Bachelor of Arts in French
Program Overview & Goals
The French major at Hendrix College develops students’ proficiency in the French language while fostering deep engagement with the literature, cultures, histories, and societies of the Francophone world. Through language study, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary inquiry, students gain linguistic fluency, intercultural competence, and critical perspectives on global issues.
Via Hendrix
During your time at Hendrix, we will help you create a clear pathway between where you are now and where you want to go.
With a four-year approach centered on experiential learning, mentorship, and professional development, Hendrix helps students connect their passions with meaningful opportunities. Every course, collaboration, and hands-on experience is designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence, and adaptability needed for life after college.
Careers & Outcomes
A Hendrix French education is a gateway to global career paths, providing the language proficiency, cultural understanding, communication skills, and analytical thinking that employers value and preparing students to contribute across cultures from day one.
Salary Projections
The median salary for a foreign language and literature teacher is $88,490, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top Industries
- Travel, Tourism, and Customer Service
- Language and Education Careers
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Media, Writing, and Cultural Roles
- Citizenship and Immigration Officers
Career Options
The French major is as versatile as it is globally enriching. Hendrix French alumni can pursue a variety of meaningful careers, including:
- International Program Coordinator
- Teacher of Professor
- Foreign Service Officer
- Publishing or Editorial Assistant
Co-op Opportunities
Experience separates good job candidates from great ones. Via Hendrix, French students build practical experience through engaged learning, study abroad, and career-focused opportunities that connect language and cultural study to real-world professional settings. Students may pursue experiences with organizations such as:
- International Cultural Institutes such as Alliance Française
- Study Abroad and Exchange Programs in Francophone Countries
- International NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations
- Museums and Cultural Heritage Institutions
Roadmap to the Bachelor of Arts in French
Every French major builds strong written and oral communication skills while studying language, culture, people, and literature. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students develop global awareness, think critically across cultures, and gain the communication skills needed for meaningful work in an interconnected world.
Year One
Our First-Year Experience gives you the freedom to discover what you care about most and find a path to get there.
Year Two
In your second year, you will have a stronger vision of what your academic experience and career planning look like. Your integrated advising team of faculty, career counselors, and mentors will ensure that the things you study align with your future goals while still providing room to explore.
Year Three
Your third year includes a required full-time co-op. For one semester, you earn credit while applying knowledge from your coursework in a professional setting.
Year Four
Your last year is not the finish line. It is where everything starts.
Meet the Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Languages bring deep expertise in language, literature, culture, and global communication. As teachers and mentors, they work closely with students to strengthen communication skills, expand cultural understanding, and prepare for meaningful careers in an interconnected world.
Cathy Jellenik
Professor of French
Related Programs
Via Hendrix, you can strengthen your French language skills, explore the cultures and literatures of the Francophone world, build global communication skills, or even create your own major around language, culture, and international engagement.
Your Next Steps Via Hendrix
Every global career benefits from strong communication, cultural fluency, and a broader understanding of the world. Learn how much value the French major from Hendrix College can deliver for you.