Spanish – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BA)
Earn your Spanish Degree from the University of Montana
As a Spanish language major at UM, you’ll be captivated by a program that combines courses in language, literature and culture.
Not only will you be challenged as you hone your language skills, but you’ll also gain an understanding of the Hispanic world and its relationship to the rest of the world. You’ll be free to pursue topics of interest regardless of your previous academic preparation, guided by faculty who are completely dedicated to your success.
One of the main focuses of the Spanish degree is communicative competency and scholarly writing. Of course, practice makes perfect when it comes to languages. We encourage Spanish majors to participate in internships and study abroad to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture.
UM's ranking among College Magazine’s “10 Best Colleges for Studying a Foreign Language”
UM maintains study-abroad partnerships with 8 Spanish-speaking universities in located in Chile (4), Spain (2), Mexico (1) and Uruguay (1)
Spanish speakers are the fastest growing population in Montana, creating strong demand for Spanish-speaking health professionals
Other Spanish language degree options at UM
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Spanish Language Education concentration
Minor in Spanish Language Education
What can you do with a Spanish degree?
The United States now has the world’s fourth-largest Spanish-speaking population and Montana has seen a 58% jump in Hispanic residents since 2010. This translates to a high demand for Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States.
Because studying Spanish provides skills that are applicable in nearly every career field, many UM students pair a Spanish degree with another area of study like business, biology, health care or education.
UM Spanish graduates work in the military, in news organizations, libraries, and secondary and elementary schools. While many enter the workforce immediately, other Spanish graduates opt to continue their education in graduate school for Spanish or Spanish linguistics.
Spanish jobs
What can you do with a Spanish major? Examples of jobs with a Spanish degree include:
- Spanish teacher
- Spanish translator
- Spanish interpreter
- International business specialist
- Healthcare professional
- International researcher or scientist
- Banker or financial advisor
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Social worker
- Librarian
- Journalist
Alumni Success Story
“I’ve been able to do a lot because there is that support here. Everything I’ve wanted to do; I’ve been met with the phrase ‘let’s make it happen.’”
- Betta Lyon-Delsordo, UM graduate with a double major in computer science and Spanish
Experiential learning in the Spanish language program
Spanish majors at the University of Montana have the unique opportunity to use their language skills sooner rather than later — with internships and study abroad programs that boost their skills in real-world settings.
Internship opportunities for Spanish majors
All students are encouraged to seek out personalized internship opportunities that align with their interests, then work with a Spanish faculty mentor and UM’s Experiential Learning and Career Success office to build a for-credit experience.
One student minoring in Spanish recently completed a semester in Patagonia working on a sustainable farm. Closer to home, the Valley Neighbors of the Flathead offers internships that pair UM Spanish language students with Spanish-speaking immigrants as they navigate their new home.
Whichever you choose, you’re sure to test your knowledge of Spanish, and improve it in the process, while learning about the community.
Study abroad in the Spanish degree
Spanish majors can participate in study abroad programs through the UM Partner University Program, ISEP and faculty lead trips. It’s all about total immersion for total comprehension.
Career development in the Spanish major
Preparing Spanish language majors for life beyond graduation is what drives our program. Faculty serve as mentors throughout a student’s time with us, and help put them on a rewarding career path. In addition, we encourage networking to help students establish contacts for future job opportunities.
Networking and professional development in the Spanish degree program
The Spanish Club is a major source of inspiration for Spanish language majors. The purpose of the club is to offer students the opportunity to speak Spanish in a relaxed environment and provide cultural understanding.
Study Jam Tutoring also connects Spanish majors, offering free, drop-in, group tutoring.
Scholarships for Spanish language majors
Passionate about foreign languages but don’t have the funds to pursue them? The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers scholarships for students who want to attain fluency in a non-English language and participate in a study abroad program.
The James Flightner Scholarship provides financial assistance for undergraduate students who are studying Spanish, have financial need and plan to participate in a foreign study program. Learn more about scholarships for Spanish majors.
Spanish major requirements
The Spanish language curriculum envelops students in the language with an emphasis on cultural studies — from reading novels by a particular author to studying an aspect of Hispanic culture. A capstone course requires all majors to either write a paper or engage in a creative project under the direction of one of the faculty members.
Projects have included presentations that delved into music, film, theater, women’s studies, art, anthropology, political science and history. Students often convert these projects into formal presentations for UM’s Conference on Undergraduate Research held at UM every spring. Courses also include specific topics such as Spain, Latin America and linguistics.