Spanish and Latin American Studies, BA
Spanish Majors immerse themselves in the language, literature, and lives of Spain, Latin America, and the Latinx community.
Our multidisciplinary program is vibrant, flexible, challenging, and engaging. You will work toward linguistic proficiency in Spanish, honing your basic vocabulary and progressing toward sophisticated communication, verbal and written. In time, you’ll encounter Hispanic cultures through a plethora of film, history, politics, art, and music. In small, discussion-based classes, you’ll engage with writers and thinkers like Isabel Allende, Gabriel García Márquez, Miguel de Cervantes, and María Zambrano, to name a few.
At the culmination of your study, you will create an original project that draws on your learning experience. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive highly personalized instruction from our world-renowned faculty. We are here to equip you for whatever future you envision!
Learn More About Our Program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their academic specialties. Or explore internship opportunities and an array of study abroad possibilities.
CURRICULUM
Earn an Spanish, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
What can you do with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies?
This major prepares you to understand cultural, political, and historical contexts across Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latinx communities. You graduate ready to work in multilingual, multicultural settings in the U.S., and abroad.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study).
Translator / Interpreter
Use high-level spoken and written Spanish to interpret in real time or translate documents so people can access services, information, and legal or medical support.
Teacher (Middle School / High School / Dual Language / Heritage Spanish)
Teach Spanish language and culture, design lessons for bilingual and heritage speakers, and help students build college- and career-level literacy in two languages.
International Commerce / Business Development
Support companies that work across borders by managing client communication, contracts, and outreach for Spanish-speaking markets.
Public Relations / Communications Specialist
Write, edit, and adapt messages for Spanish-speaking audiences so institutions (schools, hospitals, nonprofits, brands) can build trust with the communities they serve.
Community and Policy Advocate
Work with nonprofits, public agencies, or legal aid groups on issues like immigration, housing, labor rights, public health, or education—where language access is critical.
Healthcare Access Coordinator / Patient Navigator
Help Spanish-speaking patients understand care plans, appointments, and insurance options, improving communication between families and providers.
Cultural Programs / Arts and Heritage Coordinator
Develop and promote programs in museums, cultural centers, festivals, or arts organizations that highlight Latin American, Spanish, and Latinx histories and voices.
Diplomacy / International Service / NGO Work
Support outreach, education, documentation, and field programs in Latin America, where cultural literacy and accurate communication in Spanish are essential.
Testimonials
“The faculty at Saint Mary's definitely changed my life. There was a lot of support that I don't think I would have found in a larger college setting. They grew to know me and what I was capable of and I felt like there was a definite kinship that developed where however much effort I gave in my classes, my teachers were also supporting my goals.”
Amanda Benson, '06
