French Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
French Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of France and the global Francophone world. It examines the historical evolution, political dynamics, cultural expressions, and socioeconomic frameworks that shape French-speaking societies across continents.
- French and Francophone Literature: In-depth analysis of literary works from France and Francophone regions, emphasizing narrative techniques, historical context, and cultural significance.
- History of France and the Francophone World: Study of major historical developments, including the Enlightenment, colonial expansion, decolonization, and modern nation-building across French-speaking territories.
- Political Systems and Governance: Examination of governmental structures, political ideologies, and public policy in France and other French-speaking nations, including post-colonial states.
- Cultural Studies and Identity: Exploration of national and diasporic identities, language use, media representation, and the role of culture in shaping social cohesion and resistance.
- Economic Development and Global Trade: Analysis of economic systems, labor markets, international trade relationships, and development challenges within Francophone countries.
- Colonial and Postcolonial Studies: Critical investigation into the legacy of French imperialism, its impact on global power structures, and the ongoing influence on contemporary societies and minority communities.
French Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
French Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with French Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
French Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for French Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 30 institutions offering French Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in French Studies is found at New York University (NYU) (23 graduates), Wake Forest University (WFC) (12 graduates), The University of Texas, Austin (12 graduates), Wesleyan University (11 graduates), and Bowdoin College (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 143 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| Bowdoin College |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Brunswick, Maine | Private | bowdoin.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| The College of Wooster |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Wooster, Ohio | Private | wooster.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of North Florida (UNF) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | unf.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| University of Portland (UP) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Portland, Oregon | Private | up.edu |
| Muhlenberg College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Allentown, Pennsylvania | Private | muhlenberg.edu |
| Seattle Pacific University (SPU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Private | spu.edu |
| Colorado College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Private | coloradocollege.edu |
| University of Louisiana (UL Lafayette) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | louisiana.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Norton, Massachusetts | Private | wheatoncollege.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Scripps College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Claremont, California | Private | scrippscollege.edu |
| Bradley University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Peoria, Illinois | Private | bradley.edu |
| North Central College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Naperville, Illinois | Private | northcentralcollege.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
1 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Arcadia University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Glenside, Pennsylvania | Private | arcadia.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about French Studies programs
How much can I earn with a French Studies degree?
Salaries for French Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest French Studies programs?
Currently 30 accredited institutions offer French Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include New York University (NYU) (23 graduates), Wake Forest University (WFC) (12 graduates), and The University of Texas, Austin (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in French Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 101 in 2010 to a peak of 160 in 2020, before declining slightly to 143 in 2023-24. This represents a 42% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a French Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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