Spanish word for hello HOLA spelled with toy blocks

Spanish Major

Learn and become proficient in the Spanish language, appreciate Spanish literature, and immerse yourself in hispanic culture - all while developing transferable and valuable career skills. 

Within our Spanish major, you'll develop highly transferable career skills, including:

  • High-level oral and written communication
  • Translation and interpretation
  • Critical reading and writing
  • Human interaction and relations, including the ability to adapt to varying situations and cultures
  • Appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures
  • Research
  • Language instruction
The value of Spanish as a spoken language

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic or Latino population, which includes people of any race, was 62.1 million (18.7%) in 2020. It is estimated at least 41 million people (13.5% of the population) in the United States speak Spanish as a primary language at home. Understanding the need and value of educating students to be well-rounded Spanish speakers, we offer a highly versatile Spanish major. You can study Spanish either as a stand-alone major or in conjunction with other majors and minors, providing you with the skills necessary to work in a variety of careers, as well as the ability to interact with the growing Spanish-speaking population in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Our Spanish program fosters a tight-knit community of language learners, while asking students to explore those areas of language, literature, and culture they find most fascinating.  Small class sizes allow for flexibility and adaptation, providing relevancy to instruction, and addressing students’ interests and career aspirations.

Study Abroad and Immersion Experiences

As a Spanish major, you are required to conduct an approved foreign study experience. You are allowed to choose where you would like to study abroad. Recently, students have gone to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Spain (Sevilla, Barcelona, and Malaga), and Peru (Quito and Lima).

In addition to the experiential learning of a study abroad experience, students are able to take advantage of local opportunities, including Spanish tutoring, teaching Spanish through an area Futura Language Professionals organization, assisting local ESL programs, serving in urban ministries, engaging with a vibrant Milwaukee Hispanic community, and attending area Spanish church services, restaurants, stores, festivals, and events.

Suggestions for students interested in studying Spanish at WLC

If you are interested in studying Spanish, we encourage you to take the foreign language placement exam as soon as possible to be placed into the correct level of study. If you have not studied Spanish in the last two years you should opt for enrollment in SPA 101. It is recommended that your foreign study experience occur during either your sophomore or junior year, as this will greatly improve your Spanish.

EXPLORE COURSE OFFERINGS AND MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

EXPLORE COURSE OFFERINGS AND MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Connect with Spanish Faculty