What To Do With a Spanish Degree?

Available undergraduate and graduate degrees in Spanish vary by school and program. Associate degrees in Spanish introduce learners to the fundamentals of language and literature, while bachelor’s degrees often allow students to customize coursework by dialect and culture. Master’s and doctoral degrees allow learners to further specialize in aspects of Spanish language and culture, often through research or translation projects.

Spanish students typically study the culture of peninsular Spain, Latin America, South America, and other parts of the world that have been historically and linguistically influenced by Spain. Students can often also specialize in regional distinctions in peninsular Spain, such as Andalusia and Castile. Similarly, students can focus on Spanish-speaking areas like Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and South America.

A Spanish degree is a pathway to careers as teachers, translators, academics, and travel agents. Spanish majors can also pair their coursework with classes in business and health services to build skills applicable to careers in finance, accounting, and healthcare.

An associate degree in Spanish teaches students to communicate within the Spanish-speaking world. Coursework also emphasizes appreciation and understanding of Spanish culture and tradition. Even native Spanish-speakers can hone their skills through an associate program.

Associate degrees in Spanish typically include two years of coursework. An accelerated program may allow learners to earn a degree in as few as 18 months.

An associate degree in Spanish can prepare learners for roles as translators in business settings, teaching assistants in Spanish-speaking classrooms, or as medical transcriptionists who specialize in Spanish. Graduates can also transfer into four-year bachelor’s programs.

A bachelor’s degree in Spanish typically takes four years to complete. Students study fundamentals of the Spanish language alongside Spanish literature and cultures. Introductory classes emphasize conversation skills, reading and writing in Spanish, and building vocabulary. Students also become familiar with different Spanish dialects while learning about cultural differences within the Spanish-speaking world.

Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish culminate in a final project, an oral exam, an undergraduate thesis, or some combination of these requirements. Many bachelor’s degrees in Spanish also offer study abroad options.

It is common for students to double major in Spanish and another discipline. By combining Spanish with a degree in business, education, public administration, or social work, learners can enhance their employment opportunities in those fields. Career options include high school teacher, translator, and social worker. A bachelor’s degree in Spanish also qualifies students to pursue a graduate degree in Spanish.

Most programs do not require Spanish majors to study abroad, but it is encouraged. Studying abroad immerses students in Spanish culture and language. Study abroad options may include living with a family or living on campus at a partner institution. Organizations and companies like IES Abroad and EF Educational Tours offer scholarships to students interested in studying abroad.

A master’s degree in Spanish includes roughly two years of coursework. Many programs also incorporate research and a thesis option. Earning a master’s degree in Spanish benefits current high school teachers of Spanish and other professionals who want to work with Spanish-speaking demographics. Common concentrations in a master’s program in Spanish include individual Spanish or Latin American dialects, cultural linguistics of Spanish, and Spanish literature.

With a master’s degree, individuals can work as Spanish instructors in higher education, as Spanish interpreters, and in publishing. A master’s degree in Spanish also prepares students for a doctorate in Spanish.

A doctorate in Spanish builds upon existing expertise in Spanish language, history, or another aspect of Hispanic culture. With a Ph.D. in Spanish, students can teach at colleges and universities, take an administrative role with an international organization, and work as Spanish-language researchers. Other career options include author and translator.

Doctorates in Spanish typically take 3-5 years of coursework and research. Seminar and lecture coursework leads to comprehensive exams and a dissertation. Within a Spanish doctoral program, students can specialize in topics like linguistics, history, or literature.

Career paths for students with Spanish degrees span economic sectors. Individuals can pursue jobs in travel and tourism, work with government agencies and bodies, or teach in a classroom. Learners with degrees in Spanish can also work in publishing, journalism, and healthcare.

Multilingual individuals are in high demand in the United States. According to a 2019 report from the ACTFL, Spanish tops the list of languages most needed by American employers.