Minor in French for the Professions

France is one of the oldest and strongest American allies, with a long-standing relationship based on shared political ideals, common values, and matters related to the global economy, trade, employment, and investment.

Being fluent in French and having an ability to communicate across cultures gives you a competitive edge in the employment market.

Build the linguistic, cultural and communication skills you need to succeed in today’s economy by earning a minor in French for the professions at Marian University. We’ll prepare you to communicate accurately and professionally with French-speaking clients, customers, and colleagues in a variety of workplaces.

Why choose a minor French for the professions at Marian?

With small class sizes and individual attention from expert faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise in business, education, and language, we’ll prepare you for career success.

• French is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. In fact, there are an estimated 300 million French speakers in 106 countries and five continents around the world.
• One of just six official languages of the United Nations, French is the national language of nearly 30 countries, ranging from Belgium to Canada, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Switzerland.
• More than half of the world’s French speakers live in north and west African countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Senegal.
• French is an official language of the European Union, the North Atlantic Trade Organization, and the United Nations.

In its 2018 economic report, the Embassy of France in the U.S. reports:

• French firms have created 678,600 jobs in America, making them the third-largest foreign employer.
• U.S. firms employ 481,000 workers in France.
• In Indiana, France is also number three for the number of jobs created by foreign investors.

According to the U.S. Department of State, over $1 billion in commercial transactions between the U.S. and France takes place each day. Trade between the countries grew by 16 percent in 2017. Research and development, especially in the transportation and technology sectors, are at the heart of the partnership.

But government officials and economists report misunderstandings rooted in cultural differences can be an obstacle to productive international business development and partnerships.

What will you study?

This minor pairs well with a range of bachelor’s degrees, including those in business, communication, education, healthcare, and the arts and sciences.

As a minor in French for the professions at Marian, you will:

• Learn how to use French in business and professional contexts.
• Become an excellent communicator in French.
• Develop cross-cultural awareness, with understanding about cross-cultural differences and similarities in professional settings.

As a student pursuing this minor, you will complete at least 20 credits of courses, including:

• FRE 101-102: Introduction to French I and II
• FRE 200-201: Intermediate French I and II
• Six (6) credits of upper-level French electives

Examples of upper-level French courses from which you can choose:

• FRE 330: French Business Culture
• FRE 331: French for the Professions
• FRE 310: Written Communication in French
• FRE 316: France and the French Today
• FRE 360: Internship/Practicum in French

Credits earned through approved study-abroad experiences may count toward this minor. For information about study-abroad opportunities, contact Dr. Wendy Westphal at wwestphal@marian.edu or (317) 955-6026.

Take one French course and get credit for up to three

• Complete Marian University's Language Placement Test before you attend your New Student Orientation session.
• If you test into FRE 102 or higher, register and complete one of our French courses with a "C" or better.
• You will earn credit for that course in addition for back credits for up to two additional courses.

Don't lose what you learned in high school! To earn a minor in French at Marian, we recommend you take the required courses during your freshman and sophomore years, if possible.

What career paths are available?

This minor will benefit you in any employment sector where French language skills are important. Examples include:

• Managers and program directors who work in technology, transportation, and security sectors.
• Marketing, advertising, and social media managers who want to promote products and services targeting French-speaking consumers.
• Communication managers, copy writers, publishers, editors, and proofreaders who product print and digital content written in French.
• Educators and English as second-language teachers.
• Doctors, nurses, public health workers, fitness experts, and other health science professionals whose patients or clients include French-speaking children, adults, and families.
• Foreign service officers and non-governmental organization (NGO) professional staff.

In many cases, your salary will be higher than that earned by workers without French language knowledge and skill.