Athabasca University

What you'll study

The program requires a minimum number of credits in three-year degree format and follows the regulations in effect at enrolment. Key structural requirements include:

• Total program credits: 90 (program structure specifies totals and distributions).
• Minimum credits required at the senior (300/400) level: 54.
• Minimum credits in the French concentration: 36, of which at least 24 must be senior-level (300/400).
• Minimum Arts (Humanities & Social Science) credits: 66 (with at least 12 in humanities and 12 in social science); Science credits: 6.
• Residency requirement: at least 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University; maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits: 6.

Designated French course requirements (effective Sept 1, 2026):

• Two junior-level (200) courses: FREN 200 First-Year University French I (3) and FREN 201 First-Year University French II (3) — total 6 junior (200) credits.
• FREN 362 Second Year University French (6).
• FREN 358 Initiation à la littérature d'expression française I (3) — recommended before other French literature courses as foundational.
• FREN 374 Littérature québécoise (6).
• A minimum of 15 credits from designated French concentration electives: any FREN courses except FREN 100 and FREN 101. (FREN 100 and 101 may count toward general degree requirements for a first degree but not toward the 36-credit concentration requirement.)

Entry requirements

Students who already hold a prior degree must apply to the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program and follow the second undergraduate degree rules. Students must meet an English writing skills requirement by holding credit in ENGL 255 (students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 255 early), or by having a grade of B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above preparatory (100) level, or by receiving credit for an English course with a grade of B- or better.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates with functional French and liberal-arts skills applicable to roles in bilingual communications, education support, cultural organizations, government services, and other occupations requiring French-language competence and critical thinking. Note that the three-year credential is considered a well-respected marketable credential in Canada and the United States, but it is generally not structured to provide direct entry to graduate-level studies without additional coursework (often an extra year of study).

Scholarships & funding angle

While specific scholarships and amounts are not detailed in these regulations, typical considerations for applicants include investigating Athabasca University’s general undergraduate awards, residency requirements for graduation with distinction (at least 24 AU credits), and limits on PLAR when planning funded study. Prospective students should consult the university’s financial aid and awards pages for up-to-date scholarship opportunities and application rules.