About
Majoring in a world language opens doors to a number of exciting careers and allows you to work and communicate with people from all over the world. French is an official language of the United Nations and an official or national language in more than 30 countries and territories spanning 5 continents, making it a truly global language. As one of the official languages of Canada and a heritage language in Louisiana and elsewhere in the U.S., French is also a local language in much of North America.
By majoring in Languages, Literatures and Cultures (BA) - French and Francophone Studies, you will gain a number of transferable skills that make you attractive to employers. These include excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, the ability to understand and analyze different cultures and perspectives, flexibility in thinking and adaptability to new environments, collaborative work skills, and the ability to research and synthesize information from a variety of sources. French language skills are useful in careers in business, government and foreign relations. Majoring in a world language is also an excellent idea for students who would like to live and work in other countries.
After Graduation
Employment: World language majors have excellent job prospects after graduation. According to a 2013 study, world language majors with experience had strong rates of employment, particularly compared to other humanities and social sciences majors. Experienced college graduates with a major in world languages had average earnings of $52,000, and graduate degree holders had average earnings of $63,000.
French and Francophone Studies majors find jobs in the Foreign Service, FBI, CIA and NSA; translation and interpretation; travel and tourism; international relations; international business and human resources; journalism, writing and public relations; human rights; and in museums, schools and other educational settings.
Graduate School: Students who choose to continue their education often stay at Appalachian for the Accelerated Master’s Program in Romance Languages. Other students pursue MA and PhD degrees at other universities, or continue on to degrees in law or medicine.
People
Related Program
Minors
A minor is required. Common choices include: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Global Studies, Psychology, Anthropology and History.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Pi Delta Phi, Gamma Phi Chapter - Appalachian’s chapter of the national French honors society. It is led by Dr. Darci Gardner. Students are admitted through nomination and must have completed at least one upper-level French course, be at least a sophomore, and meet a minimum GPA requirement.
- Le Cercle Français - A social and cultural club for students interested in French and French-speaking cultures. For information contact Lynn McNeil.
View all Language and Culture clubs
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
In the last two years, LLC faculty members have led service-learning trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Ghana. Read more
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite placement tests are used to assess incoming student levels of language ability, to better advise them which courses to take and to assist in class level placement.
Why Appalachian?
- The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a variety of courses related to the French language, the French-speaking world, and French and Francophone cultures and literature.
- The department offers students small class sizes and individualized attention and mentoring. Students have the freedom to choose a course of study that aligns with their personal interests and career goals.
- Students are encouraged to study abroad and have a variety of programs to choose from, both in France and elsewhere in the French-speaking world.
- Faculty members include students in their research and frequently present in regional, national and international conferences. Faculty research interests include contemporary and 19th century French literature and culture, the literature and culture of Francophone Africa, post-coloniality, comic discourses in literature and film, and literature and the visual arts.
- Faculty regularly host immersion weekends where students prepare meals together and engage in other activities, all without the use of English.
- Students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have completed 90+ hours can take 4 classes that count as both undergrad and graduate credit toward a Master’s Degree in Romance Languages.
Location
Boone campus only
Careers
- Foreign Service
- FBI
- CIA
- NSA
- Translation and interpretation
- Travel and tourism
- International relations
- International business and human resources
- Journalism, writing and public relations
- Health care and social services
- Human rights
- Museums
- Schools and other educational settings
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Paul Worley
Department Chair
worleypm@appstate.edu
828-262-6709