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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.
These French language classes, along with the study abroad experience, challenge students to work towards specific language proficiency goals. Through this focused work, students will also develop better overall communication skills and increased self-awareness as well as a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives with a specific focus on building connections with others. A commitment to developing these skills will serve students well as they continue their future academic and professional pursuits.
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Program Details
Students earning the French Language Certificate can attend full or part-time.
University Transfer classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
- Madison - Goodman South Campus
For more information, please contact Mary Haight at 608.246.6471 or mhaight@madisoncollege.edu.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Language RequirementCompletion of four courses in French is required. At least 2 of the courses must be enrolled in at Madison College.Study Abroad ExperienceCompletion of one course in French as a study abroad experience is required. Consult with the faculty certificate coordinator for more information.Oral Competency Assessment RequirementCompletion of the World Language Oral Assessment with a minimum score of 5 within the last three years is required. -
Admission
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to a resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
To Apply
Submit all application materials by the deadline.
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
Spring 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is March 15, 2026
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
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
OR - Successful completion (C or better) of two semesters college French
Additional Notes
- Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
- Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your French Language career.
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Career Outcomes
There are many benefits to earning the French Language Certificate at Madison College.
- Use the French Language Certificate credits to fulfill the language requirements for your future 4-year degree. You may need up to three or four semesters of a language, and many universities strongly encourage applicants to complete these requirements prior to transferring.
- 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!
