRANE
  • Travel Agencies
  • Tuesday Morning
  • UCAR/NCAR
  • Unity Village
  • University of Burgos
Possible Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Associate Editor
  • Associate Project Manager
  • Bilingual Instructor
  • Business Developer
  • Captioning Assistant
  • CIA/FBI Special Agent
  • Civil Service Worker
  • Client Services Coordinator
  • Customs Official
  • Development Assistant
  • Diplomat
  • Editor/French Cuisine
  • Environmental Translator
  • Events Logistical Liaison
  • Female Bilingual Voice Talent
  • Foreign News Journalist
  • Foreign Services Worker
  • French Interpreter
  • Hispanic Services Coordinator
  • Immigration Specialist
  • Import/Export Agent
  • Intelligence Specialist Interpreter
  • Legal Assistant
  • Military Office Intern
  • Multicultural Communications Manager
  • Multicultural Education and Outreach 
  • Coordinator
  • Paraprofessional
  • Peace Corps Volunteer
  • Program Coordinator
  • Recruiter/Business Development
  • Remote Customer Training Professional
  • Research Associate
  • Resource Coordinator & Inside Sales 
  • Representative
  • Sales Associate
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Translator
  • Travel Consultant

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