French

Undergraduate
On Ground
120 hours
4 years

French at Harding

The French program at Harding is designed to equip students for global impact through the development of intercultural competence and effective communication. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in French must complete 38 hours in the language including 26 upper-level hours. This major also works well as a double major, preparing students for language use in a variety of careers.

Learn more about the Foreign Languages Department

Why study French at Harding?

Academic excellence


  • Reach a professional level of proficiency through our highly successful learning approaches
  • Take advantage of our multi-faceted co-curricular activities to gain cultural insight and conversation practice
  • Participate in the Global Seal of Biliteracy to pursue language-related job credentials at a discounted cost
  • Add an optional translation concentration that provides practical training and one-on-one mentoring

Travel opportunities


  • Immerse yourself in the language and culture of French-speaking Europe through the French Advanced Conversation and Experience (FACE) study abroad program
  • Encourage Christians and participate in community outreach through campaigns co-sponsored by the foreign language department and Harding's Global Outreach missions program

Community engagement

  • Use your language skills in service to others through community outreach with our translation center
  • Participate in game nights, coffee hours, and language tables in the student center and dining hall each week to practice conversational skills
  • Engage with our closely-connected community and grow spiritually through weekly devotionals in French

More information

The Harding chapter Chi Nu of Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society, recognizes outstanding junior and senior departmental majors and minors. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages.

Phi Sigma Iota

Students with a solid background in the language may seek validation credit for introductory courses upon strong performance in subsequent courses. Credit also may be earned based on high AP scores.

Validation credit

What can you do with a degree in French?

Translation

With a career in translation, you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of others by increasing access to necessary written information. Translation increases the efficacy and efficiency of communication in literature, business, legal, medical, technical and diplomatic contexts.

Travel and diplomacy

A degree in French will prepare you well for various roles in travel and tourism including translation, interpretation, airline services, hotel management and international travel agencies. Additionally, many government agencies have regular vacancies in areas requiring knowledge of a foreign language.

Business, health, and other industries

Foreign language skills can be invaluable in a variety of professional settings, including international business, education, technology, medicine and the sciences. French is a common language used in these fields across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

OUR STUDENTS ARE LEARNING TO CROSS THE FISSURES CREATED BY CULTURAL OTHERNESS. THEY ARE TRAINING TO BREAK DOWN THE LINGUISTIC BARRIERS THAT HAVE BROKEN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GROUPS.
Dr. Whitaker Jordan

Associate Professor of Spanish

Catalog and Cost

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