spanish professor with students at table

Spanish (B.A.)

Immerse yourself in Spanish language and literature at UND, where we believe that language and culture are inseparable.

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world. A major or minor in this influential language gives you a significant edge in just about any career.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Major
Format:
On-campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major)

Why Study Spanish at UND?

With more than 450 million native Spanish speakers worldwide, Spanish language and cultures play a pivotal role in the global economy. Hispanic arts, architecture, literature, cinema, cuisine and popular culture are increasingly influential around the world.

Studying Spanish enriches your life and enhances your professional opportunities. Whether you choose to major or minor in Spanish, your coursework will combine language and culture to prepare you to communicate with Spanish speakers in the United States or abroad.

Many Spanish students at UND combine their Spanish studies with another area of study. For example:

  • Health care professions
  • Social sciences
  • Criminal justice
  • Business
  • Political science
  • International studies
  • Engineering

We also offer a Spanish teaching track that meets the requirements for licensure set by the State of North Dakota.

Spanish Program Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Spanish with a study-abroad experience in Spain, Chile, Peru or beyond

  • Take courses on a variety of topics such as Spanish and Spanish-American film, pop culture in the Hispanic world, bilingualism in Spanish America, and translation.

  • Join the Organization of Latino Americans, our campus club that promotes Hispanic culture, and participate in weekly gatherings of the Mesa Española.

  • Enjoy Spanish-language movies on campus through our Hispanic Film Series

  • Explore the UND library's rich collection of Spanish-language resources

Jobs with a Spanish Degree

No matter your career path, a degree in Spanish gives you an edge in the job market. Many institutions are actively seeking Spanish-speaking employees because they are legally required to offer services in Spanish. It also gives you the cultural and linguistic competencies to bridge cultural gaps in the workplace and provide a fresh perspective.

Spanish majors are equipped for almost any career, including:

  • Health sciences
  • Law
  • Teaching
  • Social services
  • Business and finance
  • Government agency (FBI, CIA, Department of Defense, Department of State)
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources

UND Spanish Major Alumni

Spanish alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Altru Health System
  • All About Kids, Inc.
  • Allina Health System
  • Arlington Public Schools
  • Best Buy Co., Inc.

Spanish Courses You Could Take

SPAN 101. First Year Spanish I. 4 Credits.

Pronunciation and fundamental grammatical principles introduced through the development of skill and listening comprehension and speaking, followed by practice in reading and writing. F,SS.

SPAN 304. Spanish Phonetics. 3 Credits.

A theoretical and practical approach to Spanish pronunciation. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent or permission of instructor. On demand.

SPAN 308. Spanish Conversation. 3 Credits.

Practice in a variety of forms of oral Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or an equivalent approved by the department. On demand.

SPAN 421. Modern & Contemporary Spanish Literature & Culture. 3 Credits.

Lectures, readings, analysis and discussion of representative Modern & Contemporary Spanish literary & cultural texts. Students will be expected to engage the texts by examining intellectual histories, cultural contexts and complexities of social power and difference as an artistic expression of the human experience. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: SPAN 308 or SPAN 309, with preference for SPAN 309. On demand.

SPAN 423. Modern & Contemporary Latin American Literature & Culture. 3 Credits.

Lectures, readings, analysis and discussion of representative Modern & Contemporary Latin American literary & cultural texts. Students will be expected to engage the texts by examining intellectual histories, cultural contexts and complexities of social power and difference as an artistic expression of the human experience. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: SPAN 308 or SPAN 309, with a preference for SPAN 309. On demand.

SPAN 462. Seminar in Hispanic Literature, Culture and Linguistics. 3 Credits.

Advanced work on a specific aspect of the Hispanic literary, linguistic, and/or cultural tradition. Repeatable with different topic. Prerequisite: SPAN 308 or SPAN 309, with preference for SPAN 309. Repeatable. On demand.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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