Benefits
Spanish is, after Chinese, the most common first language in the world. And because more than 35 million Spanish speakers live in the United States, a growing number of employers prefer to hire individuals who can effectively communicate in Spanish. Likewise, communicating in Spanish can benefit you when serving in many mission organizations and nonprofits.
Beyond the clear economic benefits, learning Spanish can broaden your cultural horizons, sharpen your critical-thinking skills, and increase your creativity. Spanish is even one of the official languages of the United Nations.
Career opportunities
- Bilingual educator
- Missionary
- Linguist
- Civil servant
- International business
- Social worker
- Diplomat
- Journalist
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Foreign service
- Ministry
Courses and degree requirements
The major and minor in Spanish Studies offer you an opportunity to study not only the Spanish language, but also the broader Spanish-speaking world, and the peoples who use Spanish as their primary language for business, government, and education.
This major is a good option if you are considering a double major, pairing this major with Global Development Studies, Theology, Nursing, Business, History, Linguistics, Political Science, or Communication.
The Spanish Studies major also includes a Study Abroad requirement, a senior paper, and, prior to graduation, an oral proficiency interview conducted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
This minor’s courses include Advanced Spanish, History of Spain and Portugal, History of Latin America, and Spanish Literature. A senior paper is also required.
Admission to the major or minor
To apply for a major or minor in Spanish Studies, you must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in all college work applicable to the BA degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA in 10 credits of coursework at SPU in the Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics Department.
Apply for a major or minor online using the Major or Minor Application form.