Upon completion of PLNU’s French program, you’ll be equipped to help develop bilingual curriculum and education, aid in translation settings, or even apply your knowledge in travel and future learning opportunities. A bachelor’s degree in French is meant to promote the understanding of diverse ways of life and allow students to meaningfully impact society by building relationships across languages and cultures as globally engaged servants and scholars.
At PLNU, our French program focuses on two goals:
- Helping you nurture intercultural connections through engagement with local, national, or international communities
- Preparing you to participate effectively in a multilingual global society
In addition to the skills you will gain on campus, the French program at PLNU will support you as you further your education in the French language and culture through two required study abroad courses in France or a Francophone country.
Job outlook for French careers
Employment in careers related to a degree in French are projected to drastically increase. For interpreters and translators (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), employment is projected to grow 20% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What can you do with a French degree?
Graduates of PLNU’s French program have gone on to work in a variety of industries (most being directly related to community outreach and communication). Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States have driven employment growth for those with multiple-language fluency. Most graduates have applied their French degrees in jobs related to language teaching, language interpretation, translation, social work, immigration, health, law, subtitling/voiceover, ministry, and nonprofit work.
Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:
Interpreters and Translators
2020 Median annual salary: $52,330
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. They must be able to read and write fluently in their languages in order to render an accurate and meaningful interpretation or translation of the original message. Interpreters and translators work with a variety of clients (companies or businesses, individual organizations, or private clients).
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Speak, read, and write fluently
- Compile information and technical terms into glossaries and terminology databases
- Relay the style and tone of the original language
- Understand and respect cultural taboos or differences
High School Teacher
2020 Median annual salary: $62,870
High school teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. Specifically, French teachers must be well-versed and fluent in the language they teach in order to effectively support students as they learn the language as well. Teachers plan courses and curriculum based on the area of study they’re teaching. Additionally, they assess students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Engaging conversationalist and speaker
- Fluent or extremely proficient in French
- Ability to evaluate papers and projects
- Thorough expertise and knowledge of specified department and subject
- Time management skills
Instructional Coordinators
2020 Median annual salary: $66,970
Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They help create and develop instructional material. Additionally, these coordinators implement changes and assess their effectiveness. With a French degree, instructional coordinators have the opportunity to better incorporate and demonstrate the value of bilingual education and programs.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Ability to plan, organize, and conduct teacher training, conferences, or workshops
- Communication to assess and discuss curriculum standards with staff
- Possessing a broad knowledge of educational materials and a willingness to review and suggest textbooks
- Ingenuity to create procedures for teachers to implement a curriculum
Social Worker
2020 Median annual salary: $51,760
Social workers help people cope with challenges and unexpected changes in their lives. Having fluency in multiple languages helps social workers better serve and understand their clients’ needs. Social workers help with a wide range of situations and often work with children. Advocacy is an important aspect of social work. Social workers advocate or raise awareness with and on behalf of their clients. There are different types of social workers depending on the amount of school and credentials they’ve completed. Bachelor’s social workers (BSW) work with community organizations and policymakers to create or improve programs, services, and social conditions.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Ability to assess clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks
- Knowledge of techniques or care plans to help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives
- Strong writer and reader to research, refer, and advocate for community resources
- Communication (in the language accessible to client) to follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved
- Organization to keep track of case files and records
- Creativity to develop and evaluate programs and services to ensure that basic client needs are met
How will you apply your French degree to make a difference in the education system, your community, and beyond?
Post graduation, your French degree will help you connect with people of diverse backgrounds as you head into a wide range of careers fostering communication and community. Not only will you be able to share your skills in communication, but you’ll be able to continuously learn from the French speakers with whom you interact. Whether you go into teaching, curriculum development, or translating positions, let PLNU help you get started on your journey.
To learn more, get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have. Or, apply to PLNU today!
