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, literature, culture, and civilization. You’ll learn from professors that include Governor General prize-winners and world experts in French.
Meanwhile, if you're interested in gaining paid work experience through North America's largest co-op progam, apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business Co-op and choose French as your major at the end of first year.
International exchanges in 25 countries
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose French as your major at the end of first year.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.
Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, tips for a successful senior year of high school, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact an Arts student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
First-year French courses and beyond
September to December
Choose one course from:
- FR 151 - Basic French 1
- FR 152 - Basic French 2
- 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
Plus:
- Arts First requirement 1*
- Three additional courses
January to April
Choose one course from:
- FR 152 (after completing FR 151)
- FR 192A (after completing FR 152)
- FR 192B and one of FR 250, FR 276, FR 296, FR 297 (after completing FR 192A)
- FR 251 and one of FR 203, FR 250, FR 276, FR 296, FR 297 (after completing FR 192B)
- FR 252 (French Language 2: Module 2) and one of FR 203, FR 276, FR 296, FR 297 (after completing FR 251)
Plus:
- Arts First requirement 2*
- Two or three additional courses
*The Arts First requirement consists of two first-year courses that are capped at 25 students: ARTS 130 - Inquiry and Communication and ARTS 140 - Information and Analysis. Instead of listening to a lecture and trying to capture notes, Arts First courses will have you and your classmates working together to respond to a challenge posed by the instructor.
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 – Aspects of French Canada
FR 487 – African and Caribbean French Literature
Customize your Bachelor of Arts degree in French
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by choosing the French Teaching Specialization or one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for French students include Psychology and Applied Language Studies.
Co-op = relevant paid work 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
Sample co-op employers
- Microsoft Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
- University of Waterloo
- The Regional Municipality of York
- FairVentures
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.
Recent graduates
- Marketing Communications Manager - TELUS Communications
- Curator - Sombra Museum
- Bilingual Credit Advisor - RBC
- University Program Specialist - Google Canada
- Bilingual Sales Agent - Fibernectics
- Immigration Officer - Human Resources Development Canada
- Translator - Manulife Financial
Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.
"The professors are incredible, resourceful, knowledgeable and friendly. Co-op (or in my case, volunteer placements) allowed me to ensure that I’m going into the field that’s right for me, giving me practical experience and opportunities to network."Sydney, French graduate
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in French
Ready to learn more?
Immersive opportunities
Live at La Bastille, a French residence floor at Waterloo's St. Paul's University College. Or immerse yourself in culture and improve your language skills by studying in Quebec or France for a year.
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.
Available as a 
Available as a major and minor
Apply via Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business
Offered by the Faculty of Arts
