Bachelor's Degree in Spanish
What Is a Spanish Degree?
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish degree program at GCU prepares students for meaningful careers as Spanish interpreters or translators. Native and non-native Spanish speakers alike will grow their love of the Spanish language into an exciting career. GCU graduates who earn their bachelor’s degree in Spanish can go on to help enhance communication in professional settings, build relationships between colleagues across the globe and help deliver important information across cultural barriers.
BA in Spanish Degree Requirements
This BA in Spanish degree program is designed to help students build on their language skills for the duration of their coursework. The progression goes like this:
- 100-level Courses
Focus on basic Spanish language and conversation skills. Students work on all aspects of language development, including listening, reading, writing and speaking. - 200-level Courses
The second level helps Spanish degree students focus on the productive language skills of speaking and writing. Students additionally learn how to apply grammar, expand their vocabulary and learning about Spanish culture. - 300-level Courses
At this point, BA in Spanish students have the competency to apply language in conversation. Grammar accuracy and structure are also well-developed during these courses. The coursework at this level supports Spanish degree students in using language to understand cultural differences. - 400-level Courses
BA in Spanish students at this level learn about applying their language skills in a professional capacity. Additionally, a capstone project requires Spanish degree students to translate works in medical, legal, business and educational fields in both Peninsular Spanish and Latin American dialects.
What Careers Can You Get With a Spanish Degree?
There are many career benefits to graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from GCU. Students who study foreign language learn:
- Active communication skills
- Cultural awareness
- Historical perspectives
- Ethical responsibility
BA in Spanish graduates apply these skills to jobs as interpreters and translators. This bachelor’s degree in Spanish, can lead to careers with various types of organizations in need of translators, including:
- Schools
- Healthcare
- Christian organizations
- Government entities
- Private enterprises
- Criminal justice
A Bachelor of Arts in Spanish will ensure that you have the foundational skills to work anywhere that translation and interpretation is needed. Your interest and proficiency in Spanish language and culture can make a world of difference for future employers. Join us in the BA in Spanish degree program at GCU.
BA in Spanish Degree FAQs
Majoring in any second language will look great on a resume and can help open doors in many different types of careers and industries. 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. Earning a BA in Spanish requires a lot of reading, vocabulary exercises and memorization. You’ll be expected to also 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 a bachelor’s in Spanish, is worth it if you have a true passion for the language and want to use it in your career. If you have a goal to live and work in another country that speaks your desired language, 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, politics, STEM or education.
In today’s global economy, employers are increasingly searching for bilingual and multilingual candidates to join their teams. Successful, bilingual candidates often demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and culture awareness, which is attractive to global employers. In fact, bilingual employees may earn 5-20% more money per hour than those who speak only one language.1
Pursuing a master’s degree to complement your bachelor’s degree in Spanish can provide opportunities to specialize in your chosen field. For example, you may want to teach or become a translator for a government agency. Some master’s programs include:
- Spanish and Latin American Studies
- Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language
- Spanish Linguistics and Pedagogy
- Spanish and Latin American Literature
According to a report by New American Economy, the number of job advertisements from U.S. employers seeking bilingual workers more than doubled from 2010 to 2015. During this same timeframe, the number of U.S. job ads listing Spanish as a desired skill increased by approximately 150%.2 And the numbers continue to rise. As of September 2021, job growth for interpreters and translators is on track to grow by an estimated 24% from 2020 to 2030, accounting for an estimated increase of 19,300 jobs in the field.3
Retrieved from:
1 Financial Post, Bilingual employees can earn more money per hour than those who speak one language in January 2022.
2 New American Economy, Not Lost in Translation: The Growing Importance of Foreign Language Skills in the U.S. Job Market in January 2022.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2020, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interpreters and Translators.
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.