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Languages professor with students.

Spanish, B.A.

The study of Spanish encompasses both a study of the language and the investigation of the cultures/literatures where Spanish is spoken.

Visit the program website for more information.

Students are admitted directly into this program.

4%
National Job Growth

Job opportunities in Spanish are projected to grow 4% in the U.S. by 2025.

1,800+
Spanish-Related Jobs

Annually in Michigan, there are more than 1,800 Spanish-related job openings.

Spanish is the Second Largest Native Language in the World

Spanish is the second largest native language in the world, with almost 40 million native speakers in the U.S.


Source: EMSI, 2021
Available as a minor.
Secondary education minor offered.

Program Overview

We offer major and minor programs in both Spanish and Spanish Education (Elementary and Secondary levels). Spanish major (33-36 credits) and minor (21-27 credits) programs begin at the 300-level, and include courses across a variety of areas, including language study, literature, linguistics, and civilization and culture.

We offer courses on Spanish in a professional setting, including Health, Business, Law Enforcement, and Writing. Students in our program frequently complete portions of their coursework through summer, semester, and full year study abroad programs in countries across the world.

All languages listed below count toward the BA third semester language requirement. We offer:

  • Majors in French, German, and Spanish
  • Minors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish
  • Three years of language and culture courses in Japanese
  • Two years of language in Italian

Why Study Spanish at Grand Valley?

  • With such a large Latino population in the U.S. and booming economies outside the U.S., there is a huge demand for Spanish-speaking professionals in nursing, construction management, and media, among many other fields.
  • Spanish is the second largest native language in the world, with almost 40 million native speakers in the U.S.
  • More than 500 million people in the world can speak and communicate in Spanish, with a growing trend that will reach 600 million speakers by 2050.
  • Spanish complements majors in many other fields, such as international relations, international business, culture, and political science.
  • The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures works closely with the Padnos International Center to make many opportunities for study abroad available.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Coursework covers all aspects of language and related cultures, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additional practical skills gained include:

  • Cultural competency, critical thinking, and analysis
  • Flexibility, communication, and working with others

Career Options

Language majors and minors have a diverse assortment of careers available to them in fields like:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government
  • International relations
  • Health professions
  • Social work

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

Modern Languages and Literatures

gvsu.edu/mll
Mackinac Hall B-2-243
(616) 331-3203

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

“The instructors care about you and the quality of your education. They are experienced, passionate, and committed to helping you realize your own potential.”

KATIE VANHUIS
SPANISH ALUMNA