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.
About the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
- The BA degree in Spanish, established in 2000, was designed to meet the need for well-trained teachers of Spanish in Boston's North Shore community, as well as to provide students with the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to become qualified Spanish-speaking professionals in a wide variety of positions in the nation's public and private sectors.Qualified students may enroll in one of four different concentrations within the major
- Professional Concentration for professional applications, including business, law, health services, social services and technical professions
- Elementary Education or Secondary Education Concentrations for teacher preparation in Spanish
- Literature and Culture Concentration with a liberal arts base for those considering careers in literature, the arts, or graduate-level studies.
In any of the concentrations, the major prepares students to become successful professionals in a global marketplace. Double majors in Spanish and another area of specialization are a popular option at Salem State University.
Unlike other Massachusetts public colleges and universitites, the SSU Spanish 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). The Spanish major at Salem State University also prepares those successfully completing baccalaureate degree requirements to enter SSC graduate degree programs in bilingual education, English as a second language, as well as our own Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish.
As part of the major, study abroad is strongly encouraged, and students are helped and guided every step of the way. A student may participate in the department's month-long summer program in Oviedo, Spain, or some other month-semester-, or year-long programs available in many different Spanish-speaking countries. Extra financial aid is available for study abroad.
What dios the Spanish program offer?
- A BA in Spanish with four possible concentrations.
- A Spanish minor consists of five Spanish courses (15 credits) above the elementary level. Typically, this includes the Intermediate Spanish (SPN201-202) sequence, plus three additional advanced courses in language, culture, or literature. Note that SPN 203 and SPN 204 do not count towards the minor because they are taught in English.
- Faculty willing to assist and advise you in all phases of your studies
- Study abroad opportunities: study in Oviedo, Spain for a summer, or plan for a summer, semester or year in Spain, Mexico, or any other Spanish-speaking country with an approved program offered through the Center for International Education
- Language Resource Center with state-of-the-art technology and free Spanish tutors to assist you in language learning (Meier Hall 205)
- Spanish Club activities on and off campus for anyone interested in Spanish; plus a virtual Spanish Club called Castellano offering online conversation in Spanish
- A multicultural community in which to learn SpanishAssistance in finding internship opportunities: summer internships or a one-year teaching assistantship in Spain after you graduate
- Graduate school advising for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees.
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.
