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French and Francophone Studies

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Study French at Fordham

About the French and Francophone studies major

Immerse yourself in French language, art, history, and culture—from the heart of NYC to the streets of historic French cities and beyond.

At Fordham, New York City will become your classroom. You’ll gain a solid understanding of political, social, and cultural practices in the Francophone world. Explore the diverse French-speaking communities across the five boroughs—and around the world, through one of our 100+ study abroad programs. Gain hands-on internship experience at renowned institutions like the United Nations. And use your knowledge to drive meaningful change for French speakers and communities worldwide.

Our graduates go on to …

  • prestigious graduate programs
  • law school
  • careers in international affairs, journalism, social work, and more

Visit the Department of Languages and Cultures

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French and Francophone program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

89%

of French and Francophone studies graduates in the past five years were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in public service or other meaningful endeavors within six months of graduation

15

faculty members teach French and Francophone studies, with expertise ranging from 17th-century literature to Francophone cinema to labor and migration in West Africa

Water and Migration Project

a grant-funded study led by professor Isaie Dougnon to learn how drought-driven migration has reshaped housing, community, and livelihoods across three villages in Mali

75+

interactive language stations across Fordham's two Language Learning Centers at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center, equipped with audio and video technology for language learning

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courses that make up the French and Francophone studies major, taught by specialists spanning anthropology, film studies, journalism, humanitarian studies, and translation

Critical Language Scholarship Program

a fully funded U.S. State Department program Fordham students have used to study language abroad, from Morocco to Russia to China

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Making an Impact

Fordham Ram Statue at Lincoln Center campus with Fulbright text

Fulbright Students Shine                    

See how these Fulbright scholars are making an impact, like Gemma Oshiro, whose double major in international studies and French and Francophone studies is taking her to Andorra.

Madalyn Stewart

Finding a Path to France                    

Madalyn Stewart leveraged Fordham’s NYC and international opportunities to pursue her passion for French culture and politics. Explore how scholarship and internship opportunities led her to graduate school in Paris.

Image of Naimal Chisti, photo by Clariel Arias

Nurturing Global Scholars                    

Through the Critical Language Scholarship Program, run by the U.S. State Department, students can pursue summer language and cultural exchange programs across the world. Learn how Rams make the most of a global education.

A farming site in Mali, where Professor Isaie Dougnon is conducting research. Photo provided by Isaie Dougnon.

Making an Impact in Mali                    

Discover how professor Isaie Dougnon is bringing his expertise in French and international humanitarian affairs to his native Mali through the Water and Migration research program.

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French Program FAQ

  • Here, you’ll learn by doing. With hands-on opportunities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities, you’ll gain the skills and experiences employers seek. And in addition to the big city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive.

  • The French and Francophone studies curriculum is taught by experts across multiple departments including art history, English, anthropology, medieval studies, and philosophy. 

    Beyond the fundamentals of French language and culture, you might dive into specific areas with courses like Discovering French Cinema, where you’ll explore the themes that make a film uniquely French, or Francophone North Africa, where you’ll examine how North African writers have experimented with genre under colonization.

  • Our location in the heart of New York City means you’ll have the opportunity to intern with top organizations including the United Nations and French film festivals. You’ll also have the chance to study abroad through one of our 100+ programs.

  • As a French and Francophone studies major, you’ll graduate with a proficiency in the language, preparing you for roles in any field where bilingual skills are essential. You’ll also be uniquely prepared to pursue advanced study in areas such as foreign languages, international affairs, and law.

    Plus, you can connect with alumni through the Fordham Mentoring Program to receive one-on-one guidance and advice for your career.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a French and Francophone studies major, you might use AI for basic transcription or examine French data sets used to train AI models, preparing you for high-growth roles in areas like linguistic data analysis. 

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and emotional intelligence.

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