Why choose
Spanish?
My studies connect me to people and a subject I’m passionate about. Here, students learn how to include people and understand different situations.
Jennifer Gaxiola | B.A. Spanish
An innovative and student-centered degree program in the heart of the Southwest
Choose Spanish at the University of Arizona and find a degree path focused in literature, linguistics, translation & interpretation, Portuguese, or design a combination of your own for general Spanish.
Choose From 5 Emphases:
Spanish Minor
We offer two minors: a minor in Spanish and a minor in Portuguese. Course requirements can be completed on campus or on one of our study abroad programs!
Online Degree
Complete your entire Bachelor of Arts in Spanish degree fully online! We offer 15 week and 7.5 week courses options with modules that are released every Monday morning.
Double Major
Combining your interests is possible at Arizona. For the same tuition AND same amount of time, you can get a versatile education to make yourself stand out. Our Spanish degree pairs well with many disciplines across campus.
Spanish & Portuguese
Complete course work in language, literature, linguistics and culture in both languages, each of which are among the world’s most spoken languages, with nearly 700 million native speakers combined.
Translation & Interpretation
One of few undergraduate programs of its kind in the country, the interdisciplinary curriculum is taught by experienced faculty who have worked as certified court and medical interpreters.
Hispanic Linguistics
Explore how language is formulated and organized in our brains, what Spanish structures are possible and why, and how sounds are organized, produced and perceived.
Hispanic Literature
Explore innovative courses in Spanish that help hone your skills in intercultural communication. Courses focus on a variety of regions, subjects and perspectives.
General Spanish
Versatile core curriculum includes courses in grammar and writing, conversation, literature, linguistics and translation and interpretation. Through a broad slate of electives, design your own academic experience that matches your goals.
The Spanish as a Heritage Language Program taught me how to be a more inclusive and diverse human being.
Ernesto Cabrera | Spanish & Portuguese, Communication, Psychology
We offer two minors: a minor in Spanish and a minor in Portuguese. Course requirements can be completed on campus or on one of our study abroad programs!
Complete your entire Bachelor of Arts in Spanish degree fully online! We offer 15 week and 7.5 week courses options with modules that are released every Monday morning.
Combining your interests is possible at Arizona. For the same tuition AND same amount of time, you can get a versatile education to make yourself stand out. Our Spanish degree pairs well with many disciplines across campus.
The Spanish as a Heritage Language Program taught me how to be a more inclusive and diverse human being.
Ernesto Cabrera | Spanish & Portuguese, Communication, Psychology
Do you speak
Spanglish?
The Heritage Language Program has a long and distinguished history as one of the oldest and most comprehensive programs of its kind. For nearly 50 years the Department of Spanish and Portuguese has been committed to serving U.S. Latina/o/x students through Spanish as a Heritage Language courses. The program offers multiple opportunities for you to expand any existing bilingual skills in a wide range of contexts, learn more about Spanish–speaking cultural heritages in the United States and elsewhere, and broaden your personal or family connections to the U.S. Latinx population.
Meet students who have chosen Spanish
Want to learn more about our Spanish programs?
Karina M. Rodríguez
Recruitment Director
Want to learn more about our Spanish programs?
A degree in Spanish not only provides a dynamic and stimulating education, but also a path to a fulfilling career. Get in touch with Karina, and she can help match the best plan for you.
STUDY ABROAD: Practice your fluency in Spanish and Portuguese across campus and all over the world
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese hosts several study abroad programs designed for immersive educational experiences. In real-world settings you will advance both your language skills and cultural awareness under the guidance of our faculty and local educators. Destinations include Spain, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile and more.
Understand the meaning of Pura Vida by living like a Tico in beautiful Costa Rica
Located only 35 km northeast of Madrid, Alcalá de Henares has a student population of 17,000 and offers theaters, shopping, concerts and an active nightlife
Situated between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll learn local modismos with your Chilean host family and explore the twin cities of Viña and Valpo during this semester-long experience
Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture by living with a local family and exploring this beautiful country through cultural excursions
Clubs
Want to practice your Spanish or Portuguese? Help local organizations? Participate in cultural events? Have fun and find a community? The Department of Spanish and Portuguese has numerous clubs, including El Cotorreo, Club Bilingüe and Bate Papo.
Critical Service-Learning Program
Exclusively available to Spanish majors, this program offers real-world learning opportunities focused on social entrepreneurship, leadership, and community-based projects and outreach. Through internships and projects at Tucson organizations, you will build specific knowledge, skills and valuable work experience for life after graduation.
Scholarships
Each year numbers scholarships are awarded to Spanish majors and minors to fund everything from tuition to travel. One such opportunity for students is the Professor José Promis Excellence in Study Abroad Award, which is available for students students going to Spanish or Portuguese speaking countries on organized trips, such as Arizona in Alcalá de Henares.
Clubs
Want to practice your Spanish or Portuguese? Help local organizations? Participate in cultural events? Have fun and find a community? The Department of Spanish and Portuguese has numerous clubs, including El Cotorreo, Club Bilingüe and Bate Papo.
Critical Service-Learning Program
The program integrates experiential learning opportunities for students in the department focused on social entrepreneurship, leadership, and community–based projects and outreach, so they integrate theory and practice, connect more effectively with the Tucson region, and build specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for life after graduation.
Scholarships
Career Possibilities & Alumni Stories
Our majors have gone on to exciting careers around the world in a wide variety of industries. See what you can do with your degree.
Jessica Bustamante
Jessica Bustamante
B.A. Spanish 2006
Vice President, Development | AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
“You can’t put a price on the ability to speak and write in Spanish. Being bilingual is always a “perk” that often sets me above the rest, whether it’s for a job, a volunteer opportunity or when I am at a store and can help someone translate their needs. I am truly grateful for the amazing teachers, professors and mentors that encouraged me to study hard and pursue a degree that is absolutely priceless in my life.”
Timothy Tiutan
Timothy Tiutan
B.A. Spanish 2012
B.S. Health Sciences 2012
M.D. Medicine 2016
Resident Physician | NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL
“Pursuing degrees in both physiology and Spanish linguistics allows me to have a deeper connection with my patients today. Living in New York City as a physician, it is crucial for me to be able to communicate with people from all backgrounds – particularly the Latino community.”
Beatriz Jimenez-Villanueva
Beatriz Jimenez-Villanueva
M.A. Spanish 2009
Ph.D. Spanish 2015
“Thanks to my education in the Humanities I have reached more than 15 years of experience in international and Study Abroad education in Spain, Chile and the USA.”
