College of Letters and Sciences

SPANISH

Bachelor's Degree Programs

In today’s global marketplace and in an increasingly diverse society, being bilingual is an asset in business, health and human services and education. Spanish is the second largest language in the U.S., and more than 400 million people speak the language worldwide.

The Spanish major and minor offer expert and engaging instruction in Spanish language and culture, which can prepare you for success in a variety of fields.

The World Languages and Cultures programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater help students develop into global citizens of the world in a unique, deep and transformative way.

4-year plan


CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?

What our Spanish students do

Icon of people connecting. Participate in diverse student organizations
Icon of a white nametag on a green background. Practice conversational Spanish skills through internships and community service
Icon of an airplane flying through the air. Immerse themselves in another culture while studying abroad

Hands-on learning experiences

 

People gather around outdoor grills making food.

 

Spanish majors at UW-Whitewater learn by doing in many ways, including gaining cross-cultural experience and practicing conversational Spanish in various settings:

  • Participate in undergraduate research
  • Volunteer within the Latino/Hispanic community
  • Enroll in classes with a service-learning aspect
  • Intern at a company that will allow you to use your Spanish-speaking skills
  • Work as a tutor or supplemental language instructor to help other students

Study abroad and cultural immersion

One of the most effective ways to gain cultural competency and improve your conversational skills is to immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment. Among UW-Whitewater’s 50+ study abroad options, you’ll find:

  • Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza
  • Chile: Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar
  • Costa Rica: San Jose, San Joaquin
  • Cuba: Havana
  • Ecuador: Cuenca
  • Spain: Barcelona, Granada, Madrid and Seville

 

Castle Alhambra with mountains in the background.

 

UW-Whitewater offers a variety of other international experiences, including:

  • Exchange programs
  • International student teaching
  • International service learning
  • Faculty-led travel studies

The Travel Study program involves a semester-long course that culminates with a short-term, faculty-led trip. Options vary between semesters; recent topics and locations of interest to Spanish majors include environmental conservation in Panama.

Learn more about our Global Education Programs »

Campus and community involvement

You’ll find student clubs and organizations that offer opportunities for Spanish conversation or cultural interaction, as well as community service, including:

  • Spanish Club
  • Latinos Unidos
  • International Student Association
  • Admira La Música de las Américas (A.L.M.A.)

Additionally, UW-Whitewater has student chapters of related honor societies and service groups such as Gamma Alpha Omega (Latina sorority), Sigma Pi Delta (Spanish honor society) and Zeta Sigma Chi (a multicultural sorority).

 

 

What our graduates do

Image of a hand below the earth Work for multinational corporations and global NGOs
Purple icon with the outline of a hand and a heart. Provide health care and human services
Graphic of a teacher teaching a class. Teach Spanish in schools and the community

Careers for Spanish majors

UW-Whitewater graduates start their Spanish careers in a variety of industries, including:

  • Health professions
  • Education
  • Social services
  • Law
  • International business
  • Governmental service
  • Journalism and media
  • Librarianship

Many of our world languages majors also continue on to graduate school.

Our faculty

The diverse faculty and instructional academic staff members in UW-Whitewater’s World Languages and Cultures programs include:

  • Respected scholars nationally and internationally
  • Authors bestowed with international awards
  • Distinguished alumni
  • Instructors bestowed with teaching awards

Faculty members also represent many countries including Egypt, Japan, Colombia, Mexico and Spain.

Spanish faculty members have been honored for their excellence in teaching and service by the University, the UW System, the community and the industry.

 

Meet our faculty

Want to learn more about earning a Spanish degree?
262-472-1975 | wlc@uww.edu

UW-Whitewater’s World Languages and Cultures offerings include the following undergraduate Spanish options:

Licensure:

Minors:

In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, as a Spanish major, you’ll take a variety of basic, intermediate and advanced language courses, as well as elective classes. Here’s an example of available electives:

  • Introduction to Literature of Spain
  • Introduction to Literature of Latin America
  • Spanish Civilization
  • Spanish American Civilization
  • Spanish for Health Professions
  • Spanish for Business
  • Spanish Conversation

Students pursuing Spanish education will complete courses and teaching placements required for state certification.

An approved minor is also required to earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in a Spanish major.

Apply now

If you studied Spanish in high school, you’ll take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for your first UW-Whitewater course. Native/heritage speakers should speak to the program coordinator for placement information.

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