Spanish, B.A.
The Spanish program encompasses the study of language to strengthen communication skills, and the study of the cultures of Spanish-speaking communities in the United States and the world to develop cultural competency and diversity understanding.
Students are admitted directly into this program.Program Overview
We offer major programs in both Spanish and Spanish education (PK-12). The Spanish major (33-39 credits) and minor (non-education, 21 credits) programs begin at the 300-level and include courses across a variety of areas, including language study, literature, linguistics, and cultural studies.
We offer courses on Spanish in a professional setting, including health, business, law, and writing. Students frequently complete portions of their coursework through summer, semester, and full-year study abroad programs in countries across the world.
All languages listed count toward the B.A. third-semester language requirement. The department offers:
- Majors in French, German, and Spanish
- Minors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish
- Three years of language and culture courses in Japanese
- Two years of language in Italian
Why Study Spanish at Grand Valley?
- Spanish is the second largest native language in the world, with
almost 40 million native speakers in the U.S.
- With such a large Latino population in the U.S. and booming economies in Spanish-speaking countries, there is a huge demand for Spanish-speaking professionals in nursing, construction management, and media, among many other fields.
- More than 500 million people worldwide can speak and communicate
in Spanish, with a growing trend that will reach 600 million
speakers by 2050.
- Spanish complements majors in many other fields, such as international relations, TESOL, environmental studies, education, nursing, and political science.
- The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures works closely with the Padnos International Center to make many opportunities for study abroad available.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
Coursework covers all aspects of language and related cultures, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additional practical skills gained include:
- Cultural competency, critical thinking, and analysis
- Flexibility, communication, and working with others
Career Options
- Business
- Education
- Media - journalism, social media, communications
- Government
- International relations
- Health professions
- Social work and nonprofit organizations
Combined Degree Programs
Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.
Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Modern Languages and Literatures
lkgear.com/mll
Mackinac Hall
B-2-243
(616) 331-3203
“The instructors care about you and the quality of your education. They are experienced, passionate, and committed to helping you realize your own potential.”
SPANISH ALUMNA