French Language Certificate

French Language

Program Number: 908022CERT

Your Degree: Certificate

Estimated Time to Complete: 16 Credits | Finish in 1 year

Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Education and Social Sciences

Estimated Program Cost: $3,441.76

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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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Basic Language
Conversational Language
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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Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Language Requirement
Completion of four courses in French is required. At least 2 of the courses must be enrolled in at Madison College.
20-802-221
French 1
This course is for students beginning the study of French or those who need to review the basics before going on to French 2. Students will learn to participate in uncomplicated conversations on everyday topics and gain a better understanding of and appreciation for people and cultures other than their own.
4 credits
20-802-222
French 2
This course is for students who have completed 1 year of high school French OR 1 semester of college French. Students will learn to understand more complicated conversations and readings and respond with longer, more complex sentences and even paragraphs. Emphasis will be placed on gaining a better understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.
4 credits
20-802-223
French 3
This course is for students who have completed 2 years of high school French OR 2 semesters of college French. Students will learn to speak and write at an intermediate level, with an ability to discuss topics that require higher level thinking and more complex structures. Emphasis will be placed on gaining a better understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.
4 credits
20-802-224
French 4
This course is for students who have completed 3 years of high school French OR 3 semesters of college French. Students will expand their ability to speak and write at an intermediate level, increasing both the quality and quantity of language produced. Emphasis will be placed on gaining a deeper understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.
4 credits
20-802-226
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.
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
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.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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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!