Why study French?
The ability to speak and write in French is one of the most immediately applicable skills taught at the university level. It opens the door to the cultures of dozens of countries around the world – and to international jobs in business, government, STEM, and the arts in which the ability to communicate with people from different linguistic backgrounds is a prerequisite for employment.
A French major can stand alone as a qualification for positions that require excellent communication skills or interaction with French-speaking people, as well as graduate studies in French, Law, Business, and many other disciplines. It can also enhance another major with international experiences and qualifications to give you an edge in any field. By teaching about the global impact of French civilization and resistance to colonialism, our program prepares students to navigate a world in which cooperation across cultures is as difficult as it is imperative.
French Major and Minor
We offer both a Major (8 courses) and a Minor (6 courses) in French. Choosing from a range of topics on the literature, art, film, and history of Francophone communities around the world, students are able to explore the periods, genres, and regions that interest them the most while receiving rigorous training in close reading, critical thinking, and intercultural communication. We also offer courses in second-language pedagogy and a path towards certification for students interested in teaching French.
What Can I Do with a French Major?
- Arts and communication
- Business
- Education/higher education
- Law and government
- Social service
Our Hollins In Paris Program
Through customized programming with the Institute for International Education (IES), Hollins students are able to enroll in either a French Studies or Business and International Affairs programs for a full semester.
Pi Delta Phi
Hollins is home to a chapter of the national French Honor Society.

The Francophone House
Speak French daily and share common interests in a residential house specifically for students interested in and majoring in French.