Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Admissions & Aid College of Arts & Sciences
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Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

What Will I Learn in the Spanish Major?

Become fluent in Spanish while deepening your knowledge of the cultures, histories, and traditions of Spanish-speaking communities through University of Portland’s (UP) bachelor of arts (BA) in Spanish degree program. As you engage with your Spanish courses, you will develop an international perspective that allows you to connect and communicate with people from around the world—whether you’re traveling, working, or spending time in your community.

Latin American Studies Track

University of Portland offers a Latin American studies track within the Spanish major. This focus explores the region’s unique history, traditions, economic practices, political systems, and social dynamics while also examining its global influence.

Spanish Courses

Gain a comprehensive understanding of language, literature, and culture through your Spanish courses at UP. Begin with foundational classes designed to build language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

As you advance, upper-division courses focus on topics such as cultural history, literary analysis, linguistics, and professional Spanish terminology. You will also explore relevant cultural issues like identity, migration, and globalization to further your knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Explore pathways to UP’s Spanish major.

Degree Requirements

University Core

UP’s 40-credit-hour Core Curriculum is the foundation of your bachelor’s degree in Spanish. These interdisciplinary classes support our Holy Cross mission to help you think critically, communicate clearly, and develop into a well-rounded individual primed for professional and personal success.

The Core

Spanish Minor

Whether you’re pursuing a career in health care, business, education, or related fields, our Spanish minor can elevate your bachelor’s degree and make you stand out as a candidate who can connect more deeply with individuals who speak Spanish.

Medical Spanish Minor

Majoring in biology, chemistry, nursing, social work, or a related field? Enhance your UP degree with our medical Spanish minor. Build the language skills needed to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients effectively.

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More than a Degree

Discover the hands-on learning, cultural enrichment, and professional opportunities you can access as a Spanish major at UP.

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Sigma Delta Pi

Develop leadership skills, attend academic and social events, and work closely with your classmates in Sigma Delta Pi, the national honor society for Spanish majors.

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Study Abroad

Enhance your Spanish skills by participating in immersive study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries. Scholarships are available to help you experience diverse cultures and cultivate a new perspective on the global impact of language.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Our Spanish degree program fosters a sense of global citizenship and cultural understanding. These Holy Cross values empower you to build connections and contribute to a more inclusive world.

The UP Difference

Explore University of Portland by the numbers.

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Undergraduate Students on The Bluff 

NCAA Division 1 Teams

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Undergraduate Minors

Careers and Outcomes

With a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, you’ll gain linguistic and cultural competencies highly valued across various industries and essential in today’s interconnected world. Your fluency in Spanish and understanding of diverse perspectives will make you a competitive candidate as you pursue a wide range of career paths.

Career Areas for Spanish Majors

Prepare to excel in roles that require clear communication, cross-cultural understanding, and a global outlook. Many of our Spanish majors accept positions in the following areas:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Law
  • Public Policy
  • Social Services

Graduate Studies

A bachelor’s degree in Spanish also provides the background needed to continue your education in graduate or professional programs that span literature and cultural studies, education, linguistics, international business, and health care. With a graduate degree, you can advance your career opportunities and increase your potential for higher-paying positions.

Alumni Employers

From healthcare systems to international businesses, employers hire UP Spanish majors for their language proficiency and ability to bridge the gap between different cultures. These include:

  • AO Global Life
  • Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School
  • Carnival Corporation
  • IES Abroad
  • Legacy Health

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Become a Global Leader

Your passion for language and culture can open doors to boundless career opportunities and experiences where you can make a purposeful difference. University of Portland’s bachelor of arts in Spanish degree program prepares you for success through immersive coursework, study abroad opportunities in Spanish-speaking countries, and more.

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