French (Literature), MA


At a Glance: program details



This program is not currently accepting applications.


Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA French (Literature)

The MA program in French literature provides students with an opportunity to develop an advanced knowledge of French and Francophone literature, its history and major works, as well as a sound knowledge of the traditions, aims and methods of scholarly research in the field.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (FRE 593) and a written comprehensive exam

The plan of study for the master's degree includes:

  1. an applied project
  2. a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level work, as approved by the candidate's supervisory committee
  3. a 500-level bibliography and research methods course offered by the department

When approved by the candidate's supervisory committee, six credit hours in another language or in closely related courses may be included in the program.

All candidates are required to pass a comprehensive written examination designed to evaluate the candidate's knowledge in the area of specialization. A reading list, as agreed upon, serves as a guide to prepare for this examination.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in French from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. writing sample
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Those who lack the appropriate background but who show strong potential and meet the Graduate College admission requirements may be admitted to a graduate program on a provisional basis, pending removal of specified deficiencies. These deficiencies must be addressed in addition to completion of the regular program of study for the master's degree.

The writing sample should represent the applicant's thinking and writing skills, and it should be written in French on a topic connected with the language or French culture; it should be approximately 5-10 pages in length.


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Career Opportunities

Professionals with this degree can confidently move into many fields. The skills they develop through this program are valued for teaching positions, translation work or work in a larger sector such as government, diplomacy and international business.

Career examples include positions as:

  • editors
  • foreign language and literature teachers and professors
  • historians
  • interpreters and translators
  • lawyers
  • reporters and correspondents
  • social and community service managers
  • teachers and professors of area, ethnic and cultural studies

Program Contact Information

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