Parlez-vous français? Très bien! Here’s your chance to learn more – and become proficient in this beautiful language.
French Language Proficiency Certficate
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French Language
Program Number: 908022CERT
Your 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
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$3,316.48
  • 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.

    Liberal Arts Transfer classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

    • Madison - Truax
    • Madison - Goodman South Campus
    • Reedsburg
    • Portage
    • Fort Atkinson
    • Watertown

    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 2024-2025 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 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
    4 credits
    20-802-222
    4 credits
    20-802-223
    4 credits
    20-802-224
    4 credits
    20-802-226
    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

    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.

    Spring 2025 Application Dates 

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is March 15, 2025

    Fall 2025 Application Dates

    • Application available on February 1, 2025
    • Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025

    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.

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    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your French Language career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • 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!
Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, C2433

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

ahss@madisoncollege.edu         
608.246.6246