French, MA
French remains one of the world’s premier languages and cultures, impacting everything from art and literature to business and international affairs. Our master’s program in French offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the language, its linguistic legacy, and the continued influence. Learn how our MA program can help develop your skills and open doors to new possibilities.
Program Overview
The French MA program trains students to master the French language and culture, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, K-12 education, or translation.
Whether you’re interested in teaching, becoming a translator, pursuing a PhD, or developing your global knowledge, you will take courses that teach you French grammar, linguistics, literature, and culture, preparing you to engage and communicate with a diverse world. Plus, with opportunities for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA), you will graduate with specialized knowledge that equips you to teach French to any audience.
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about cultural awareness, language mastery, or who want to become teachers. Plus, with our thesis and non-thesis options and accelerated combined BA/MA program, you can tailor your degree to fit your career goals.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Our program offers both thesis and non-thesis options so that students can choose the pathways that best fit their career or academic pursuits. Our thesis option benefits students interested in pursuing their doctorate, as they complete a substantial research thesis.
Our non-thesis option allows students to choose between 1) a project option and 2) a coursework-only option without a comprehensive exam. Whatever your unique journey, our program gives you the flexibility and versatility to stand out.
Accelerated Combined BA/MA Program
Our department also offers an accelerated combined BA/MA program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Undergraduate students take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in their senior year that counts towards both their BA and MA degrees.
If interested in the combined BA/MA program, students can choose from two different BA programs while also earning an MA in French.
Our current selection of BA/MA offerings includes:
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – French and Francophone Studies Concentration with a French, MA
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – Language and World Business/French and Francophone Studies Concentration with a French, MA
Why Study French?
With a master’s degree in French, you will learn to master a language that is spoken in over 40 countries and territories, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to make an impact wherever your path leads. Our dedicated faculty are also committed to your academic growth and success, meaning you receive personalized mentorship in your chosen specialization for French.
Additionally, our program offers graduate teaching assistantships (GTAships) that prepare you to teach French courses in your second year, while offering tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance. Our unique combination of opportunities means you will graduate ready to pursue a clear path forward.
What Can You Do with an MA in French After Graduation?
Students with a degree in French at UT go into their careers with a comprehensive set of skills that can be put to use in many different disciplines. French is the second most commonly taught language in the world, opening up various opportunities for jobs in teaching, international business, translation, government service, and more, internationally or here in the US.
Many graduates have gone on to pursue graduate studies in law, business, or sciences like language, literature, and culture. International companies and government agencies often hire French-speaking foreigners, especially to be Assistants de langue (language assistants) teaching English in French schools. If teaching isn’t for you, there are numerous other opportunities in fields like literature, history, tourism and hospitality, cinema, and philosophy. You could be a tour guide or travel agent, copywriter, investment analyst in finance, or human resources representative. In government, you could be a foreign service officer, diplomatic agent, or translator. French political thought has always had an impactful influence on American political structures, and your knowledge of the French language can help you understand American politics in fields such as political philosophy or international relations. Whether you decide to go into higher education, international careers, or domestic fields, your foundation in French can take you anywhere you want to go.
Featured Courses
FREN 422 Advanced Grammar
In this course, students will learn to improve their written French by studying basic and more refined structures of the French language. Students will also write creative, free-style compositions.
FREN 520 French and Francophone Film
This course covers French and Francophone culture through film.
FREN 540 French Literature and Culture I
In this course, students will learn the literary and cultural heritage of France and other Francophone countries in the first part of 20th century.
WLC 512 Teaching a Foreign Language
Practical application of methods for teaching and evaluating basic language skills and foreign language skills, and cultural knowledge through seminars, demonstrations, peer teaching, and observation of foreign language classes. Required of all MA and PhD students holding Graduate Teaching Assistantships, except those whose previous training or experience warrants their being excused by the department.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
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