Undergraduate Major

French Major (BA)

Discover a vibrant global community on campus and beyond when you major in French. You'll gain linguistic and intercultural competence through immersive experiences tailored to your personal and professional goals.

French Hero

Program Overview

Immerse yourself in the study of French language and culture through community engagement, internships, and study abroad programs. At Widener, a French degree can take you anywhere.

In the classroom, you'll gain invaluable skills from native and heritage French speakers, guided by professors who will help you identify and achieve your goals.

With strong relationships with Philadelphia institutions like the French-American Chamber of Commerce, you'll have opportunities to engage with the French culture in our own backyard. Want to jet-set even farther? Travel to established study-abroad programs in France and Canada, or work with a faculty member to find a new program in any French-speaking country that's right for you.

Complete with an independent senior research project, your French education will prepare you for a fast start and long-term career success in today's global economy.

Program Options

Loading... requirements for the French major.

Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.

French majors can participate in the following pathways:

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Digital humanities is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field that incorporates new tools and methodologies for pursuing modes of inquiry and producing forms of scholarship and engagement in the humanities. It seeks to apply humanistic reasoning and research to important questions related to technology, such as social sustainability, big data, and privacy. Work in digital humanities includes public humanities, data mining/visualization, web design, textual analysis, educational technology, and ethics and technology. The concentration in digital humanities is open to all humanities majors.

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Passionate about the French language but also interested in pursuing a STEM degree? The global engineering industry demands global engineers. Through Widener’s international engineering program, you’ll gain the real-world experience you need to meet the demand. As you simultaneously study mechanical engineering and French, you’ll establish an international perspective that will put you on the inside track to a global engineering career.

Learn more about the international engineering program

Admissions Information

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student

Program Highlights

Our points of pride not only designate us as top-tier university—they also demonstrate the resources and connections we offer that lead students to successful, rewarding careers.

French Historic Connections

French Philadelphia

Philadelphia's historic connections to France make it the perfect place to expand what you learn in the classroom. You can volunteer with French-speaking immigrants at the Upper Darby Welcome Center, intern at the Quebec Trade Office in Philadelphia, and explore cultural connections through an architectural tour or restaurant trip.

French Flexible Programs

Flexible Programs

Customize your academic journey to fit your needs. Faculty will help you find internships and create civic engagement opportunities to support your career goals. You'll also have the chance to join a summer research program, double major/minor in anything from psychology to international relations and beyond, and study abroad.

French Faculty

A Second Family

With language classes capped at 18 students, you'll become a part of a supportive learning community while still receiving individualized attention. Through cultural immersion trips and engagement with international clubs on campus, your professors and peers will soon become your second family.

Clubs & Organizations

French majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the French Club, the Alpha Mu Gamma - International Modern Language Honor Society, and many more.

Faculty

Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback. Get to know our French faculty.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Learning French puts you on the inside track to nearly all careers, as bilingualism and cultural competency are highly-prized skills in today's global economy. With language skills plus international experiences, you'll prepare for a fast start and long-term career success.

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Diplomacy
  • Financial services
  • Translating/Interpreting
  • Teaching
  • Banking

100% Career Placement

Through extensive career placement assistance, all recent French graduates have found full-time positions within 6 months of graduation.

Source: Annual survey of Widener graduates six months after commencement.

Recent Employers

  • Quebec Trade Office
  • French American Chamber of Commerce
  • Upper Darby Welcome Center
  • US Army
  • US Peace Corps

Student Stories

Mamadou Keita is mentored by Professor Stephanie Schechner

"I am very fortunate to have come to this country and received one of the best educations. My mindset now is ‘how can I give that type of opportunity to others back home in Guinea?’"

Mamadou Keita

Class of 2013 and 2018

Take the Next Steps

Apply

Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.