ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY · CANADA
Bachelor of Arts, French Major
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€5k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120 creditsTotal Program Credits
- 45 creditsFrench Major Credits
- OnlineStudy Mode
- Canada's Open UniversityUniversity Identity
- Optional minor availableProgram Flexibility
- Prepares for graduate studiesCareer Pathway
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major at Athabasca University is designed to enhance your critical and creative thinking through a broad education in social, political, and cultural studies. This program specifically cultivates strong competence in oral and written French, enabling effective communication, text analysis, and critical essay writing. You will gain a deep understanding of French language structure, including pronunciation, grammar, reading skills, and vocabulary, alongside a comprehensive knowledge of the literature and culture of France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions. The curriculum also fosters an awareness of stylistic differences between French and English. Upon graduation, you will be equipped to conduct independent research in French language and literature and be well-prepared for most graduate programs. The program aims to broaden your perspective on global affairs, encourage social involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and diverse career paths. Athabasca University offers a flexible online learning environment, allowing you to study at your own pace.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major requires completion of 120 credits. This includes a minimum of 75 senior-level credits (300 or 400 level), with 18 credits at the 400 level. Your French major will comprise 45 credits, including at least 30 senior-level French credits, with 12 credits specifically at the 400 level. You must also complete a minimum of 96 Arts credits (Humanities and Social Sciences), with at least 18 credits in Humanities and 18 credits in Social Sciences, plus 6 Science credits. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned through Athabasca University (residency requirement).
- Overall Program Structure
- First-Year University French IFREN 200
- First-Year University French IIFREN 201
- Second Year University FrenchFREN 362
- Initiation à la littérature d’expression française IFREN 358
- Littérature québécoiseFREN 374
- French Electives (12 credits at 400 level)FREN (various)
- English Writing Skills Requirement (e.g., Developing Writing Skills)ENGL 255
- Arts Electives (Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Science Electives
Careers
A Bachelor of Arts with a French Major opens doors to various career opportunities where strong linguistic and cultural understanding is valued. Graduates are well-prepared for roles requiring advanced communication skills, analytical thinking, and cross-cultural competence. This program also provides a solid foundation for pursuing further graduate studies.
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Teacher (with further education/certification)
- Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
- International Relations Specialist
- Cultural Liaison
- Journalist
- Editor
- Writer
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Researcher
- Government Policy Analyst
- NGO Worker
- Travel and Tourism Specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Bachelor of Arts, French Major program?
- Tuition fees are approximately $788.00 CAD per 3-credit course. A full-time academic year (30 credits) would cost approximately $7880 CAD. Additional fees for course materials, technology, and administration may apply.
- What is the duration of the Bachelor of Arts, French Major program?
- The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major requires the completion of 120 credits. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing for flexible study.
- What are the entry requirements for this program?
- Athabasca University generally has an open admission policy. You will need to meet an English writing skills requirement, typically by holding credit in ENGL 255 or achieving a B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the 100 level.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Translator, Interpreter, Teacher (with further education), Diplomat, International Relations Specialist, Cultural Liaison, Journalist, and Researcher, among others. The program also provides a foundation for graduate studies.
- How is the French Major structured within the Bachelor of Arts?
- The French major comprises 45 credits, including at least 30 senior-level French credits with 12 specifically at the 400 level. The overall program requires 120 credits, including a minimum of 75 senior-level credits and 96 Arts credits.
- What are the estimated living costs for students?
- Estimated living costs for a student in Canada can range from $15,000 to $20,000 CAD per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. As Athabasca University is an online institution, these costs will vary based on your chosen place of residence.
Entry requirements
General AdmissionAthabasca University has an open admission policy, meaning generally there are no entrance requirements beyond being of sufficient age.
English Writing SkillsHold credit in ENGL 255 OR have a grade of B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level OR receive credit for an English course with a grade of B- or better.
Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. If English is not your first language, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency. Please note that this program's regulations are effective starting September 1, 2025.
Fees
Tuition (international)Per 3-credit course: approximately $788.00 CAD. A full-time academic year (30 credits) would be approximately $7880 CAD.
Tuition (home)Per 3-credit course: approximately $788.00 CAD. A full-time academic year (30 credits) would be approximately $7880 CAD.
LivingEstimated living costs for a student in Canada can range from $15,000 to $20,000 CAD per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. This is a general estimate as Athabasca University is an online institution and location-specific living costs will vary.
Tuition fees are subject to change. Additional fees may apply for course materials, technology, and administration. As an online university, your living costs will depend on where you choose to reside while studying. The figures provided are estimates based on general Canadian living expenses for a student.
How to apply
1. 1. Review Program and Admission RequirementsCarefully read the program regulations for the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major, effective September 1, 2025. Understand the general admission criteria and specific English writing skills requirements.
2. 2. Assess English Language Proficiency (if applicable)If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency. While specific IELTS scores are not listed, consider taking the online self-assessment test available through the English Language Proficiency Program page. You may need to complete specific English courses (like ENGL 155, 140, 145, 177, or 189) to meet the language requirements for university-level study or the ENGL 255 prerequisite for the BA program.
3. 3. Complete the Undergraduate General Application FormFill out and submit the Undergraduate General Application Form. If you are changing majors or converting from a 3-year BA to a 4-year BA, a new application form is also required. No fees are typically required for a change of major application.
4. 4. Register for CoursesOnce admitted, you can register for your courses. You are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in your program if you haven't met the English writing skills requirement yet. Use the online program plans to assist you in selecting courses that fulfill your program requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Bachelor of Arts, French Major program?
+
Tuition fees are approximately $788.00 CAD per 3-credit course. A full-time academic year (30 credits) would cost approximately $7880 CAD. Additional fees for course materials, technology, and administration may apply.
What is the duration of the Bachelor of Arts, French Major program?
+
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major requires the completion of 120 credits. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing for flexible study.
What are the entry requirements for this program?
+
Athabasca University generally has an open admission policy. You will need to meet an English writing skills requirement, typically by holding credit in ENGL 255 or achieving a B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the 100 level.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Translator, Interpreter, Teacher (with further education), Diplomat, International Relations Specialist, Cultural Liaison, Journalist, and Researcher, among others. The program also provides a foundation for graduate studies.
How is the French Major structured within the Bachelor of Arts?
+
The French major comprises 45 credits, including at least 30 senior-level French credits with 12 specifically at the 400 level. The overall program requires 120 credits, including a minimum of 75 senior-level credits and 96 Arts credits.
What are the estimated living costs for students?
+
Estimated living costs for a student in Canada can range from $15,000 to $20,000 CAD per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. As Athabasca University is an online institution, these costs will vary based on your chosen place of residence.