French Studies can take you around the world

Did you know that French is a fast-growing language spoken in 40 different countries and territories, and that 29 nations name French as an official language? It is also taught around the world and is an official language of international organizations including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Olympics and UNESCO. That means that adding French to your skill set can open doors for your career internationally.

A major or double-major in French helps you navigate cultures, industries, arts, and governments all over the world. With our focus on real-life projects, you may work on translating personal letters from the World Wars, creating videos focusing on aspects of the cultures in Francophone areas of the world or collaborating with a music history class on a recital of French Renaissance songs. Spend a semester studying in Strasbourg or Aix-en-Provence, or a summer studying in France or Canada. Add your voice and perspective to the Weekly Conversation hour or Francophone film series. Go even deeper by adding one of our interdisciplinary minors like applied linguistics, international studies or African studies to help prepare you for wherever your career path takes you. After graduation, many French majors spend a year in France, teaching English conversation in the public schools through the TAPIF program.

When you pair language studies with another major, you will integrate your perspective on each area of specialization, increasing the directions your career can take. With French studies, you gain skills, knowledge, cultural experience, and critical tools that make you a compelling prospect for any graduate school or employer.


100%
of majors study abroad for a semester, living with a French-speaking host family
90%
of graduating seniors applying to TAPIF to teach English conversation in French public schools have been accepted.
95%
of majors combine French studies with a second major

Prestigious programs say “Oui” to French studies majors

Thanks to Susquehanna’s immersive, multidisciplinary approach to language education, you will be well prepared for postgraduate opportunities in the Francophone world. Meet several alumni who were accepted to the highly selective teaching assistant program in France.

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Strasbourg, France - October 25, 2021: Ill River canal with promenade and row of town houses

Potential Careers

  • Translator
  • International edition publisher
  • Diplomat
  • International business consultant
  • Performing arts educator

Recent Employers

  • American University
  • GRF CPAs & Advisors
  • Pearlstone Retreat Center & Campus
  • Clinical Ink
  • Central York High School

Average Salary

$58,400

2021 median pay for interpreters

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Reviving Holocaust history with translation

Translation is crucial to exploring untold stores, especially from those underrepresented in traditional history books. Explore this project by Susquehanna’s French studies majors, who translated a series of letters from a French schoolgirl writing during the Holocaust.

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Rennes, France

Studying for a Degree in French Studies

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in French studies at Susquehanna.


Explore other programs and opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Humanities page.


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Languages, Literatures & Cultures

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Phone & Email

Daryl Rodgers, department head
570-372-4693

rodgers@susqu.edu