B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in French
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in French at Lycoming College emphasizes comprehensive language acquisition alongside a deep immersion in French and Francophone cultures, literature, and film. The program is designed to move students beyond basic language skills to a nuanced understanding of the French-speaking world, from metropolitan France to the Caribbean, Africa, and North America. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and close interaction with faculty, including Fulbright Teaching Assistants, ensuring a rich and supportive learning environment. This major is often pursued as a standalone degree or in combination with other majors like International Studies, Education, or Business, enhancing career prospects.
Curriculum: The French curriculum is structured to progressively build language proficiency and cultural knowledge. Beginning with Elementary French (FRE 101, 102) and Intermediate French (FRE 111, 112), students then advance to courses like French Conversation & Review (FRN 221) and French Composition and Review (FRN 225) to solidify their foundational skills. Upper-level courses, typically conducted entirely in French, delve into specific aspects of Francophone cultures (FRN 311 Francophone Cultures) and various literary and cultural topics (e.g., FRN 426 Special Topics in French/Francophone Literature/Culture). The curriculum also includes courses on "French for Professional Purposes" (FRN 250/350), which focuses on practical language skills for business and professional settings. A significant component of the major is a required minimum of 8 credits gained during at least 12 continuous weeks of study abroad in a French-speaking country.
Research Focus: Research is an integral component of the French program at Lycoming College, primarily manifesting through critical analysis of literary, cultural, and historical texts. Students engage in in-depth study of Francophone literature, film, and media, developing strong analytical and interpretive skills. Opportunities exist for students to conduct independent research projects under faculty supervision, often culminating in a two-semester colloquium. The department encourages students to present their research, potentially at undergraduate conferences, and to pursue prestigious scholarships like Fulbright, DAAD, or Gilman, which often involve a research component. Faculty members, who are active scholars and translators, provide mentorship and guidance throughout these research endeavors.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its French students, preparing them for professional roles where language skills are vital. The "French for Professional Purposes" courses directly address real-world applications of the language in business, international relations, and other fields. Students are encouraged to pursue internships locally through programs like WISE or internationally, leveraging their language skills in diverse professional settings. Opportunities also exist for students to gain work experience as department assistants or language lab monitors, or to serve as translators for faculty research, such as the LACES project in the Dominican Republic. Language clubs and community engagement through local English as a Second Language outreach programs further enhance practical application and networking.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is at the core of Lycoming College's B.A. in French. The curriculum inherently focuses on the diverse cultures and traditions of the French-speaking world, from Europe to Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, fostering a deep understanding of global cultural diversity. The program actively requires and facilitates study abroad, with established partnerships with programs in France (e.g., University Centre for French Studies, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Field Education). These immersive experiences allow students to live within Francophone cultures, practice their language skills daily, and gain invaluable firsthand insight into global perspectives. The presence of Fulbright Teaching Assistants from France also provides daily opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and conversation within the campus environment, preparing graduates to be truly global citizens.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in French from Lycoming College provides graduates with far more than just linguistic proficiency; it cultivates critical thinking, cultural literacy, and advanced communication skills.
Translator or Interpreter: This is a direct application of language skills. Graduates can work for international organizations, government agencies, legal firms, healthcare providers, or as freelancers, converting written documents (translator) or spoken communication (interpreter) between French and English.
French Language Teacher: With additional certification (often alongside the B.A. in French at Lycoming), graduates can teach French at the K-12 level in the U.S., or explore opportunities to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) abroad in Francophone countries.
International Business Professional: Companies with global operations often seek candidates with foreign language skills and cultural understanding. Graduates can work in roles like international sales, marketing, logistics, or human resources for multinational corporations, facilitating communication and fostering cross-cultural business relationships.
Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat: For those interested in international relations and public service, a French degree is a strong asset for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service, working in embassies or consulates abroad to represent American interests and foster diplomatic ties.
Tourism and Hospitality Specialist: Graduates can work in the travel industry as tour guides, travel agents specializing in French-speaking destinations, or in international hotel management, catering to French-speaking clientele.
Immigration Officer / Customs and Border Protection: The ability to communicate effectively in French is highly valuable in roles dealing with international travelers and immigration, especially at points of entry from French-speaking regions.
International Aid Worker / Non-profit Specialist: Graduates can contribute to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international aid agencies working in Francophone countries, where language and cultural sensitivity are crucial for effective program implementation and community engagement.
Cultural Program Coordinator: Graduates can work in cultural institutions, museums, or educational organizations, designing and managing programs that promote French or Francophone culture, arts, and educational exchange.
Journalist / International Correspondent: With strong writing and analytical skills, French majors can pursue careers in journalism, particularly as foreign correspondents or writers covering news and cultural topics related to the French-speaking world.
Librarian / Archivist (Specializing in Francophone Collections): For those passionate about literature and history, graduates can work in libraries or archives that house significant collections of French or Francophone materials, assisting researchers and preserving cultural heritage.
