Majors in Spanish

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Inside and outside of the classroom, Illinois offers you many opportunities to learn in Spanish.

Do you want to discover new horizons through language and explore hands-on learning that will enrich your understanding of the world and place within it?

A Spanish major from the University of Illinois offers a path to mastering the Spanish language, understanding the rich tapestry of cultures where Spanish plays a pivotal role, and launching an inspiring career!

Spanish is one of the most broadly applicable languages you can study, and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish positions graduates as desirable candidates for various academic and professional paths. Plus, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois is a top best college for a Spanish major.

Our department’s courses cater to a wide range of interests and career goals, delving into every facet of the Spanish-speaking world, including language, history, and even pop culture. If you’re seeking a well-rounded, immersive educational experience, your road starts at Illinois.

Throughout your courses, you will work your way through entry-level Spanish major requirements to more advanced, intricate areas of study focused on topics like Spanish syntax, Latina literature, and varieties of spoken Spanish. At the time you graduate, you’ll find that you’ve gained unparalleled access to a diverse range of academic prospects, career opportunities, and personally enriching experiences.

What you’ll learn

A bachelor’s degree in Spanish allows you to explore more than just a second language major. Spanish courses at Illinois give you the skills to understand and relate to many cultures, empowering you to investigate meaningful and valuable personal and professional connections. You will gain insight that expands beyond textbook pages or classroom lectures.

As a U of I Spanish student, you’ll learn:

• Advanced language skills: Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish from elementary to advanced levels, including specialized grammar and composition.
• Cultural competency: Gain knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures, with insights into diversity within the US and abroad. You’ll investigate unique societies and gain cultural understanding and community engagement in the process.
• Literature and media: Explore Spanish and Latin American literature, film, and media, understanding their worldwide cultural significance and artistic value.
• Linguistic studies: Dive into Spanish linguistics, including phonology, morphology, and sociolinguistics, to deepen your knowledge of the language's structure and use.
• Community engagement: Engage with Spanish-speaking communities through service-learning, applying your language skills to contribute meaningfully to local and global communities.
• Professional Spanish: Apply Spanish in various professional fields such as business, law, and healthcare, when you graduate. Being bilingual, especially in Spanish, adds value to your resume and makes you a more appealing candidate!

Whether you aspire to influence international relations, shape the future of education, or lead cross-cultural projects, a bachelor’s degree in Spanish will be your passport to making a meaningful impact.

Spanish BA

Inside and outside of the classroom, Illinois offers you many opportunities to learn in Spanish. 

There are many reasons to major in Spanish:

• You enjoy learning the language and examining its features with our department's experts in linguistics.
• You are curious about the role of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking people in the world, in the United States, in local communities and maybe in your own family.
• You like exploring film, literature, music and other works with the expert guidance of our professors.
• Learning about Spanish and the Spanish-speaking world allows you to examine your other major or professional goals through an additional lens.

So whatever your reason for majoring—or double majoring—in Spanish, we welcome you, your interests and your insights.

Key highlights of the major:

• The only required course is SPAN 228: Spanish Composition.
• Spanish majors must complete at least 33 credit hours of SPAN coursework (at the 200-level or higher).
• Of the 33 credit hours, students must complete at least 12 hours of advanced courses (300 or 400 level courses).
• Students must also meet an approved supporting coursework requirement (more information in the table below).
• In order to graduate, your GPA (including transfer work) in the major must be a 2.0 or above, and your overall GPA must be 2.0 or above.
• If you received a score of 4 or 5 on the Spanish AP exam, you already have credit for two courses in the major (SPAN 200 and 204).

*With permission of the advisor, students will be able to take up to two SPAN courses that are taught in a language other than Spanish. Or up to two 200-level SPAN courses can be substituted with any of the following: BASQ 401 and BASQ 402, CATL 401 and CATL 402, PORT 401 and PORT 402, and LAST 445. These courses do not count for advanced hours and do not substitute for SPAN 228.

Spanish BAT

Would you like to be a Spanish teacher? The Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish (BAT) is specifically designed to prepare our students to become K-12 teachers of Spanish. (Read these alumni profiles.) In fact, the Spanish BAT program has a 100% placement rate, with every student stepping into a teaching job after graduation. Then, within their classrooms they inspire the next generation of Spanish majors. 

Because the Spanish BAT combines coursework in Spanish with the requirements of the Foreign Language Teacher Education (FLTE) program, it is important that you discuss your interest with our Spanish advisor, Mr. Brady Hughes (bahughe2@illinois.edu), during your freshman and sophomore years. With him, you will create a clear timeline for completing your Spanish courses, studying abroad (if possible) and applying to the BAT/Foreign Language Teacher Education (FLTE) program. Students who are accepted into the BAT/FLTE program then work with the FLTE director to complete the necessary FLTE coursework, field experience, student teaching and licensure requirements.

¹ In the fall semester, students enroll for 3 hours with instruction occurring in the first 10 weeks. In the spring semester, students enroll for 1 hour with instruction occurring in the first 4 weeks.

What can you do with a Spanish major?

When you’re considering your major, Spanish should be at the top of your list.

Thanks to the versatility of a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, you can pursue a number of professional careers after graduation. Whether you plan to seek a job that centers on the Spanish language, or a vocation in which being bilingual is an added bonus, there are countless paths to explore.

Here are some of the top roles we see UIUC Spanish majors move into after graduating:

• High school introductory Spanish teacher
• College Spanish language professor
• Translator
• Medical interpreter
• Community organizer
• International business entrepreneur
• Social worker

If you're considering a major in Spanish, a degree from UIUC provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to work in any field. Take the necessary steps today to embark on this exciting career path!