French

Undergraduate Minor

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Dive into French culture, history and language with a French minor

Do you dream of going to France and conversing with locals? Or learning about French literature and culture? You’re in the right place! As part of UW’s French program, you’ll develop your speaking, listening and communication skills in addition to learning about French history and literature. Our French program enables students to combine their language training with interdisciplinary study of the regions where their language is spoken.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the French Minor

As a French minor, you’ll gain a better understanding of French-speaking cultures through an interdisciplinary curriculum, customizable programming, and opportunities to study abroad.

All French minors take three required introductory courses. Students may then choose three electives from a list of approved course options. Elective options include advanced French language courses, French literature courses, and more.

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree program at the University of Wyoming to declare a minor in French.

Students talk in the Union with different countries' flags in the background

 

 

 

The French program is led by an accomplished and dedicated team of faculty. You’ll take classes from and interact with each of them, including:

  • Dr. Khama-Bassili Tolo: Dr. Tolo specializes in 19th-century French and 19th and 20th-century Francophone literature. He has been involved in proficiency-based instruction and testing for several years, including work for the Peace Corps where he trained American volunteers for tours of duty in Africa. 
  • Bénédicte Sohier: Bénédicte is a native of Brussels, Belgium.  She holds Bachelor's degrees in both French and geography, as well as a master’s degree in French literature. She presents at numerous conferences across the state and country and coordinates events such as La Table Française.

Meet our faculty

Professor and student look at globe together

 

French Minor Highlights

Customizable Programming

Our minor in French gives students the opportunity to tailor their courses to their interests. All students take three required foundational classes and choose their remaining three classes from a long list of approved electives. Elective topics range from French literature to advanced French language courses to independent studies.

 

UW is home to many faculty-led study abroad programs that give students the opportunity to experience new cultures and exciting adventures, all while studying subjects they’re interested in. UW currently hosts over a dozen programs that travel to France. The focus of these programs ranges from sciences to European art and culture to French language.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

What can you do with a minor in French?

A French minor can help you stand out in careers like international business, translation, travel and tourism, education or nonprofit work. It also pairs well with majors like political science, business, communication or history, and it’s great preparation for grad school or careers in law, diplomacy or global studies. You’ll build language skills, cultural awareness and a broader world view—tools that employers value in today’s connected world.

  • Translator or interpreter
  • International business coordinator
  • Foreign service or diplomatic aide
  • Language teacher or tutor
  • Travel and tourism professional
  • Nonprofit or NGO staff
  • International journalist
  • Study abroad advisor

UW French graduates are ready to tackle a wide variety of exciting careers in academia, government and business. Many of our alumni pursue careers as educators, researchers and translators, while others work in international relations and business.

  • French American Chamber of Commerce
  • University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
  • University of Wyoming
  • Lions Club International
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Visa
  • Adobe
  • University of Iowa
  • White Hall Senate
  • And more!

Yes, minoring in French is a great idea—especially if you’re interested in global careers, cultural exchange or boosting your communication skills. It pairs well with many majors and shows employers or graduate schools that you’re adaptable, culturally aware and able to think beyond borders. Plus, knowing another language can open up opportunities to live, work or study abroad.