Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [French] From Cleveland State University

French is one of the official languages in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, Cleveland's “neighbor” and most important international trading partner. Knowledge of French prepares students to compete in the global economy and enhances career opportunities in many fields.

Cleveland's French connections.

French was integral to Cleveland's past and plays an important role in the city's present. The French were the first to explore the Great Lakes region. Today, Cleveland has an active French American Chamber of Commerce, attesting to the many business links between our city and France. Cleveland is home to an active French-speaking community including a large number of international students on the Cleveland State University campus. French music, art, theatre, film and opera are a regular part of the city's rich art scene.

Cleveland State University's French connections.

In addition to our major and minor programs in French, proficiency in French may be a required component for majors in music, art history, international relations and international business. The University has an active French club, and our library is home to the Lafayette archive, an important microfilm collection of more than 25,000 documents, attesting to the historic links between our country and France. Cleveland State offers year-long and summer study abroad opportunities with our partner schools in France. Internship possibilities in France are available for students studying French through the Monte Ahuja College of Business, and for those interested in teaching English in French schools. Our College of Education and Human Services offers a M.Ed. with a specialization in French.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Why study a foreign language?

Speaking a second language increases your job opportunities and fosters appreciation of other people and cultures, a valuable asset in our global economy. The United States government is the country's largest employer of foreign language graduates. Over 1,200 French companies have subsidiaries in the United States. Companies who do business abroad identify knowledge of a second language and inter- cultural skills as among the most sought after employee qualifications.

What can you do with a degree in French?

Many students earning a degree in French become teachers, but a major or minor in French is also a natural choice for students in International Business, Black Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Art History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Education, Music, Film Studies and Communication or for students pursuing graduate school.