Program Overview

French Language Certificate Program

Program Overview

The French Language Certificate guides students to reach an intermediate level of spoken and written communication in the French language while also encouraging the development of cultural awareness and a more global perspective. Participants will improve their basic spoken and written communication skills in French through coursework and will engage in conversations with native and advanced speakers of French.

Program Details

• Program Number: CERT
• Degree: Certificate
• Area of Study: Education and Social Sciences
• Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 16 Credits | Finish in 1 year
• Estimated Program Cost: $3,377.12

Curriculum and Experience

• Language Requirement: Completion of four courses in French is required. At least 2 of the courses must be enrolled in at Madison College.
  • French 1 (4 credits)
  • French 2 (4 credits)
  • French 3 (4 credits)
  • French 4 (4 credits)
  • French 5 (3 credits)
• Study Abroad Experience: Completion of one course in French as a study abroad experience is required. Consult with the faculty certificate coordinator for more information.
• Oral Competency Assessment Requirement: Completion of the World Language Oral Assessment with a minimum score of 5 within the last three years is required.

Admission

• Application Dates:
  • Fall 2025: Application open, deadline October 15, 2025
  • Spring 2026: Application available September 15, 2025, deadline March 15, 2026
• Admission Requirements:
  • Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:
    • Successful completion (C or better) of two years high school French
    • Successful completion (C or better) of two semesters college French

Career Outcomes

• Use the French Language Certificate credits to fulfill the language requirements for your future 4-year degree.
• Use the French Language Certificate credits as electives for your Liberal Arts Associate Degree as well as for your future 4-year degree.
• Use the French Language Certificate to show future employers you had the motivation and commitment to reach an intermediate level of spoken and written communication in another language.
• Use the French Language Certificate to highlight the professional and interpersonal skills you developed through this work: The ability to set goals and reach them; the commitment to strengthen connections with others across cultural and linguistic divides; the openness to consider diverse perspectives; and the capacity to explore your own limitations and beliefs.
• Use the French Language Certificate as a first step towards other possible goals in your future, such as a higher proficiency level in the French language, further study or work abroad, or even a university degree majoring in French. French is spoken by 300 million people around the world on five different continents. There are many opportunities out there!