Portuguese
BA

Portuguese is the official language of more than 200 million people in eight countries on four continents. After English and Spanish, it is the third most widely spoken European language, and the sixth most spoken language in the world.

Situated in the heart of the region that boasts the largest concentration of Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and Portuguese immigrants in the U.S., UMass Dartmouth provides a unique environment to learn Portuguese in a richly varied immersion setting. As a Portuguese major, you’ll study and explore the language, literatures, and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.

A degree in Portuguese offers access to careers in education, foreign service, immigration, international business, international relations, journalism, linguistics, politics, print and visual media, social and non-profit/non-governmental organizations, translation, and other fields.

We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching Portuguese at the middle or high school level. Learn more about teacher preparation.

Our curriculum provides a solid foundation in Portuguese language and culture.
You’ll explore topics in civilization, linguistics, theater, and cinema—and will learn to:

Communicate effectively through spoken and written word
Apply critical reading and analytical skills to texts from the literary periods of Portugal, Brazil, and Lusophone Africa
Develop an in-depth awareness of the historical and contemporary cultural realities of the Portuguese-speaking world

For the major, you’ll complete 30 credit hours in courses related to your major, and 120 credit hours overall.

Increase your career opportunities by choosing a minor in Portuguese. The minor can supplement your degree in another field, adding a cultural and linguistic component to your academic experience. For the minor, you’ll complete 18 credit hours.

Increase your career opportunities by obtaining a 12-credit certificate in Portuguese Language and Cultures. It can supplement your degree in another field while adding a cultural and linguistic component to your academic experience. For this certificate you’ll complete 12 credit hours.

On-campus: Portuguese Language and Cultures undergraduate certificate
100% online: Online undergraduate certificate in Portuguese Language and Cultures

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

UMassD advantages

Study abroad: immerse yourself in Portuguese language and culture with a semester of study at a Portuguese or Brazilian university
Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture: participate in cultural events such as lectures, exhibitions, colloquia, and concerts
Community: join the Portuguese Language Club or Phi Lambda Beta, our chapter of the National Portuguese Honor Society

Expand your opportunities

Master of Arts in Portuguese Studies: Expand your career options by earning a master’s degree in the field.
PhD in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies and Theory: Broaden your understanding of the literary and cultural history of the Portuguese-speaking world with our interdisciplinary doctoral program.