The major provides a broad curriular base that encourages students to develp and enhance their communicative skills--both oral and written--in Spanish, the fourth most widely spoken language in the world and the second in the Southwestern U.S. By gaining insight into and appreciation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, students will develop a fuller understanding of themselves and their own culture.
One year of elementary college-level Spanish or the equivalent (two years of high school Spanish, etc.) is required for admission into the major. In addition, all majors must pass a written and oral proficiency test upon entrance to the program and another at the beginning of the junior year.
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish prepares students to enter a wide variety of careers. The State of California's recent foreign language requirements for high school graduation and for admission into the CSU will increase the demand for teachers of Spanish in the public schools. The major will prepare students to enter teacher-preparation programs as well as advanced-degree graduate programs. In addition, the Spanish major will benefit careers in international business, management, the media, law enforcement, tourism, publishing, interpreting, translation, public relations, advertising, and social sciences. The federal government seeks out Spanish-speaking graduates for employment in civil service and diplomatic areas.
