MA Program

M.A. Degree in French and Francophone Studies

The program of French and Francophone Studies at MSU is looking forward to reading your applications. Submission deadline is December 15th.

For a list of all pertinent forms for graduate students, please see the forms page. 

Requirements for Completion:

The M.A. program in French and Francophone Studies allows students with a B.A. in French to further their studies in French languages, Francophone cultures, and literatures. , while preparing them to further their career. Most of our M.A. graduates continue on to a Ph.D. program at MSU or elsewhere, or become certified high school teachers. Others pursue careers in translation, sustainable development, editing, advising study abroad programs, among others. 

Those who are interested in full consideration for a Teaching Assistantship must apply by February 1. Further considerations for financial support after that date will depend on resources available. Candidates should also consult the Graduate School for other funding possibilities. Note that applications must be received by December 15. 

Requirements for Completion of the Master’s Degree 

• Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in all courses counting toward the Ph.D. degree. Please see Acceptable Academic Standing and Adequate Progress Toward Degree on page 37 in the handbook. 
• The program is available under Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis). A total of 33 or 34 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the graduate advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below. 

Complete the courses in one of the two concentrations. 

Interdisciplinary Studies concentration (33 or 34 credits)  

• ROM 803 or equivalent (3 credits)  
• 18 credits in FRN at the 800 level among the following
  • FRN 810 Understanding the Early Modern World (3)  
  • FRN 820 Minority Perspectives in the Francosphere (3)  
  • FRN 830 Language(s) in the Francosphere (3)  
  • FRN 840 Understanding France through Literary and Cultural Productions (3)  
  • FRN 850 Francophone Postcolonial and Cultural Studies (3)  
  • FRN 890 Independent study (3)  
• 9 credits of elective including 1 required class on research methods  
• 3 or 4 credits of FRN 898 Plan B (without thesis), or FRN 899 Plan A (with thesis)  

Literary and Cultural Studies concentration (33 or 34 credits)  

• ROM 803 or equivalent (3 credits)  
• 21 credits in FRN at the 800 level among the following
  • FRN 810 Understanding the Early Modern World (3)  
  • FRN 820 Minority Perspectives in the Francosphere (3)  
  • FRN 830 Language(s) in the Francosphere (3)  
  • FRN 840 Understanding France through Literary and Cultural Productions (3)  
  • FRN 850 Francophone Postcolonial and Cultural Studies (3)  
  • FRN 890 Independent study (3)  

• 3 credits for a class on research methods and/or critical theory  
• 3 credits of elective  
• 3 or 4 credits of FRN 898 Plan B (without thesis), or FRN 899 Plan A (with thesis)  
• Students must complete one of the two options during their second year in residency (3 or 4 credits of FRN 898 Plan B without thesis, or FRN 899 Plan A with thesis). Please see the handbook for detailed descriptions of each option.