A truly international language, spoken by 300 million people on five continents, the French language has a complex heritage and a rich cultural history. A bachelor's degree in French from Portland State opens the door to a range of international experiences through coursework that includes language study, literature, film, history, and linguistics.
Our graduates go on to jobs that require proficiency in French, but whatever career you choose, the critical thinking skills you gain from your coursework, the confidence you develop in writing and speaking, and the understanding you gain of other cultures are highly valued by employers and will prepare you for success.
You can experience the language in an authentic way by studying abroad, or do as many PSU French majors have done and work abroad after graduation through the French Embassy’s Teaching Assistantship program.
PSU's French program is committed to developing your intellectual potential, knowledge of the French language, and understanding of the world. Our small French classes will help you become proficient at reading, writing, and speaking the language and provide opportunities to get to know your classmates and professors.
Our faculty are experts in a historical period from the Middle Ages to today, and our courses offer solid training in the French language, and broad exposure to the rich store of ideas and human experience found in the culture, history, literature, and film of French-speaking people and societies.
You'll also have opportunities to immerse yourself in French-speaking communities, both at home and abroad. We sponsor internships for students to teach French in schools around the Portland area, host cultural events such as the Champs-Elysees Independent Film Festival, and partner with the French Consulate in San Francisco to bring French authors and graphic artists to PSU.
The French program’s knowledgeable faculty prepares you to graduate with a proficiency in the French language, and with critical thinking and communication skills that lead to graduate study or to rewarding careers in fields such as teaching and tutoring, international trade and business, social work, law, linguistics, and English teaching, hospitality and tourism, technical writing and translation, international development, public service, non-profit work, Peace Corps, social media, and publishing.