The Graduate School of Arts & Science of New York University offers three distinct programs at the NYU Center in Paris: one program leading to the Master of Arts degree in French literature, another to the Master of Arts degree in French language and civilization, and a third in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. This third M.A. is a joint degree in conjunction with the Department of Teaching and Learning of the Steinhardt Graduate School of Education, leading to New York State initial certification as a teacher of French for grades 7–12.

Depending on his or her individual background, interests, and career goals, the student may choose a program of course work leading to an M.A. degree in French literature, French language and civilization, or Teaching French as a Foreign Language (TFFL). The M.A. degrees in Literature and Language & Civilization are year long programs featuring both in-house courses and a Paris-based curriculum through which American students may take courses with French students in the French university system. The Literature program culminates in the successful completion of the Master’s exam, while Language and Civilization students conclude their program with a Master’s essay.

The M.A. in TFFL is a two-year degree program, with the first year spent in Paris, and the second year at the Steinhardt School in New York. The Paris-based curriculum is designed and administered to establish contact with New York University faculty members as well as with members of the French university faculties.

Since each curriculum is different, applicants should read the program descriptions with considerable care and make clear on their statement of purpose which of the three programs they plan to follow.