Given today's scientific, information-based, high-tech world, why would anyone study Spanish? There are some obvious career opportunities associated with studies in Spanish (either as a major or as a secondary field of study), including such fields as teaching and translating. Most people, however do not pursue these obvious choices. In fact, studies in Spanish prepare one for many of the same kinds of careers available to other fields in the humanities, that is, fields in which students learn critical thinking, interpretive skills and problem solving. Such careers include, but are not limited to, law, publishing, journalism, business and government.

The knowledge of Spanish language and culture can expand these opportunities, broadening them to include branches of more international appeal, such as international journalism and international law. It is, however, impossible to provide a complete list of career opportunities in Spanish. Our alumni have combined Spanish with fields as varied as Biology and Economics, and they have used their training in Spanish with organizations as diverse as the International Herald Tribune and the World Bank. We encourage you to consult with the Career Center about how best to mold your various interests into a professional life.

The Major Requirements:

Sixty-six credits including one of the following courses (205 or 206) and Literary Studies 245, the latter normally taken during the junior year. Courses 101-204 do not count toward the major and no more than 12 credits in the 205-209 sequence may be applied to the major. Similarly, students may not apply over two 240 level literature courses to the major. In addition to 66 credits in the major, 6 credits are required in literature outside the major, read in the original language or in translation. Majors must complete at least three courses in Latin American literature and three courses in Peninsular Literature (Spain) before winter term of the senior year. Students also write an integrative exercise (Comps) during senior year.