Why study French?

Fluency in a second language is a valuable skill. French is an official language of 28 countries on five continents, including France, Canada, Belgium, Senegal and Vietnam. Learning French will allow you to converse with and better understand people throughout the world. Along with English, French is the world's most important diplomatic language. It is an official language of such organizations as the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO and the international Red Cross.

France, one of the world's largest economies, is a leader in the export of luxury goods and technology. Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec is in itself one of the largest trading partners of the United States. For this reason, French is an important language for conducting business in the United States and elsewhere. Finally, French is unsurpassed as a language of culture. Discussions about literature, art, gastronomy and fashion inevitably start from and return to France. By studying French, you will be able to experience the varied products of French culture firsthand and to travel more easily in the world's top-rated tourist destination.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

Students in French usually possess strong verbal skills, some facility with languages and a desire to travel and interact with other cultures.

Students in French have become:

  • Secondary education teacher
  • Instructor at colleges and universities
  • Foreign service officer
  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Sales representative
  • Director of marketing
  • Lawyer

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear on the side of this page.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Irene Ivantcheva-Merjanska
5269 Clifton Court Hall
ML 0377
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0377
(513) 556-1729
ivantcii@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MIN-FREN-MIN