Overview

The French B.A. at North Central College provides students with the essential linguistic skills and cultural perspectives required to thrive within the international community. This programme emphasises the high demand for French speakers across global sectors including international business, education, government, and the arts.

Why French at North Central College?

Students benefit from a robust academic environment that extends well beyond traditional classroom learning. The university offers unique opportunities such as the Richter Grant for independent research and May Term travel to French-speaking regions. Linguistic proficiency is further enhanced through the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center, which provides specialised audio, video, and tutoring support.

The institution maintains a dedicated exchange programme in Angers, France, allowing students to expand their cultural and linguistic fluency through direct immersion. Additionally, students can participate in the French Club, the Modern and Classical Languages Festival, and qualify for prestigious inductions into the Phi Delta Phi International French Honor Society.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 28 credit hours taught entirely in French, ensuring students achieve a high level of professional competency. Modules may include:

Contemporary France
French Enrichment
French Literature
French Poetry
French Practicum
French Women Writers
History of France
The Maghreb
Vichy France

Careers with French

Graduates of this programme are equipped for a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities where French language skills are a priority for employers. The degree prepares individuals for roles such as international trainers, translators, travel guides, and specialist librarians. Many alumni also pursue careers in education, serving as teachers in domestic schools or as English language instructors in French high schools.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic study. Recent graduates have successfully secured placements at prestigious institutions, including the University of Iowa for Linguistics and the University of Illinois for Library and Information Science. The skills acquired are highly transferable to fields such as humanitarian service, international marketing, and global hospitality management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

FREN 101 - Elementary French I
FREN 102 - Elementary French II
FREN 201 - Intermediate French I
FREN 202 - Intermediate French II
FREN 250 - French Composition & Communication
FREN 327 - French Women Writers
FREN 330 - History of France
FREN 370 - The Maghreb
FREN 390 - Topics
FREN 420 - Medieval French Literature
FREN 430 - Contemporary French Novel
FREN 480 - Capstone Portfolio
FREN 497 - Internship

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

French studies View 433 other Bachelors in French studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for French.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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