French degree

À Waterloo, les possibilités sont infinies

In a bilingual country and an ever-more globalized world, knowledge of French as a second language gives you an edge in almost any field.

At Waterloo, you can choose language courses that range from basic to advanced, as well as a wide variety of courses in French linguistics, translation, literature, culture, and civilization. You’ll learn from professors that include a Canada research chair and professors whose expertise cover French from a global and diverse perspective.

Meanwhile, if you're interested in gaining paid work experience through the world's leading co-op program, apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business Co-op and choose French as your major at the end of first year.

What courses will you take?

First year courses

As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.

You can choose to study French through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

  • One of:
    • FR 192A – French Language 1: Module 1
    • FR 192B – French Language 1: Module 2 (if you've taken Grade 12 immersion or extended French)
    • FR 251 – French Language 2: Module 1
    • Graduates of an école francophone take FR 251 or FR 252
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • A course in your prospective major #2
  • Two electives

January to April

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

  • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Prospective major #2
  • Elective

Plus one course from:

  • FR 192A – French Language 1: Module 1
  • FR 192B – French Language 1: Module 2 (if you've taken Grade 12 immersion or extended French)
  • Graduates of ecole francophone take FR 251 or FR 252

January to April

  • ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
  • ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • Prospective major #2

Plus one course from:

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

40% of the classes you’ll take will be French courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

FR 255 – Business French I
FR 291 – French Civilization I
FR 473 – Francophone Minorities in Canada
FR 487 – African and Caribbean French Literature

Customize your degree in French

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in French

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Immersive opportunities. Live at La Bastille, a French residence floor at Waterloo's United College. Or immerse yourself in culture and improve your language skills by studying in Quebec, France, or Switzerland for one or two terms.

A fast track to teaching. Interested in teaching? Our French Teaching Specialization offers direct admission to the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University once you've completed your degree here.

Co-op = relevant paid experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

  • Social media student engagement coordinator
  • Research analyst
  • Project coordinator
  • Alumni relations and events assistant
  • Developer community associate

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Option one: If you choose to study French through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study Study -


Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, if you choose Honours Arts.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Study Co-op
Third Study Co-op Study
Fourth Co-op Study Co-op
Fifth Co-op Study -


Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in French?

Waterloo French graduates typically pursue careers where they can exercise their multi-language skills such as in communications roles, sales, translation, and education. They often work in schools, government, financial institutions and more.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's tailored to your interests and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

French teacher

You would teach French language and culture, helping students build confidence in speaking, reading, and writing. This path usually involves teacher training, but a French degree gives you a strong foundation.

Public service or government officer

You might work in federal, provincial, or municipal government roles where bilingual communication is important. Your French skills help deliver services and policies to diverse populations.

Translator

You would convert written content from French to English (or the other way around) while keeping meaning and tone accurate. Translators often work with documents like reports, websites, legal texts, or literature.

International relations or diplomacy assistant

You’d support communication between countries or global organizations. French is widely used in international diplomacy, making bilingual graduates especially competitive.

Tourism and hospitality professional

You would work with travelers in hotels, airlines, cultural attractions, or tour companies. Being able to communicate in French helps create welcoming experiences for international visitors.

Marketing or communications specialist

You would help organizations communicate with French‑speaking audiences through advertising, social media, or public outreach. Understanding both language and culture makes your messaging more effective.

International business or trade coordinator

You’d work with companies that operate in French‑speaking regions. Your role might include communication, client relations, or market research across borders.

Nonprofit or NGO program officer

You would support programs that work with Francophone communities locally or abroad. French skills are especially valuable in international development and humanitarian work.

Cultural liaison or community outreach coordinator

You’d help bridge communication between organizations and French‑speaking communities. This role focuses on inclusion, trust‑building, and respectful communication.

Speech‑language or language learning support roles

You’d assist with language education or assessment, often with further training. Your deep understanding of French language structure is a strong asset.

Human Resources Management

You’d help organizations attract, support, and develop talented employees while fostering a positive workplace culture. Your French language skills can be a valuable asset in recruitment, training, and employee relations in bilingual workplaces.

Graduate studies in French or linguistics

If you enjoy academic study, you could continue into graduate school. This path can lead to teaching, research, or specialized language work.

If you enjoy languages, culture, and communication—and want skills that travel well across careers and borders—a Bachelor of Arts in French offers a flexible and globally relevant path forward.

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.

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Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular)

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

How to apply

Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose French as your major at the end of first year.

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From the Missing Manual

Explore French children’s books and practice your skills in reading, speaking, and writing in French in this page-turning class!