Undergraduate

French

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.

French Program

Program Tracks Available

Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures

Program Overview
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

Program Contact

Maryanne L. Leone, Ph.D

Professor of Spanish, Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures

508-767-7126 maleone@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 220

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

A student may complete a Minor in French by 6 courses (18 credits), which may include FRE 104. The program must be planned with a Departmental Advisor. All courses for the minor must be in French.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in French Course Descriptions
Students combine courses in French Language and Literature with offerings in related areas (i.e., French or Canadian Culture and Civilization, History, Art, Music) to fulfill the requirements for a minor in French. This program is developed in cooperation with a Departmental Advisor and should include:
- At least one course in French at the level of FRE 104 or higher.
- One course in French or Francophone Literature, which may be studied in the original or in translation.
- One course in French or Francophone Culture and Civilization or History (FRE 310, FRE 313, HIS 235, and HIS 257).
- Three other courses in related areas.
Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in French Course Descriptions

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

Our graduates pursue careers in teaching, international business, government and nonprofit organizations that require proficiency in the language.

Boston Public Schools

EMC Corporation

Grafton Public Schools

MassMutual Financial Group

Mellon Financial

Westerly Public Schools

Worcester Public Schools

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Graduate School

Beyond Assumption

Assumption prepares students to use their linguistic, cultural and analytical skills in their careers, advanced studies and other endeavors. Students who minor in French are introduced to the rich cultural traditions and literary expression of the civilization.

Many go on for graduate study in the language or graduate fields such as library science, literature, philology, and comparative literature.

Graduate School Samples:

Cambridge College
Curry College
Middlebury College
Boston University
Simmons College
University of Connecticut

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Apply

Visit Assumption

French

French Program

Institut Français

Immerse Yourself

Minor in French

Minor in French Studies

Postgraduate Opportunities

Maryanne L. Leone, Ph.D

An Ideal Place To Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Graduate School

Beyond Assumption

Graduate School Samples:

Programs Related to French

English

German

Italian Studies

Latin American and Latino Studies

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Spanish

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.