Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Why pursue a major in Spanish?

Spanish, the 2nd most common first language in the world with approximately 475 million speakers, is an official language in 21 countries and territories, including the United States, where Spanish is one of the official languages of Puerto Rico. Moreover, according to the Instituto Cervantes, the United States ranks 2nd behind Mexico in the number of Spanish speakers. Similarly, Portuguese, the official language in 9 nations, is spoken by approximately 258 million people across the world (the 6th most spoken language). Fluency in more than one language, intercultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of literary and cultural texts create educated citizens who can contribute to the betterment of our society.

A major in Spanish demonstrates to future employers and/or graduate schools that you have the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, a high level of cultural competency and intercultural awareness, and carefully refined analytical and writing skills. Our curriculum is designed to help students hone their oral and written language skills and to learn more about Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian cultures through literary and cultural studies. (See the degree requirements section for the Portuguese courses that can be counted toward the Spanish major.) This knowledge is highly beneficial for international career paths or for careers that engage the predominantly Hispanic populations in the United States. The major is useful in such diverse careers as advertising, marketing, journalism, health services, government, social welfare, and public administration (to name only a few). See the University Career Center’s page for more information about careers in which you can use your Spanish major.