Spanish is spoken in 28 countries by over 740 million people, and the US is now the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. In today’s global economy, learning to speak Spanish is an extremely valuable skill, both in the United States and abroad. In this program, you will learn to effectively speak, read, and write in Spanish, with courses in conversation, reading comprehension, Spanish for business, Spanish for the healthcare professions, culture, and literature. Our curriculum will also help you develop what employers call desirable “soft skills” such as creativity, mental flexibility, critical thinking, and intercultural communication strategies. The Spanish major can easily pair with another major, a number of minors, or teaching certification.
Career Directions
Today’s interconnected world generates the need to be able to communicate in more than one language. As networks of international cooperation and exchange grow in complexity, particularly among governments and businesses, those who possess foreign language competence become increasingly valuable. Moreover, it has been shown that learning a second language can improve one’s overall writing and speaking ability.
Students who declare a Spanish major or minor find it to be incredibly useful when combined with preparation in another professional field. Examples include healthcare, public relations, journalism, TV and radio broadcasting, hotel management, publishing and editing, government service, banking, and management. One of the more promising occupational fields for language students has been international business. Individuals with Spanish language skills are finding increased opportunities with multinational corporations, especially in management and marketing. Regardless of their specific majors, students are encouraged to contact the Spanish Program for information and advice on career application of Spanish.
Students wishing to prepare for high school teaching should make this intention known to the School of Education and to the Spanish Program to make certain that the requirements for state certification are met. Competitiveness and flexibility in the job market tend to be greater if certification can be obtained in two or more different areas.
Sample Program Guide
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.
First Year |
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Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
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ENGL 110 | 3 | ENGL 120 | 3 |
SPAN 311 | 3 | SPAN 312 | 3 |
Gen Ed Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | COMM 110 | 3 |
Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed Science/Tech | 3 |
Gen Ed Wellness | 2 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 14 | | 15 |
Second Year |
---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
---|
One year of a Second Language Course | 3-4 | One year of a Second Language Course | 3-4 |
Gen Ed Science/Tech | 3 | SPAN 401 or 402 (Advanced Language) | 3 |
SPAN 330 or 331 (Civilization) | 3 | Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
Free Electives | 6 | Free Electives | 6 |
| 15-16 | | 15-16 |
Third Year |
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Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
---|
SPAN 450, 451, 452, or 453 (Peninsular Literature) | 3 | SPAN 492 ([14+ weeks] Upper-division Courses Approved by Advisor) | 1-15 |
Additional SPAN Course | 3 | |
Gen Ed Upper-Division Writing | 3 | |
Gen Ed Science/Tech with Lab | 4 | |
Free Elective | 3 | |
| 16 | | 14 |
Fourth Year |
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Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
---|
SPAN 440, 441, 442, or 443 (Spanish American Literature) | 3 | SPAN 489 (Senior Thesis)* | 1 |
Additional SPAN Course | 3 | Additional SPAN Course | 3 |
Free Electives | 9 | Free Electives | 12 |
| 15 | | 16 |
Total Credits: 120-122 |