North Park University: Christian - Urban

Why Study French?

French speakers live all over the world, with cultural heritages from Europe to Africa to the Caribbean. A degree in French or French studies will prepare to you communicate effectively with these millions of people in our global community, as well as to be a culturally sensitive world citizen. International business or nonprofit service, politics, education, and community development are among the many fields where you’ll be able to use your language skills.

Why North Park?

North Park’s commitment to multicultural exploration will give you opportunities to dig deeply into French language and culture on campus, around the city, and abroad. You’ll learn from faculty who are passionate about the language, literature, film, and travel in the French-speaking world while you engage critical thinking, reasoning, and reflection skills.

Careers and Graduate School in French

Graduates of North Park’s French major have gone on to careers around the world, including teaching, missionary work, and international development work. Others have won Fulbright awards, worked with Teach for America, or enrolled in graduate programs at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Georgetown University, and Kent State University. Learn more about your career options.

Study Abroad

French majors can choose from study abroad options in more than 40 countries around the world. You can live, study, and explore a French-speaking country for a summer, a semester, or a full academic year.

Learn more about your options from the study abroad office.

French or French Studies

Choose to major in either French or French studies. With a French major, you’ll master the language and literature. With a French studies degree, you’ll study the language in the context of French culture, with courses in history, art, and philosophy.

Interesting Classes

Gain proficiency in the French language through writing and speaking in classes that include:

Basic French I and II
French Phonetics and Pronunciation
Classical Literature
Advanced Conversation and Composition
Seminar in Modern French Literature

Learn more about the requirements and courses for French majors.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Jennifer Morrissey came to North Park University because she wanted to teach at a university that puts students first. “North Park provides the safe, supportive environment students need in order to take risks and move beyond their comfort zones,” she says.

Read more about Dr. Morrissey.

Double Major

French students often choose to pursue two majors, pairing language skills and multicultural education with another academic focus to have a competitive edge upon graduating. Popular double majors include global studies, English literature, secondary education, and history.

Beyond the Classroom

Practice your language skills and explore French-speaking cultures through options that include:

French & Francophone Ciné-club
Café Conversations
Events at the Alliance Française de Chicago
French Immersion Day during National French Week
Internships at international and multicultural organizations

Next Steps

Program Requirements

French and French Studies