Professor writing on a whiteboard in Spanish.

Bachelor of Arts

Spanish

Program of Study

programofstudy

Take a selection of core courses, as well as electives and classes in a concentrated area, which includes a capstone. Explore the program's two different areas of specialization:

  • Spanish language, linguistics and teaching
  • Hispanic literature and culture

You are encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country to enhance your fluency in the language. Fulfill major requirements by taking Spanish language, literature or culture courses during the summer in Spanish America and Spain. Past UAlbany students have studied in Cusco, Havana, San José, Madrid and Valencia.

Core Courses

  • Intermediate Spanish II
  • Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers OR Intermediate Conversation and Oral Grammar (heritage language speakers take 205, non-heritage speakers take 206.)
  • Spanish Composition and Conversation for non-Heritage Speakers of Spanish OR Spanish Composition and Conversation for Heritage Speakers of Spanish (208 for non-heritage speakers, 209 for heritage speakers.)
  • Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
  • Introduction to Literary Methods


Electives

Two (6 credits) ASPN courses at the 300+ level


Specialization Courses

Five courses (15 credits) in one of two specializations: Spanish language, linguistics, teaching or Hispanic literature and culture


Capstone Course

Applied Learning

Immerse yourself in service-learning opportunities, which combine community service with academic study. Enroll in our course, Spanish for Community Engagement, if you'd like to examine the presence, use and application of the Spanish language into local and nationwide communities. This course integrates academic coursework with a service component, which allows you to apply your studies in a practical, onsite context.

Connect with fellow students and scholars as you practice the language and experience the culture. Join our Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society (Sigma Delta Pi), Club de Cocina or Tango Club. Take part in Spanish tables, where students meet to speak the language and enjoy time together conversing in informal settings. You'll also have opportunities to attend department seminars and work as an undergraduate research assistant to further advance your studies.

 

Students studying abroad in Spain
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Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options


You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Spanish undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MA in Spanish
This master’s program combines linguistic immersion with history, linguistics, literature and Hispanic cultural studies.


MS in Secondary Education
This New York State-approved teacher preparation program provides you with initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools.


MS in Information Science 
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.

UAlbany graduate at Commencement
Career Outcomes

Our Spanish majors have gained full-time careers in law offices, the State Senate, the State Attorney's Office and Teach for America, as well as other public and private education institutions.

Gain invaluable Spanish language skills that will open doors for industries, such as business, government, education, tourism and social service. Some popular career choices for graduates with a bachelor's in Spanish include:

  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Translator
  • Diplomat
  • Travel Agent
  • Immigration Officer
  • Social Worker or vocational counselor within a Spanish-speaking community

 

 

Young professional woman holding a folder and using a smartphone

 

careers

Student Testimonials

"Spanish is an incredible life-skill to have. I'm a pre-med student. I hope to better communicate with my patients and give them a better patient-care experience."

- Sana Effendi, Spanish major/biology minor

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Arts
  • Students will be able to speak, understand, read, and write Spanish at an advanced level for the purposes of daily life and to present ideas and opinions in an academic or professional setting.
  • Students will develop an understanding of Spanish as a multidisciplinary field and its research methods.
  • Students will be able to produce research that incorporates the critical analysis of texts/data and the application of established research methods to them.
  • Students will develop the ability to analyze cultural diversity in the Spanish-speaking world, realized through its cultural developments and products (literature culture track).
  • Students will understand the major structural contrasts between Spanish and English and be able to identify and analyze dialect version within Spanish (linguistics track).
  • Students will understand the processes of second language acquisition and the nature and qualities of bilingualism (linguistics track).
  • Student will develop the ability to analyze Spanish-language literature texts that engage issues of class, race, and gender difference and their effect on production (literature culture track).
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What Makes The University at Albany Great

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Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

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Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

Student conducting undergraduate research

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors
  • Acting
  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Bioethics
  • Biology
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese Studies
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice Studies
  • Cybersecurity
  • Documentary Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Film Studies
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
  • English
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Game Design and Development
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Globalization Studies
  • Hebrew
  • History
  • Informatics
  • Instrumental Performance
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Journalism (Fully Online Option)
  • Judaic Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Law and Philosophy
  • Leadership
  • Legal Studies
  • LGBTQ Studies
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Music
  • Musical Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese
  • Pre-Education
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Social Welfare Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability
  • Theatre
  • Theatrical Design/Technology
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • U.S. Latino Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies