French Major/Minor

Welcome to French

Bienvenue!

The French program at UNC Charlotte is an immersive and enriching academic experience designed to develop linguistic proficiency, transferable career competencies such as critical thinking and intercultural communication, and ignite a lifelong passion for language and culture. Whether you’re a beginner or already proficient in French, our program offers a dynamic and supportive learning environment that caters to all levels.

Why study French?

Career Advantages: Proficiency in French opens the door to many new and exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in teaching, international business, diplomacy, translation, or cultural exchange, our program equips you with the skills and intercultural competency sought after in today’s globalized job market. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate double majors, so add French as a major or minor and expand your future job prospects!

Job opportunities for French speakers will only increase in the future, as French is expected to become an even more important world language by 2050. There are more than 300 million French speakers worldwide today, up more than 10% since 2014, and a recent survey showed that 44% of them live in Africa. Additionally, polls in the Washington Post and Natixis predict that French could be the world’s most spoken language by 2050, as the number of Francophones is expected to triple over the next thirty years.

Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French and French-speaking cultures at UNC Charlotte. Our program goes beyond language instruction to explore arts, history, and contemporary social and political issues, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the Francophone world.

Expert Faculty: Learn from dedicated and experienced faculty members who are not just language experts, but are also passionate about fostering a community around the study of language and culture. Smaller class sizes ensure personalized attention and allow you to thrive academically.

Global Opportunities: As a French major or minor, you’ll have the chance to participate in study abroad programs across the French-speaking world. We offer long-term stays in Lyon and Limoges as well as Spring Break programs in Paris and Martinique. This firsthand experience will deepen your language skills, intercultural competency, and prepare you for success on the global job market.

Innovative Teaching Methods: Our program employs cutting-edge teaching methods to make learning French enjoyable and effective. Our interactive beginner to intermediate language sequence ensures that students are equipped with the communicative tools they need to be successful in a French-speaking environment. Our state of the art Language Resource Center provides free tutoring and access to some of the most up to date learning technologies. Our advanced courses prepare students for graduate study and the job market. We also offer certificates in translating and business French.

Community Engagement: Our program fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom. Connect with fellow students who share your passion for language and culture in the French Club and other events organized throughout the academic year.

Tailored Curriculum: Whether you aim for a major or a minor, our flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your academic journey to align with your interests and career goals. Choose from a variety of courses that develop proficiencies in language, critical thinking and analytical skills, and intercultural competence.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Our program takes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating history, film studies, philosophy, political theory, and the arts into the study of language. This holistic approach enhances your critical thinking and analytical skills and trains you to effectively communicate your skills to potential employers.

Studying French at UNC Charlotte is your chance to embark on a linguistic and cultural adventure that will open the door to a world of career possibilities, communities, and personal and professional growth. Venez découvrir la beauté de la langue française et élargir vos horizons avec notre programme!