Please Note: The French minor has been discontinued. Students from the Class of 2025 and before may still minor in these fields, but they are not available for the Class of 2026 and after, except in the form of a self-designed minor program of study.

A background in French can be a valuable asset to your life and career. French is estimated as having between 70 million and 110 million native speakers and 190 million second-language speakers. It is the second-most studied foreign language in the world, after English, and is an official language of more than 29 countries.

The French language has always had a special place at Assumption. The University was founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists), a religious congregation founded in France in 1850, and its first students were sons of immigrants from French Canada who had settled in New England. Initially, all of the courses were taught in French.

The program seeks primarily to have minors:

• Achieve proficiency and fluency in the oral and written forms of the language.
• Read with understanding and enjoyment representative works of French literature.
• Prepare to enter graduate school, become teachers in elementary, middle or high school, or serve as interpreters, translators, social workers, or law enforcement professionals. Our graduates also go on to a rewarding career in law, business, government and nonprofit organizations or enter graduate school.

Institut Français

The University is home to the renowned Institut Français, which serves as both an academic research facility and a center for Franco-American cultural activities.

Immerse Yourself

Students minoring in French are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a semester, a summer or an academic year in a French-speaking country. You may choose from among a number of different sites to spend a semester, a summer or even a year. Students unable to study abroad work with a departmental advisor to develop an alternate experience, such as an appropriate local internship, in which to apply their language/culture competence.

Minor in French

A student may complete a Minor in French by taking a total of six courses (18 credits). The program is with a Departmental Advisor and all courses for the minor must be in French.

Minor in French Studies

Students may fulfill the 6 course (18 credit) requirement of this minor combine courses in French Language and Literature with offerings in related areas (i.e., French or Canadian Culture and Civilization, History, Art, Music). This program is developed with a Departmental Advisor.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Nearly every year since 1993, Assumption graduates in French have embarked on year-long internships as assistants in English classes in French high schools or middle schools.

Language Placement Information