Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Why study Spanish?
Spanish is a major world language. It is the language of over 400 million people in over 20 countries and the second most spoken language in the United States. Hispanics have recently become the largest minority in our country and will comprise a quarter of the US population in just a few decades. For these reasons Spanish is the most studied foreign language in the country and there is a high demand for people who can communicate in Spanish, as well as for people who can teach it.
A Spanish major can result in employment opportunities in many areas such as business, government, or social services, in addition to teaching, translating and interpreting, especially when combined with a minor or a second major.
What concentrations are offered?
The Spanish major consists of 36 credits (12 classes) above the elementary language level in language, literature, and culture. Majors in Spanish must choose one of four possible concentrations:
- Professional Concentration for professional applications, including business, law, health services, social services and technical professions
- Elementary Education Concentration to prepare students for teaching in grades K-6
- Secondary Education Concentration for teacher preparation for grades 5-12
- Literature and Culture Concentration with a liberal arts base for those primarily interested in literature or considering graduate studies.
See theForeign Language Flowsheets
In any of the concentrations, the major prepares students to become successful professionals in a global marketplace. Unlike other Massachusetts public colleges, the SSC major offers courses in the art of translation and interpretation, as well as courses that prepare students for the Spanish government's internationally-recognized diploma in Spanish proficiency (DELE). Double majors in Spanish and another area of specialization are a popular option at Salem State College. In addition, the Department of Foreign Languages offers minors in French, Italian, and Foreign Languages. Many Spanish majors also choose to study a second foreign language.
The Spanish major at Salem State College also prepares those successfully completing baccalaureate degree requirements to enter SSC graduate programs in bilingual education, English as a second language, as well as our Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish. Majors and minors are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Students may participate in the Department’s month-long summer program in Oviedo, Spain. There are also many options for other summer, semester or year-long programs in a variety of Spanish-speaking countries through the College's Center for International Education. Financial aid is available for study abroad.
Where Do I Start?
If you already have a strong foundation in Spanish from your high school or from life experience, you may not need to take elementary or even intermediate language courses. A simple online Spanish language placement test will help you get started. Students who completed high school in a foreign country where the language of instruction was Spanish can be exempted from the elementary and intermediate levels of Spanish. Students with strong language skills from prior study or life experience may obtain credits by examination (CLEP or AP) which count towards the major.
Summer Program in Oviedo, Spain
Earn up to 6 credits in Spanish in Oviedo this summer at any level from beginner through advanced! Students live in dorms at the University of Oviedo, located in the Asturias region of Spain. Financial aid is available. See Dr. Serra for more details.