The Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature

Offered by the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC), the French major explores a comprehensive range of topics surrounding French literature, culture, film, history, linguistics and current events. The program combines traditional French and Francophone studies with practical, career-oriented instruction. Small class sizes encourage robust discussion. Faculty include internationally recognized specialists with expertise in a wide range of French and Francophone subjects. Students gain immersive experiences from established study abroad programs in southern France, ranging from three weeks to a full academic year. Partnerships with organizations based in D.C. create cultural opportunities and internships at institutions like the French Embassy and National Gallery of Art.

About the Program

The French faculty at UMD includes internationally recognized specialists in French and Francophone literature, linguistics and cinema from the Early Modern period to the present. Through individualized curricula, students can shape their degrees according to their personal interests, while cultivating global competency and critical thinking. Students can also develop professional skills in French, including business French, diplomacy, French for medical purposes, etc. with our French for the professions courses.

Each semester, we offer a wide range of courses, with many taught exclusively in French. The French major includes opportunities to study abroad, participate in a unique immersive experience with the Language House Living & Learning Residential Program, practice one-on-one with a native speaker through the Language Partner Program and many more opportunities to experience culture from the French-speaking world. Undergraduate majors have gone on to successful careers in a range of fields, including law, journalism, international relations, civil service and teaching in France, while others have continued to study at the graduate level.

Study Abroad

The French program offers two French study abroad opportunities guided by a University of Maryland resident director: Maryland-in-Nice and Maryland-in-Montpellier. Depending on placement, students studying for a semester in the Maryland-in-Nice program may earn up to 18 credits toward the completion of the major; students studying in Nice for the academic year may earn up to 33 credits.

Interested in Declaring a French Major?

To add the French major, your first step is to meet with the French undergraduate advisor. Email hwegmann@umd.edu and set up an appointment.

At the appointment, the advisor will review major requirements, discuss any credits you may already have completed and help you map out a plan to complete the French major by your target graduation date. The French advisor will then provide you with the appropriate forms to submit to the College of Arts and Humanities to officially declare your major.