The Basic French Language Proficiency Certificate helps students build practical communication skills in French while developing an introductory understanding of cultural perspectives, practices and products. Students progress through foundational and intermediate coursework to reach an intermediate-low level of proficiency in both spoken and written French. 

 

Apply Now Request Info

On Campus/Online

12 Credit Hours

Start Any Term

Who Should Earn This Certificate?

This certificate is a good fit for students who want to add verified language proficiency to their resume, prepare for travel or study abroad, or strengthen communication skills for careers that benefit from multilingual abilities.

Particularly valuable for students interested in:

  • Building foundational language skills for personal or professional goals
  • Preparing for study abroad or travel
  • Adding a language credential that complements a major or minor
  • Careers that value communication across cultures 

Career Paths

Career paths may include:

  • Business and customer service roles with international clients
  • Education and tutoring support
  • Travel, tourism and hospitality
  • Government, nonprofit or community roles serving multilingual populations 

Program Highlights

  • Progresses from introductory to intermediate French coursework
  • Builds spoken and written communication skills toward intermediate-low proficiency
  • Introduces the “3 Ps” of culture: perspectives, practices and products
  • Flexible course availability on campus, online and HyFlex (as scheduled) 

Admission Requirements

 

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet Northern State University admission requirements.

Apply online

 

Cost

 

Tuition and fees are determined by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

View current tuition and costs

 

Contact

 

Questions? Contact the College of Arts and Sciences at 605-626-2601 or julie.backous@northern.edu