Subjects and Majors: Choosing Your Path

Whether you are describing your "parcours académique" in an interview or reading a text about the future of STEM in France, knowing the specific names of academic disciplines is vital. In French, "majors" and "minors" have different names depending on the country, and scientific fields often have very specific terminology.

In this guide, we master the vocabulary of subjects and specializations.

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1. General Terms

• Une matière: A subject (in primary/secondary school).
• Une discipline: A field of study.
• La majeure / La mineure (Canada/US influence).
• Le domaine de spécialisation: Field of specialization.
• Le tronc commun: The core curriculum (the subjects everyone must take).

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2. Humanities and Social Sciences (Lettres et Sciences Humaines)

• Les lettres: Literature/Classics.
• Le droit: Law.
• La gestion / Le management: Business/Management.
• Les langues étrangères (LEA / LLCE): Foreign languages.
• L'histoire (f) et la géographie (la géo).
• La psychologie (la psycho).
• La sociologie (la socio).
• Les sciences politiques (Science Po).

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3. STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie, Mathématiques)

• Les mathématiques (les maths).
• La physique / La chimie: Physics / Chemistry.
• La biologie / Les SVT (Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre).
• L'informatique (f): Computer Science (Essential!).
• L'ingénierie (f): Engineering.
• La médecine: Medicine.

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4. Describing Your Choice of Study

To reach a B2/C1 level, use these phrases to explain why you chose your field:

• “Je me suis passionné(e) pour...”: I became passionate about...
• “Ce domaine offre de nombreux débouchés.”: This field offers many job prospects.
• “J'ai opté pour une spécialisation en...”: I opted for a specialization in...
• “Il s'agit d'une discipline transversale.”: It is a cross-disciplinary field.

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5. Strategic Vocabulary for TCF Section C (Argumentation)

You might have to discuss: "Should everyone learn computer science in school?"

• “C'est une compétence indispensable à l'ère du numérique.” (It's an essential skill in the digital age).
• “Il faut valoriser les matières artistiques autant que les matières scientifiques.” (We must value artistic subjects as much as scientific ones).

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6. Cultural Note: "Sciences Po" and the "Prépas"

In France, "Sciences Po" is shorthand for the prestigious Institutes of Political Studies. "Prépas" (Classes Préparatoires) are two intense years of study after high school to prepare for entrance exams to top schools. Knowing these "labels" shows that you understand the elite educational tracks in France.

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7. Mastery through PrepMyFrench

Speaking Simulator:

Select the "University Orientation" scenario.

• Task: You are talking to a counselor about which major to choose. Compare two different subjects (e.g., Economics vs Philosophy).
• Focus: Use logical connectors (tandis que, par ailleurs, en revanche) to compare the two fields.

Writing Task:

Write a 120-word justification for choosing your specific major for a scholarship application.

• Tip: Highlight your projets d'avenir (future plans) and how this subject helps you achieve them.

Vocabulary Drills:

Use our Academic Subjects Deck to learn the difference between comptabilité (accounting) and économie (economics).

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Conclusion

The subjects you study are the tools you use to understand the world. By mastering the vocabulary in this guide, you can discuss your academic past and professional future with precision, proving to the TEF/TCF examiners that you are an informed and articulate candidate.

Next Topic: Test your knowledge! Read about Exams and Certifications.

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