French Program

The French Program offers a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate courses in French language, literature and culture as well as providing the following degree options: Master of Arts in French, Bachelor of Arts in French (major) and a minor in French.

The French program offers a challenging and enriching experience for those who are interested not only in the French language but also in French and Francophone culture and society. French is one of the very few languages spoken all over the world, ranked the sixth most widely spoken language after Mandarin Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish and Arabic.  Today, more than 220 million people speak French throughout the world: roughly 51% live in Africa and the Middle East, 40% live in Europe, 8% in the Americas, and 1% in Asia/Oceania. As a result of population growth there will be more than 700 million French Speakers by 2050, 80% of whom will be living in Africa. The French Program is excited to offer an an avenue to engage with this expanding and diverse Francophone cultural and linguistic world.

We offer full-fledged Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs and focus on developing proficiency in the language in a sociocultural context by offering a variety of courses and by conducting courses in culture and literature in French. Great importance is placed on participatory classes, which are small and practice-oriented, to help students adapt themselves to a changing world. Excellent computer facilities and a multimedia center provide support for our educational program.

SF State is located in San Francisco, a cosmopolitan city with a large and active French community, which makes it a great place to study French. Students are also given a number of opportunities to study in France. Through the California State University’s international programs, selected students may study at Aix-en-Provence and in Paris. Such opportunities give students practical experience in everyday French life and culture, helping to build and reinforce these skills.

If you are an undergraduate student and wonder which class to take, you can take a placement test and see an advisor. Please contact an advisor for further details.

Important Information

To declare a major or minor, complete a Declaration of Major/Minor form, then make an appointment to see the program advisor. Bring a copy of your most recent university transcript to the meeting.

Undergraduate Program

Minor in French

The French minor consists of up to 14 units of lower-division and from 9 to 15 units of upper-division coursework. Students must complete the lower-division sequence -- or the equivalent -- prior to beginning upper-division coursework in French language, literature, linguistics, and culture. The program may waive some or all lower-division requirements if the student demonstrates appropriate competency through advising, by taking the placement test, or by having taken the equivalent coursework elsewhere. All courses are conducted in French, and students are expected to use French in their speaking, reading and writing.

Program Contacts