French & Francophone Studies

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Arts

A group of French students along with their professor take a selfie outside on grass on campus during a French picnic for class

About:

French is the fifth most- spoken language in the world, spoken by over 230 million people every day — in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and Asia. When you major in French & Francophone Studies at PLU, you don’t just learn the language. You’ll explore the cultures, stories, and global conversations in the French-speaking world that come with it.

From day one, you’ll be immersed in real French, using music, movies, books, and art to connect with the world. You’ll talk about what’s happening in French-speaking countries today, and work creatively with classmates to build language skills and cultural insight.

Many students study away in Aix-en-Provence, France, and pair French with another major like Global Studies, Business, or Education. Proficiency in French and cross-cultural competence will enhance your studies and your career — in teaching, non-profit organizations, international business, and more. Whether you want to teach, work abroad, or make a difference in global communities, this major helps you get there.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Proficiency in French — Whether it’s a key job requirement or an unexpected advantage, knowing French can open doors around the world.
Communication — Learning French will help you express ideas clearly, adapt your message, and collaborate, ultimately making you a more effective communicator.
Cross-cultural competence — Stepping into new cultural contexts helps you become a more open, inclusive, and effective leader.
Empathy — Learning a new language is humbling before it’s empowering. Your journey in French will show you what it’s like to not have the right words and deepen your understanding of how language shapes power.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Upper Division French Teacher, The Evergreen School
Accounting & Administrative Specialist, Willis Allen Real Estate
Research Intern, Caspian Policy Center
Environmental Health Specialist, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Senior Software Engineer, Morningstar
Crew Member, Washington Conservation Corps

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Master of Arts in International Relations, Johns Hopkins University
Master of Arts in Euroculture, Jagiellonion University (Krakow, Poland)
Law School, Seattle University
Master of Business Administration, University of San Diego
Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University

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"Through the French & Francophone Studies program at PLU, I learned to put my love of the French language into practice by engaging in dialogue with peers and exploring French history, literature, and media."

— Stella H. ’25

“All the French faculty that I've taken courses with are knowledgeable and enthusiastic not only about the linguistic side of language acquisition, but also the cultural aspect. I felt very well-prepared for my semester in Aix-en-Provence, where I was able to take on a full course-load taught entirely in French.”

— Anna N. ‘23

“As a small program, we are constantly innovating to meet our students’ evolving needs, interests, and aspirations. Since we get to teach our majors and minors over multiple semesters, we see them progress from articulating basic phrases to expressing their ideas and personalities in French. Witnessing this progress is deeply gratifying–as is building relationships that often last beyond graduation.”

— Professor Rebecca Wilkin, Director of French and Francophone Studies program

Study Abroad

PLU students regularly study away and earn credit toward their degree through PLU’s featured program in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Career Options

Graduates pursue careers in K-12 education, international non-profit organizations, public policy think tanks, hospitality, ministry, and more.

Hands-On Experience

Several French majors have participated in the Teaching Assistantship Program in France (TAPIF) following graduation, teaching English to French students of all ages.

student presenting a presentation with macbook at morken

student having picnic at red square in spring

students smiling on picnic mat at redsquare

Morken students having lecture in french

students having a dining experience on campus

students smiling one wearing red one wearing pink

student wearing mask in morken while holding plastic necklace