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French - M.A.

M.A. in French

Our master’s degree in French provides an advanced education in the language, which integrates key elements of linguistics, literature, and the culture of France, along with and the latest methodologies in the teaching of French.

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Master's Degree in French

Kent State University’s Master of Arts in French offers an advanced study of the French language, literature, and culture, emphasizing critical analysis and scholarly research. Our French master’s degree program encourages students to explore various literary movements, cultural contexts, and contemporary issues in Francophone societies. 

With a focus on developing advanced language proficiency and analytical skills, the M.A. in French prepares graduates for careers in education, translation, international relations, and cultural institutions, as well as for further academic pursuits in French studies and related fields. Students engage deeply with the language and its cultural heritage, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to diverse professional environments.

Program Information for M.A. in French

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in French provides an advanced education in French, which integrates the language, linguistics, literature and culture of France and the latest methodologies in the teaching of French.

The French major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy concentration is intended primarily for (1) licensed, in-service pre-K-12 French teachers who wish to continue their professional development, advancing their knowledge of the French language, literature and culture and language-teaching practices, and (2) students interested in teaching French in college and university settings. This program does not lead to teaching licensure.
  • The Literature concentration is intended for those who wish to increase their knowledge of literature and culture along with their command of the language.
Admissions for M.A. in French

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the Literature concentration are not being accepted at this time.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • CD or MP3/wav file with a 5-10-minute oral sample in the applicant's first and second languages (conversational, not read from a script)
  • Writing sample(s) in the applicant's second language, which should be accompanied by a signed declaration that the sample is original work and that the applicant received no help in its preparation. International applicants should also submit a writing sample in English
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate in French at advanced-mid or higher proficiency level as measured by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview Test and ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test.
  2. Demonstrate skills in the analysis of French culture, literature and language.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to carry out and present research projects in their respective concentration areas.
  4. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in their respective concentration areas.
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
FR 53213FRENCH COMPOSITION-ADVANCED 3
FR 53216CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CULTURE 3
Concentrations
Choose from the following:27-30
Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy
Literature
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33-36

Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
MCLS 50660METHODS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES 13
MCLS 60601LINGUISTICS FOR THE LANGUAGE PROFESSIONS 3
MCLS 63049SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH METHODS 3
Second Language Courses12
Second Language Pedagogy Courses9
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students who are already licensed to teach language in Ohio may, with departmental approval, substitute a graduate second-language pedagogy elective for MCLS 50660.

Literature Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
FR 63199THESIS I 6
Drama Elective3
Poetry Elective3
Prose Elective3
French Literature, Culture and Language Electives 112
Minimum Total Credit Hours:27
1

A maximum 6 credit hours of individual investigation research may be applied toward the degree.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students in the Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy concentration must successfully complete a final project, a portfolio or a comprehensive examination. In addition, students complete an exit oral interview and an exit essay examination in French. Students are encouraged to enroll in study-abroad courses (maximum 6 credit hours) and in specialized workshops in advanced language or pedagogy (maximum 4 credit hours). Departmental permission must be obtained before enrolling in such courses.
  • Students in the Literature concentration must complete a comprehensive examination.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Applications to the Literature concentration are not being accepted at this time.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for M.A. in French

Graduates of Kent State’s M.A. in French are well-equipped for advanced careers in education, translation, and cultural analysis. The French master’s degree program curriculum emphasizes advanced language skills, literary criticism, and cultural studies, which prepares students to engage deeply with French literature and society. 

Graduates often pursue roles as university educators, professional translators, cultural consultants, and researchers, contributing to fields such as academia, international relations, and the arts.

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

5.7%

faster than the average

30,600

number of jobs

$69,920

potential earnings

Interpreters and translators

20.0%

much faster than the average

77,400

number of jobs

$52,330

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Experience French Culture Firsthand with Our Study Abroad Program

What better way to immerse yourself in the French culture than by studying abroad as part of our M.A. in French? You’ll experience new ways of learning and gain an richer appreciation for the country, and Kent State offers more than 200 programs to choose from, with options from one week to a full year.

When studying abroad, you’ll enjoy benefits such as:

  • Improved academic performance – By living and breathing a language 24/7, you’ll be able to fine-tune your skills and use your French master’s degree to the full extent, incorporating vocabulary in everyday life.
  • Career opportunities – Studying abroad can assist you in building a global network of faculty members, fellow students, and others, which can help you later in your career.
  • Having the adventure of a lifetime – You’ll make memories you’ll never forget when you study abroad. Plus, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the country, trying new foods and visiting hidden gems.
  • Personal growth – Living in a new environment pushes you to navigate unfamiliar territory, helping you become more self-sufficient. You’ll experience new situations, places, and people, gaining a profound sense of confidence and independence.

Best yet, students pursuing their master’s degree in the French language can participate in the Geneva semester on International Affairs in Switzerland. Also, an exchange program with the University of Bordeaux III allows students to live for a year with French-speaking families and study French as a second language intensively.

Obtain Your Master’s Degree in French from Kent State

If you’re looking to gain vital skills and open doors to many career opportunities, be sure to consider our M.A. in French program. Ready to start your journey today? Apply now! If you have any other questions about our program, contact us today.

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