Languages, Literature, and Culture

Spanish Major and Minor

Our Spanish program will engage you with Spanish-speaking culture from day one and will keep improving your language skills until graduation and beyond. Along the way, you'll learn to solve problems by reflecting on and analyzing the deep connection between language and culture.

Group of students having an academic discussion.

WHY STUDY SPANISH AT ALLEGHENY?

Join a close-knit community.

You'll get to know other language students and be part of a community of students who love language in and out of the classroom.

Get more "talk time."

Allegheny's small classes mean you have more time to practice the language in class.

Combine your Spanish study with expertise in another field.

Because every Spanish major also has a minor, and many double-major, you'll graduate ready to put your finely-tuned language and cultural skills to work in a field of your choice.

Your Four-Year Journey

Students often combine Spanish with a major or minor in Art, Biology, Education Studies, History, International Studies, Political Science, or Psychology.

Understand the basics of language and culture. You can start from the very beginning if Spanish is new to you or if you've studied Spanish before. We'll ensure you start in a suitable class to make the most of what you already know while building a solid foundation for the coming years.

Your second year is a great time to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community on campus. If you haven't already, try having lunch at a Spanish table once a week or apply to live in the Spanish house in the Max Kade Wing, where you'll speak Spanish all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate. Don't forget to declare your Spanish major or minor before the end of the year!

By now, you'll be advancing your language skills and gaining rich knowledge of its culture. Nothing helps you do that more than studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Most Spanish majors or minors go abroad in their third year. Visit the Global Education Office about your options and talk with your advisor to ensure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!

By now, you've had an unforgettable time abroad, speaking Spanish comes easy to you, and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Comp is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You'll start by choosing a topic related to a Spanish-speaking culture. Then, a professor will work with you to refine, research, and develop it. Finally, you'll write an extensive thesis in Spanish in the spring semester!

career outcomes

93

Of Allegheny graduates are employed, in grad school, or if in full-time service within six months of graduation.

90

Of employers say they rely on employees with skills in languages other than English.

79

Of language majors at Allegheny double major.

Career Outcomes

93

of Allegheny graduates are employed, in grad school, or in full-time service within six months.

80+

Acceptance rate to graduate and professional school for Allegheny students

90

of US employers need multilingual employees.

Katherine Deutch, Alumna

Class of 2014, Spanish Major/Biology Minor; Physician Assistant in Psychiatry, Ft. Myers, Florida

“ Being able to work in Spanish has provided many opportunities, and I am grateful that I was able to gain this knowledge through Allegheny. ”