Explore the Francophone world. Expand your voice. Enrich your perspective.
The French concentration within the International Languages and Cultures program provides students with the opportunity to build advanced language skills while engaging deeply with Francophone cultures across the globe. Designed to complement any major, this program fosters global citizenship, cultural fluency and critical communication abilities through language, literature and experiential learning.
94%
career outcomes rate (class of 2023)
3
Study abroad programs in France to choose from
10:1
SMCM's student-to-faculty ratio at their time on campus and beyond
Student-Designed French Major
The student-designed French major at St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers motivated students the opportunity to build a personalized, interdisciplinary program focused on French language and culture. By combining advanced coursework in French with classes from at least two other disciplines students can create a cohesive academic path aligned with their global, cultural, or professional interests. This major requires proposal approval by the Curriculum Review Committee and ongoing guidance from a faculty advisory team. Students interested in designing a French major should contact the ILC chair and the student-designed major coordinator early in their academic journey.
French Minor
The French concentration in the International Languages and Cultures minor emphasizes oral proficiency, cultural literacy and textual analysis. Students take intermediate and advanced French language and literature courses, and choose electives in areas such as Francophone film, global politics and translation. This flexible structure deepens students’ understanding of the French-speaking world while enhancing their global engagement.
Courses Offered
French Courses
- French Courses>
Honors College Promise
French students take full advantage of the Honors College Promise through language immersion, research projects, and cultural engagement. Whether through study abroad in France, internships in international nonprofits, or translation projects, students grow in confidence, fluency, and global understanding. These high-impact experiences often shape future careers or graduate study.
"We prepare students not just to speak the language, not just to learn about the cultures, but to study abroad. Almost all of our students study abroad."
- George Macleod, Associate Professor of French
After you Graduate
Students in the French program have an edge in careers in diplomacy, global business, education and nonprofit work. Alumni have gone on to become educators, international aid workers, translators and researchers. Others pursue graduate programs in international studies, French or comparative literature. Proficiency in French empowers students to communicate and lead across borders.
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All the faculty here at St. Mary's College of Maryland want to help you explore your interests and set you up for success. We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you on campus.
Honors Society
