Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish
Bridge Cultural Gaps With a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
If you have a passion for language and a desire to bridge cultural barriers, then a language degree may be an appropriate choice for you. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish degree at Grand Canyon University can help position you for a possible career as a Spanish language interpreter or translator.
Native and non-native Spanish speakers alike will have the opportunity to grow their love of the Spanish language into a potential career. You may also find that taking Spanish language courses and examining cultural and historical issues could serve you well in your personal life, particularly if you frequently interact with Spanish language speakers.
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Choose GCU for Your BA in Spanish Degree
When you earn your BA in Spanish, you will be taught how to help enhance communication in professional settings, build relationships between colleagues across the globe, and help deliver important information across cultural barriers. GCU’s bachelor’s in Spanish program focuses not only on building language skills, but also on exploring contemporary events and cultural issues in the Spanish speaking world.
GCU is a Christian university that presents curriculum rooted in biblical principles and strives to teach students about the importance of servant leadership and living by the Word of God. When you join our faith-based learning community, you will be encouraged to lead by example and to display ethical decision-making.
Explore Core Spanish Language Concepts
This degree program is designed to provide a firm foundation of Spanish language skills and cultural competencies. Throughout the bachelor’s degree in Spanish program, you will have opportunities to examine language structure, practice oral communication, and build practical terminology. Spanish language fluency is the goal of the program.
Career Opportunities for Graduates With a Bachelor’s in Spanish
There are many potential career and personal benefits to graduating with a BA in Spanish from GCU. Students who study foreign language are taught competencies in:
- Active communication skills
- Cultural awareness
- Historical perspectives
- Ethical responsibility
You can apply your degree toward pursuing jobs as an interpreter or translator. With a firm foundation in the Spanish language, you may set yourself up to pursue positions in a variety of settings that need translators and interpreters, including:3
- Schools
- Healthcare facilities
- Government entities
- Private enterprises
- Criminal justice settings
These types of organizations rely on the work of translators and interpreters to ensure that information is readily accessible to all. For example, at healthcare facilities, an interpreter can help patients discuss their symptoms with a nurse or physician and learn about treatment options. In criminal justice settings, such as courts, an interpreter’s work can help ensure that the voice of non-English-speaking victims is heard or that the rights of non-English-speaking defendants are upheld. At private companies, translators and interpreters can help professionals at multinational companies liaise. After you earn a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, you may be able to position yourself to pursue possible opportunities across these varied settings.
Take Spanish Courses at an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU emphasizes a quality education, and as such, our instructors are knowledgeable in their fields. As an indicator of the quality of our instruction, GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). We strive to graduate students who are ready to make a difference in their careers.
Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish FAQs
Planning for your future requires thorough research and decision-making. Use the following frequently asked questions and answers to guide you as you reflect upon your degree and career choices.
If you are looking to add a second language to your skill set, Spanish is a good option because it’s widely spoken and can be used more frequently. If you were not raised in a Spanish-speaking home, it is recommended to take Spanish classes as early as possible before pursuing a Spanish degree at the university level. Earning a BA in Spanish requires a lot of reading, vocabulary exercises and memorization. As you progress further in the degree program, you’ll be expected to write and hold fluent conversations in Spanish, so it’s important to gain as much exposure to the language as possible.
Earning a language degree, such as in Spanish, may be worth it if you have a true passion for the language and want to use it in your career. If your goal is to live and work in another country that speaks Spanish predominantly, then you could benefit from gaining formal education in that particular language and culture. Majoring in a foreign language may also appeal to double majors who are looking to enhance their skills and marketability in another field, such as business, healthcare or STEM.1
In today’s global economy, employers are increasingly searching for bilingual and multilingual candidates to join their teams.2 Successful, bilingual candidates often demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and culture awareness, which is attractive to global employers.4 In fact, bilingual employees may earn 5–20% more per hour than those who speak only one language.4
Pursuing a master’s degree to complement your bachelor’s degree can allow you the opportunity to take a more in-depth exploration of Spanish language skills. You may decide to enroll in a master’s degree program that focuses on a specific academic discipline, such as literature, or a particular occupation, such as teaching.
As of September 2023, job growth for interpreters and translators is on track to grow by an estimated 4% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This estimated job growth rate is as fast as the national average for all professions.2
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish degree at GCU requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. If you would like to better understand how long it might take you to earn your degree, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor.
At GCU, you can combine your passion for language with purpose for your future career. Apply today to enroll in the BA in Spanish degree program and prepare to immerse yourself within a biblically rooted curriculum.
1 ZipDo. (2023, July 10). Essential Bilingual Job Statistics in 2023. Retrieved on Oct. 4, 2023.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interpreters and Translators, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). Interpreters and Translators. Retrieved on Oct. 4, 2023.
4 StackCommerce., (2023, Aug. 8). Bilingual employees can earn more money per hour than those who speak one language. Financial Post. Retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course further builds Spanish vocabulary and language structure. Oral practice, short compositions, textbook readings, and cultural activities are stressed. Will include some study of Spanish-language cultures. Prerequisite: SPA-105.
Course Description
This course continues to build on vocabulary, language structure, oration and composition skills. Will include some study of Spanish-language cultures. Prerequisite: SPA-214.
Course Description
This course helps students speak with fluency and standard pronunciation, to develop facility in the language, and to become conversant with culture, common expression, and everyday usage. This course includes some study of Spanish-language cultures. Prerequisite: SPA-224.
Course Description
This course helps the student express a wide range of style in writing: description, narration, persuasion, comparison/contrast, and dialogue through careful drafting and editing of content, grammar, and orthography. Will include some study of Spanish-language cultures. Prerequisite: SPA-224.
Course Description
This course is designed to discuss and analyze contemporary events and issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPA-309.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course provides an introduction to literary concepts, terminology, and theory with application to poetic, dramatic, and prose texts. This course includes some study of Spanish-language cultures. Prerequisite: SPA-310.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the historical evolution of translation and interpretation across cultures. It offers important information on the function and feasibility in both fields. Prerequisite: SPA-310.
Course Description
This course introduces practical terminology and professional language in everyday, on-the-job situations from a cross-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: SPA-310.
Course Description
This course explores various software used to aid translators and interpreters to work faster and more accurately. Prerequisite: SPA-310.
Course Description
This course further explores practical terminology and professional language in everyday, on-the-job situations from a cross-cultural perspective in various professional fields.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course provides an opportunity to produce multiple major works of translation in the areas of: Medical, Legal, Business, and Educational Spanish in both Peninsular and Latin American dialects. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisites: SPA-410 and SPA-420.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.