Why Study Spanish?

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers a variety of undergraduate program options.

Undergraduate options include:

Undergraduate programs in the Department equip students with the analytical skills necessary to undertake linguistic, cultural and literary investigation. Students perfect their language skills so that they are able to communicate their views effectively in written and spoken Spanish and Portuguese.

Meet our Students

Meet our students who are gaining valuable Spanish skills for careers in a variety of fields.

Student examining a test-tube.

Meet Alex

Spanish is Alex's first language and helping others is his first priority. By broadening his Spanish language skills, he will be an understanding healer dedicated to improving health care for underserved communities.

Girl seated in jungle area taking notes

Meet Mely

Mely hopes to combine her majors in Spanish and Portuguese with environmental science and study abroad experiences in Ecuador and Brazil to become a rainforest rescuer.

Want to meet other Arizona students who have chosen the Humanities?

Choose Humanities

 

Choose Your Own Emphasis

Students may select a Spanish major within the College of Humanities in which the majority of coursework is in literature, linguistics, Spanish and Portuguese, or Translation and Interpretation. A mimimum of two semesters of Portuguese (PORT 305a and 325a) is required for all Spanish majors. Students who want to become middle or high school Spanish teachers must complete 24 units of upper division coursework in Spanish and be admitted into the College of Education.

A Stimulating Environment that is Rich in Options and Resources

The Department provides a stimulating environment for its majors. Small classes and the opportunity for research, service learning, career internship opportunities, individualized advising and a variety of study abroad programs offer majors a rich variety of options.

The Department's faculty has distinguished itself for its award-winning undergraduate and graduate teaching and for its insightful and ground-breaking contributions to scholarship.

An active chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honor Society, the Spanish and Portuguese clubs and activities provide for stimulating extra curricular opportunities for students.

Ways to Enhance Your Spanish Major

Contact our advisors to find out more about the minors we offer. The Department strongly encourages majors to pursue a minor in Portuguese. Majors in Spanish are encouraged to take courses in areas related to their area of study such as Latin American Studies or Mexican and Mexican American Studies. All Spanish majors are required to take the equivalent of one year of Portuguese.