Combined BA/MA in French and Francophone Studies
The Department of French and Italian now offers undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two degrees in French, a BA and an MA, in only 5 years. This streamlined program allows students to count 9 credit hours of advanced French coursework toward both degrees, thus shortening their path to an MA. The program offers students the opportunity to gain advanced expertise in the rich culture, language, history, and literature of the Francophone world while preparing them for the globalized job market or for a top-notch PhD or professional degree program.
Program Information
Admissions Criteria
In their third year, students apply to the program through the Graduate School, submitting the same credentials required of other Graduate School applicants:
- all undergraduate transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- a letter of intent,
- French and English writing samples
By the time students begin the program in Autumn of their fourth year, they will normally have earned at least 91 undergraduate credit hours toward their BA and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in their French courses. Among those 91 hours they will normally have earned at least 12 hours toward the French major or minor (that is, hours at the 3000-level and above. Prerequisites for the minor and major are French 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2101 or the equivalent).
Study Abroad & Teaching Exchanges
Students in the program are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities at the undergraduate level, graduate level, or both. Students may also apply and earn credit for the Office of International Affairs’ Teaching Internship in France program. Students may also be considered for French and Italian’s graduate teaching exchange program at the University of Rennes, France.
Advising & Cost
Students interested in the combined BA/MA in French & Francophone Studies should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Jonathan Combs-Schilling.
Students in the program will have a Graduate Advisor who will help them select courses to be completed for undergraduate credit only, for graduate credit only, or for both programs at the same time. Advisors will also help students determine if they would like to prepare for the job market in fields such as (but not limited to) International Development, International Business, Education, or Translation; or to apply for a doctoral degree in French & Francophone Studies or another field.
Admitted students pay their own tuition, which is determined by the Office of the Registrar depending on students’ residency and credit-hour status. BA/MA students will, however, be eligible for a number of tuition, study abroad, and research scholarships offered by the Department, the College of Arts and Sciences, the University, and other entities.