Major

requirements for the french major have changed! As of Fall 2026, the new french major consists of 12 courses:

*STUDENTS WHO DECLARED THEIR MAJOR IN SPRING OF 2026 OR EARLIER AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW THE PREVIOUS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (SEE HERE). TO OPT TO FOLLOW THE NEW REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT PROF. CYNTHIA NAZARIAN*

French Major Requirements for students declaring in Fall 2026 or later: 

Prerequisite: Completion of FRENCH 201 or equivalent proficiency

• Up to three courses may be taken in English at the 200- or 300-level
• Only one Independent Study course (French 399) may be counted toward major requirements
• Please see Exceptions and Waivers for additional information

Exceptions and Waivers

For students who start French studies at Northwestern in the beginning or intermediate series (111, 115 or 121-1), the prerequisite course 201 may count as one elective course.

Transfer Credits

Transfer students interested in the major who have taken French courses at other universities or colleges should discuss the possibility of transferring credits with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after review of the syllabi for the courses taken.

Study Abroad

Students returning from study abroad in French-speaking locations may apply credit to the French major for up to two eligible courses for an intensive summer program, three courses for fall semester, four for winter/spring semester, and six for a year-long program. Eligible courses are those that are taught in French and pertain to France and the Francophone world. They may be based in the humanities or social sciences, inclusive of topics in French language, literature, culture, art, history, society, philosophy and politics, among others.

Final decisions on course transfer credit for the major are made by the DUS upon review of course syllabi and assignments. Students are advised to discuss the issue of course credit with the DUS before applying to study abroad.

Superior Proficiency Speakers

Students with superior proficiency in French (ex: French baccalauréat) may be eligible to waive French 202 and substitute an Advanced Study course for the required 300-level French language class, upon assessment of proficiency by the DUS or Placement Advisor. In this case, their total course requirement for the major will be 11 courses.

Residency Requirement

At least 50% of courses for the French major must be taken at Northwestern.

The French Major Declaration Form

The major declaration form can also be found in the Policies and Forms section of the Weinberg website, Undergraduate -> Advising and Support -> Policies, Procedures and Forms:
https://www.weinberg.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/major-minor/choosing-declaring.html