Program Overview
The French Program at Niagara University focuses on creating globalized citizens who, through studying a language that is spoken on every continent, cultivate new ways to engage with the world. The program progresses from language classes to courses on the history, literature, and art of the French speaking world, culminating in an immersive study-abroad experience.
With the world becoming more connected and globalized, the need to engage with and truly understand other cultures, and not just translate from one language to the next, is equally on the rise. Studies show that bilingual individuals on average make a higher salary and have more job prospects than their monolingual counterparts. Given that French is spoken on every continent, French majors have the opportunity to put their skills to use in almost any sector and open the doors to a future anywhere in the world.
Students at Niagara learn French in small classes designed to give them individual attention. Our courses focus on building a strong foundation of proficiency in the language while exposing students to the diverse French-speaking cultures of the world. The classes then progress from language-focused to courses on the history, literature, and art of the French-speaking world, culminating in an immersive study-abroad experience.
The flexible BA in French gives every student at Niagara University the opportunity to double major, rounding out their marketability and preparing them for any career they decide to pursue. Students can also choose to add on a French minor to any degree.
Research Opportunities
Our honors students all complete an honors thesis. All students complete a senior seminar on a specialized topic that aligns with their fields of interest. Students are also welcome to participate in undergraduate research conferences such as the Undergraduate Forum at the Northeast Modern Language Association Annual Convention.
Program Differentiators
The Program at Niagara stands out for our small class sizes, one-on-one academic advisement, individualized attention both in the classroom and during office hours, therefore providing opportunities for individualized attention and growth. Our exchange partners in Lille and Angers give all students the chance to travel and put their French to use. Our faculty truly care about each and every student and are invested in their growth in the language and as people.
Outcomes
Develop oral and written fluency in French, preparing for future careers on a global scale and increase your marketability in any profession!
Study Abroad!
An integral part of the major is spending a semester or summer abroad in a French-speaking part of the world. We have two exchange programs that offer a unique and cost-friendly option to living in France, either in Lille or Angers. Both programs will give students the opportunity to be truly immersed by taking all of their classes in French and by living with a host family. We work closely with the Study Abroad office to explore the best options for our students so that they can find the best program suited to their needs.
The program also offers a Teaching Assistantship course available for French Education majors to put their studies into practice. This course gives students the opportunity to explore current research in Second Language Acquisition practices and assist with lessons in the lower-level French classes at NU.
Endless Opportunities
The importance of a degree in French
Explore This Minor!
View Coursework
Many students complete double majors and minors in philosophy, psychology, art history, film studies, english, education, business and marketing.
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
Apply Now