Immerse yourself in the language, culture, history, and literary arts of the Francophone world.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in French offers students deep insight into the cultures of the Francophone world, which stretches from North America to Asia while passing through the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. After acquiring advanced competence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in our language program, students take coursework in a wide variety of subjects, learning how language, art, literature, and film in French is linked to history, society, and politics—not just of France, but of the globe. The skills and knowledge acquired also complement a variety of other majors and help graduates stand out and prosper in any professional activity they choose to pursue.
Highlights
- Get prepared for the workplace with the Certificate of French for Professional Purposes.
- Immerse yourself in French language and culture through study abroad.
- Find others with a passion for the French language in Le Cercle Francais of Berkeley.
Curriculum
Our goals in the French Language Program (FRENCH 1-4) include facilitating students’ ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written French and teaching students to read French texts critically and with aesthetic appreciation. At the upper division level, the department offers a large selection of courses in different periods and criticism, as well as courses in composition, stylistics, translation, and linguistics. Further, it encourages interdisciplinary studies in French through courses emphasizing the relation between literature and the other arts and between literature, history, and society. Students also have the opportunity to engage in the historical and critical study of French film. Most courses are conducted in French, and students learn to write papers, give presentations, and take examinations in the language.
Learn more at french.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/
Options in French
UC Berkeley students can pursue a number of options in French in addition to the major program:
- General Minor in French - pursue French study alongside your intended major
- Certificate of French for Professional Purposes - integrate your language skills into a francophone professional environment
- Study abroad - spend the summer, semester, or year studying in France
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the French major, students must be enrolled in, test out of, or have completed FRENCH 102. With that, students then complete the Undergraduate Application for the French major and submit it in person or via email to the Undergraduate Major Advisor. Applications to the major are accepted Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Note: FRENCH 1-4, or their equivalent, are prerequisites to declaring the French major. See Placement Guidelines if you are unsure of your prerequisite status.
The French major may interest students desiring a general humanistic education based on the language and literature of the French-speaking world; students planning to teach French at the elementary or secondary level; students who intend to pursue graduate work in preparation for teaching and research at the college level; and students preparing for careers in such areas as international law, business, or government service, which require both training in a major foreign language and/or a general background in a humanistic discipline.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying French. The Certificate of French for Professional Purposes includes both coursework and an internship related to a student’s career goals. The College of Letters & Science spotlights career pathways for students in the Arts & Humanities, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Department of State/Foreign Service/Diplomacy
- French or English Teaching at secondary level and in higher education
- Translation and Interpretation
- Journalism (Associated Press, NBC, etc.)
- International and Immigration law
- Research Analysis
- Business
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Art History
- Business
- Comparative Literature
- French
- International Public Management
- Law
- Linguistics
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Romance Language & Linguistics
- Secondary Education & Teaching
Kelly Dell, class of 2017
“My background in French has been key to my success as a Content Marketing Manager for tech companies. Through my French degree, I honed rigorous research and writing skills that allow me to produce high-quality content across diverse tech domains—from customer support to construction, energy, and health—without prior sector knowledge. Furthermore, my strong foundation in crafting engaging, persuasive content enabled me to become operational and autonomous quickly. Finally, the curiosity and creativity fostered through my French studies are assets in a dynamic, fast-paced industry like tech which thrives on new perspectives and adaptability.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and first-year guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the French major and sample study plans. Review placement guidelines and enroll in a language course. Explore lower division courses taught in English to connect with departmental faculty.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, Berkeley Changemaker, or A&H Compass or Gateway course.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like Le Cercle Francais of Berkeley.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Find community service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Visit the Discovery Hub to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit the UHS Career Counseling Library and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major and check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities website.
- Begin making a plan to get career-ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar or Big Ideas course.
- Look into study abroad; see resources from the French department.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Applied Language Studies.
- Complete the lower division French language sequence.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend guest lectures and other French department events.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Explore the Berkeley Language Center.
- Check out the Center of Excellence in French and Francophone Studies for public lectures, workshops, conferences, and research projects.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Begin building your network and exploring career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in FRENCH 102 and other upper division requirements.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Consider applying to the French Honors Program or the Certificate of French for Professional Purposes; for the honors program, look into Haas Scholars and SURF.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Check out College Corps and the Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Share your language skills in the SLC Language Exchange Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association such as the Modern Language Association.
- Interested in public service? Look into the John Gardner Fellowship, Peace Corps, Teach for America, and U.S. Department of State.
- Learn about post-grad teaching in France through TAPIF or Fulbright.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Receive thesis guidance in the Townsend Center Honors Thesis Workshop.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check-in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Apply to graduate school or post-grad programs such as TAPIF in France.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer Options
- Make progress on language or other degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Spend the summer in Paris through Berkeley Summer Abroad or Global Internships.
- Complement your degree with a summer minor—check out programs in Digital Humanities, Teaching English, or Performance & Culture.
- Learn about applying to graduate school with the PhD Admissions Bootcamp.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and transfer guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities.
- Meet with your major and college advisor; review sample study plans and placement guidelines, and enroll in a language course.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Enroll in FRENCH 102 and declare the major if you have completed major prerequisites; If not, start upper division requirements by taking up to two upper division courses in English for the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like Le Cercle Francais of Berkeley.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Find support at the Transfer Student Center or Re-entry Student Program.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Visit the Discovery Hub to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit the UHS Career Counseling Library and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Begin exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Complete FRENCH 102 if still needed;, continue upper division requirements.
- Look into study abroad; see resources from the French department.
- Explore new interests in a Berkeley Changemaker or DeCal course.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Applied Language Studies.
- Consider applying to the French Honors Program or the Certificate of French for Professional Purposes; for the honors program, look into Haas Scholars and SURF.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend guest lectures and other French department events.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Find community service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore the Berkeley Language Center.
- Apply for a FLAS Fellowship.
- Check out the Center of Excellence in French and Francophone Studies for public lectures, workshops, conferences, and research projects.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Begin building your network and exploring career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to develop skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-grad options.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Continue taking upper division requirements.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Receive thesis guidance in the Townsend Center Honors Thesis Workshop.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Transfer Peer Advocate or member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Check out College Corps and the Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Share your language skills in the SLC Language Exchange Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the Modern Language Association.
- Interested in public service? Look into the John Gardner Fellowship, Peace Corps, Teach for America, and U.S. Department of State.
- Apply to graduate school or post-grad programs such as TAPIF or Fulbright.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer Options
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHET 100 Writing at the University.
- Thinking about a PhD? Apply to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship the summer before your first semester at Berkeley.
- Make progress on language or other degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Spend the summer in Paris through Berkeley Summer Abroad or Global Internships.
- Complement your degree with a summer minor—check out programs in Digital Humanities, Teaching English, or Performance & Culture.
- Learn about applying to graduate school in the PhD Admissions Bootcamp.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about French or choosing a major?
Students with questions about their studies in French, or about study abroad in France, especially relating to the French major, minor, and certificate programs, are encouraged to contact the French Undergraduate Advisor by email (frendept@berkeley.edu) or to stop by 4118 Dwinelle Hall during drop-in hours. Appointments in person or online can also be arranged via email with the French Undergraduate Advisor. For advising hours and contacts, visit french.berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
Looking for programs similar to or that complement work in the French Department? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs:
