Spanish Language and Literature

Overview

Programs in Spanish language and literature focus on the spoken and written traditions of Spain and Latin America.

Spanish language and literature programs include topics such as:

Reading, writing, and speaking Spanish
Culture and society
Art
Anthropology
History
Literature and poetry
Folklore and film
Translation techniques
Dialects
Linguistics

Concentrations

In Spanish language and literature programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Conversation
Interpreting
Literature and literary criticism
Teaching

Schools

Community colleges offer associate degree programs in Spanish language and literature. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in Spanish language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in Spanish language and literature. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Humanities
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Political Science
Second Language
Spanish Literature
World Area Studies
World Geography
World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand Spanish at an advanced level.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Applied Phonetics
Civilization and Cultural History
Conversation and Composition
Linguistics
Literary Studies
Literature, Folklore, and Film
Reading Skills
Translation
Study in the Spanish language or its dialects (beginning, intermediate, advanced)

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in Spanish language and literature typically require:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Students who major in Spanish language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.

Many programs combine Latin American literature and cultural studies with the study of Spanish language and literature. In other cases, programs combine the study of Spanish language and literature with Portuguese.

Colleges that do not have complete programs in Spanish language and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.

Because Spanish is widely spoken in the US, many jobs require you to be bilingual in both English and Spanish. Knowing Spanish is a useful skill for many careers, including social services, journalism, health care, law enforcement, and teaching.