French, M.A.

Saint Louis University's Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in French offers a diverse curriculum in French language, cultures and literatures, including Francophone studies, film and gender studies. 

The master's French program is designed to suit the needs of those planning or already engaged in professional careers such as teaching or international affairs. At the same time, SLU's French M.A. program provides excellent preparation for studies in French beyond the master’s degree.

Opportunities for student development include participation in the annual SLU Graduate Student Symposium and the annual departmental Undergraduate and Graduate Symposium. Students also can study abroad in a French-speaking country during a summer, in an approved program, for up to six transfer credits.

Curriculum Overview

The M.A. in French requires 30 credit hours of approved coursework in French.

Of the 30 credits, nine need to be in the period prior to 1900, and nine credits of coursework after the year 1900. Additional requirements include a final scholarly essay or written examination and a final oral examination. 

Graduate Handbook

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

To achieve optimal linguistic and cultural proficiency in French, students may wish to participate in an approved program abroad. French M.A. students at SLU have profited from coursework and cultural immersion in France, in Québec City (Université Laval) in Canada or at other accredited universities.

Opportunities for professional development include participation in the annual SLU Graduate Student Symposium and pedagogical initiatives organized by the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, such as the Certificate in University Teaching Skills Program.

Careers

After graduating with a master’s degree in French, students have pursued careers in many fields, including education and translation, foreign service, interdisciplinary STEM initiatives, law and humanities-based professions.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate major in French or the equivalent is required.

Applicants will be reviewed based on their overall application materials, including their GPA, TOEFL scores (for international applicants) and prior experience.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Interview (desired)
• Professional goal statement
• Writing sample in French

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

The final deadline to apply for the fall semester is Aug. 1 for U.S. applicants and May 1 for international applicants. The final deadline to apply for the spring semester is Dec. 15 for U.S. applicants and Oct. 15 for international applicants.

Review Process

The examining committee takes into account each item of the application.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for departmental graduate scholarships, students should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.  

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery of three areas of French and Francophone literature and culture before and after 1900.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a command of written and oral French.
3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze, formulate, express concepts clearly in French.
4. Graduates will be able to produce an original scholarly essay in French that provides ample evidence of skill in conducting literary research, performing literary analysis, and writing in a convincing and well-organized fashion.

Non-Course Requirements

A final written project to be approved by the graduate examination committee or a written comprehensive examination.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

The sequence of courses will vary according to the student’s previous experience with the language and individual preferences.

For additional information about our program, please contact:

Sandy Hamrick, Ph.D.
Professor of French
French Graduate Program Coordinator
lois.hamrick@slu.edu