Spanish
BA

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, uniting a fascinating diversity of societies and cultures. When you major in Spanish, you'll gain proficiency in oral and written language skills while enhancing your awareness of the social and cultural influences that shape knowledge in the Spanish-speaking world.

As a Spanish major at UMass Dartmouth, you'll study Spanish, Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino language, literature, and culture. You'll explore topics in linguistics, civilization, business, art and music—and learn about new ideas and developments within the Hispanic world.

A degree in Spanish will prepare you for careers in business, communication, education, hospitality, government, law, international business, journalism, linguistics, social service, and translation. We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching Spanish at the middle or high school level. Learn more about teacher preparation

Students majoring in Spanish may go on to graduate study in areas such as Spanish, Latin American, Caribbean or Latino literature; cultural studies; comparative literature, Hispanic linguistics, applied linguistics or international studies.

Our curriculum aims to develop your language proficiency and awareness of Hispanic social and cultural influences. You'll learn how to speak and use Spanish to:

narrate in the past
compare and contrast ideas
analyze the aesthetic qualities of works of poetry, drama, fiction, and film
state, explain, and support ideas, emotions, and opinions
argue and persuade successfully
engage in interdisciplinary research

For the major, you'll complete 30 credit hours in upper-level language courses, and 120 credit hours overall.

Improve your career opportunities by minoring in Spanish, a language spoken by approximately 414 million around the world. The minor can complement your degree in another field, adding a cultural and linguistic component to your academic experience.

For the minor, you'll complete 18 credit hours.

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.

Student success

Paige Riley '23, nursing major and Spanish minor, sits on the stairs of the Claire T. Carney Library

Paige Riley '23: Twice the opportunities

Nursing major complements her healthcare skillset with a minor in Spanish.

Career Placements

Boston Medical Center
Bilingual education
College teaching positions
Educational administration
Law
Medical school
Nursing
Our Sisters' School
Secondary school teaching positions
Studying for MA in teaching at UMassD
Teaching English in Spain
Travel agent
Translator/interpreter

UMassD advantages

Study abroad: immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture with a semester inSpain, Peru, Costa Rica, or other Hispanic countries
Internships and independent study: gain experience or investigate a specialized area of study
Community: join the Spanish Cine Club or participate in our chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honor Society