Where will Spanish take you?

Advanced proficiency in Spanish is highly valued given the hundreds of millions of Spanish speaking people in the world and the fact that Spanish is the second most used language in the United States. Experience with world cultures and languages makes graduates more adaptable and better prepared to meet the challenges of a global and increasingly diverse job market.

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in Spanish is designed to provide specialized knowledge, skills and training in a flexible format, with classes available in person, online and in a hybrid format. You’ll learn from highly qualified educators and researchers who hold terminal degrees from some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

 

Program type:

Major, BA

Format:

On-Campus

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Spanish
Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language -

Spanish Emphasis

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in Spanish develops linguistically and culturally competent and ready-to-be global citizens. We offer a broad range of coursework in Spanish, from foundational courses in language and culture to courses focused on literature, linguistics, creative writing and professions, all aimed at developing competencies for the 21st century. We encourage study abroad through our short-term faculty-led programs in Costa Rica and Barcelona, as well as through year-long programs in partner institutions.

The dedicated Modern Language faculty engages learners in and out of the classroom. Expect a challenging, collaborative, and interactive environment in every course. Students are part of a larger learning community connected through our conversation group, numerous activities and study abroad experiences.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BA in Modern Language, with an Emphasis in Spanish, graduates will possess the necessary linguistic and cultural competencies to interact with native speakers in culturally appropriate ways; use the target language in a variety of academic, social and professional situations and have a rich understanding of the target cultures; be able to critically explore their own assumptions, value alternative perspectives and act with cultural sensitivity; meet the challenges of a globalized world and continue developing their skills as lifelong learners.

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow up to 4% to 2032, with a median annual salary of $68,700, according to wage and employment data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.



68,700

Median annual salary

4

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Logistics Manager
  • Distribution Officer
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Health Care Professional
  • Immigration Specialist
  • International Business Coordinator
  • International Relations Consultant
  • International Travel Abroad or Study Coordinator
  • Interpreter/Translator
  • Law Enforcement Official

 

Plan of study

 

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

 

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Native Speakers

For departmental purposes, native speakers are defined as individuals who completed their secondary education or above in the target language. Students will submit an official transcript to the University.

The Modern Language Minor is not an option for Native speakers. 

The Modern Language Major for emphasis areas in French, Japanese and Spanish:

  • Native speakers will complete 3 classes at the 4xxx-level and at least 3 classes at the 3xxx or above. AND, FL2100 (3) and FL2294 (1). Total numbers of credits: 22 credits total, including FL2100 and FL2294.

For Dual Language Professional emphasis area:

  • Please see a content-area advisor for more information.
  • Native speakers will complete 3 classes at the 4xxx-level and at least 3 classes at the 3xxx or above. AND, FL2100 (3) and FL2294 (1). Total numbers of credits: 22 credits total, including FL2100 and FL2294.

Heritage Speakers

For departmental purposes, heritage speakers are defined as individuals who have been raised in a family or social environment in which the target language is habitually used for day-to-day communication but have not completed their secondary schooling in the target language. 

The French Minor, Spanish Minor and Japanese Minor: Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement:

  • Students who receive a score at or above Intermediate Mid across all skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) must complete 9 credits in the language, including the following courses: 
    • Any 3-credit hour course at the 2xxx level above 2101
    • Any 2 3-credit hour courses at the 3xxx level or above 
    • Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement. 

The Modern Language Major: Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement: 

  • Students who receive a score at or above the Intermediate High level of proficiency in speaking, and listening, and at or above the Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in reading and writing will be eligible to pursue the requirements of the Modern Language Major at the 3xxx and 4xxx levels. Total number of credits: 28 in Spanish or French, (XX in Japanese) including FL2100 and FL2294.
  • Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a Spanish major:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.