French Major: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: B.A. in French _{Select the degree to view its requirements and four-year plan.}

Department: World Languages and Literatures

In our Bachelor of Arts in French, students develop language proficiency and critical thinking skills that are indispensable for a variety of career paths: linguistic proficiency to communicate effectively in informal and formal situations in a global environment, cultural awareness and intercultural competence, and appreciation of diversity both in the context of their home culture and globally. Additionally, the French program and the World Languages and Literatures Department offer many international cultural experiences on campus and in the community throughout the school year that immerse students in French language and Francophone cultures.

Program Contacts

Dr. Caryn Connelly
Department Chair
connellyc1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Caitlyn Harrah

Graduating Year: 2014

Education: B.A. in French and Sociology

"The vast majority of my French communications are conducted via email, and I am infinitely grateful for the business French class I took at NKU, as well as the skills I learned as a student that help me navigate not only the business world of another country, but also the local lingo! Earning a double-major in French and Sociology, I love interacting with a diverse group of people and am really enjoying the chance I have to work with clients all over North America. I also have French-speaking coworkers from the US and elsewhere, so it’s a great opportunity to put my French degree to good use!"

Career: Client Services Supervisor at CDK Global in Cincinnati

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Co-curricular Opportunities: We have a very active French Club that regularly organizes fun and exciting cultural events on and off campus. The club has hosted outings to the musical Les Misérables, a performance of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, and the art exhibit “L’Affichomania: The Passion for French Posters”, just to name a few. The French Club also offers leadership opportunities on their executive board.
French majors and minors can also join the Phi Sigma Iota international foreign language honor society. Phi Sigma Iota recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the study of foreign language, literature, and culture. PSI offers local and national leadership opportunities, publication opportunities in The Forum, and scholarship funding for study abroad and graduate school. There are approximately 250 chapters of Phi Sigma Iota at institutions of higher learning in the US, Mexico, and France.

Study Abroad: Our French majors and minors benefit from the partnership that NKU has with the Université de Caen Normandie, as well as NKU’s participation in KIIS (Kentucky Institute for International Study), a non-profit faculty-led study abroad consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. We offer funding for study abroad through the Foreign Language Award for International Study (FLAIS). Since it was established in 2005, FLAIS has awarded nearly $40,000 to over 100 language majors and minors to support study abroad experiences. FLAIS is entirely funded by donations from faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
Career Explorations: Students gain practical skills and knowledge in our professions-oriented classes that include Introduction to Translation, Business French, and French for the Professions. We also invite our alumni and working professionals in various careers to speak with current students about job opportunities for language majors.

Keep exploring. Visit the department website.