Learn and become proficient in the Spanish language, appreciate Spanish literature, and immerse yourself in hispanic culture - all while developing transferable and valuable career skills.
Within our Spanish major, you'll develop highly transferable career skills, including:
- High-level oral and written communication
- Translation and interpretation
- Critical reading and writing
- Human interaction and relations, including the ability to adapt to varying situations and cultures
- Appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures
- Research
- Language instruction
The value of Spanish as a spoken language
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic or Latino population, which includes people of any race, was 62.1 million (18.7%) in 2020. It is estimated at least 41 million people (13.5% of the population) in the United States speak Spanish as a primary language at home. Understanding the need and value of educating students to be well-rounded Spanish speakers, we offer a highly versatile Spanish major. You can study Spanish either as a stand-alone major or in conjunction with other majors and minors, providing you with the skills necessary to work in a variety of careers, as well as the ability to interact with the growing Spanish-speaking population in Wisconsin and elsewhere.
Our Spanish program fosters a tight-knit community of language learners, while asking students to explore those areas of language, literature, and culture they find most fascinating. Small class sizes allow for flexibility and adaptation, providing relevancy to instruction, and addressing students’ interests and career aspirations.