As one of the world’s most influential languages, French plays an important role in education, business, international relations, and the arts. And, at Wheaton, we embrace the entire French-speaking world. Your cross-cultural journey will take you beyond France to places like Louisiana, Quebec, and countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2024 found work in their field or continued their education.
French is the official language of nearly 30 countries across the globe.
The program offers exciting study abroad and internship opportunities in French-speaking regions around the world.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
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Studying French is more than mastering another language; it’s also about embracing and celebrating human diversity. You’ll gain linguistic, analytical, and cross-cultural skills that will benefit you whether or not your career goals involve speaking French on a daily basis.
Our students use their French major or minor as a pathway to careers as educators, missionaries, diplomats, healthcare professionals, and more.
In addition to honing your language proficiency, you’ll explore many aspects of the French-speaking world through core, elective, and special topics courses such as:
Torrey Benware '13 talks about the value of studying French along with his major in international relations.
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With research interests in Quebecois cinema, coming-of-age French literature, Francophone studies and more, our faculty has cultivated a broad list of elective classes and other opportunities for students. They’ve published a range of scholarly and creative works, including a French textbook used around the world.
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The Department of Modern and Classical Languages in McAlister Hall is a gathering space for learning and conversation. In nearby Chicago, you'll find Alliance Française, a center dedicated to the study of French language and cultural exchange.
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Our majors have many chances to immerse themselves in French culture and language, from weekly dinner conversations on campus to summer or semester-long study-abroad opportunities.
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Wheaton in France is a 4.5 week summer linguistic and cultural immersion program in Aix-en-Provence. It offers courses in advanced French language taught by native French professors and in French culture and civilization taught by Wheaton faculty. The program includes homestays and academic tours.
More About Wheaton in FranceInterdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
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The French program at Wheaton stands on the foundation of our innovative Christ at the Core general education curriculum, which invites students to connect every discipline to a deep and vibrant faith in Christ. We believe that linguistic and cultural diversity is a gift from God, reflecting His creativity and care for all people. As you study French, you’ll grow not only as a communicator but also in empathy and understanding—learning to see the world through the eyes of others. Through exploring French history, literature, and culture, you’ll gain new perspectives on faith, beauty, and justice, and discover how God’s truth and grace are revealed in different times and places.
Knowledge of the French-speaking world opens our students up to many career paths, whether they’re set on becoming a high school French teacher, interested in missionary work, or want to use their cross-cultural experience to work for a multinational company.
Wheaton French majors find work in positions like:
French majors pursue advanced degrees at schools and programs such as:
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– Sophie Dines ’20“I was so grateful for the strong foundation of French I had received at Wheaton College. I still use my French quite regularly by providing legal services to French-speaking immigrants, keeping in touch with friends from France, and hanging out with French professors from Wheaton College!”
Sophie Dines, a double French and secondary education major, says learning a new language has opened doors for her to interact with people all over the world in a more charitable way. She says speaking French with others, whether during her study abroad experience or with a random stranger on a plane, allows for a deeper dimension of engagement. Sophie plans to teach high school French in the United States and eventually on the international mission field.
Read More StoriesIf you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
Visit the Department of Modern and Classical Languages website for information about our majors, minors, faculty, cultural opportunities, and more.
View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying French language and culture or want to learn more about becoming a French teacher? Request more information about Wheaton's program or start your application today.