The Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish is intended for students interested in teaching Spanish as well as for those preparing to integrate Hispanic studies into their chosen careers.
The program includes courses designed to help students develop their skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Students will gain an understanding of Hispanic cultures in Spain and Latin America, as well as in the United States. A distinguishing feature of the program is the requirement that students majoring in Spanish must complete an internship working among Hispanics in the Winchester-Frederick County community. The major requires a total of 39 academic credits.
Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program includes courses designed to help you develop skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. You’ll also gain an understanding of Hispanic culture in Spain, Latin America and the United States.
Shenandoah University’s Languages Department prepares you to be a true global citizen. In addition to instruction in Spanish and other languages, you’ll have opportunities to participate in community service and study abroad opportunities around the world. Our small, interactive classes are led by professors who combine cutting-edge scholarship with individualized attention to help you develop to your fullest potential.
Learn More About This Program
Enrich your career and become a global citizen through languages and cultures.
Shenandoah University’s Department of Languages and Cultural Studies seeks to prepare students to be true Global Citizens. In addition to instruction in Spanish, French, German and English as a Second Language, we promote community service in the target language and study abroad opportunities around the world.
In today’s global marketplace, languages are a valuable addition to your résumé, opening doors to better career opportunities and higher salaries.
Shenandoah University's College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Minor in This Program
The minor in Spanish is for students preparing to integrate language skills and Hispanic studies into their chosen careers. The program includes courses designed to help students develop their skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Students will gain an understanding of Hispanic cultures in Spain and Latin America, as well as in the United States. A distinguishing feature of the program is the requirement that all minors do internships working among Hispanics in the Winchester-Frederick County community. The minor requires a total of 19 academic credits.
Course Requirements
REQUIRED COURSEWORK (6 credits)
SPAN 301 Conversation or SPAN 411 Advanced Oral Spanish
SPAN 302 Composition or SPAN 412 Advanced Written Spanish
PLUS any three of the following courses (9 credits)
SPAN 315 Reading in U.S. Latino Literature & Culture
SPAN 316 The Southern Cone
SPAN 320 Survey of Peninsular Literature
SPAN 325 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 403 Topics
SPAN 411 Advanced Oral Spanish
SPAN 412 Advanced Written Spanish
SPAN 440 Second Language Acquisition
SPAN 451 Introduction to Translation
SPAN 452 Advanced Spanish Translation
PLUS community internships (4 credits)
SPAN 391 Internship
SPAN 392 Internship
SPAN 393 Internship
Declaring A Minor
Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.
Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.
Internship Possibilities
A distinguishing feature of the program is the requirement that students majoring in Spanish must complete an internship working among Hispanics in the Winchester-Frederick County community.
The Career Services staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Career and Salary Examples for Spanish Majors:
- High School Teacher: $29,639 - $79,396
- Human Resources (HR) Manager: $41,212 - $100,500
- Public Relations Specialist: $43,600
- Copywriter: $45,000
The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
REQUIRED COURSEWORK (18 credits)
SPAN 301 Conversation
SPAN 302 Composition
SPAN 311 Spanish Civilization & Culture
SPAN 312 Latin American Civilization & Culture
SPAN 330 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
SPAN 430 Seminar/Senior Project
PLUS any five of the following courses (15 credits)
SPAN 315 Reading in U.S. Latino Literature & Culture
SPAN 316 The Southern Cone
SPAN 320 Survey of Peninsular Literature
SPAN 325 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 403 Topics
SPAN 411 Advanced Oral Spanish
SPAN 412 Advanced Written Spanish
SPAN 440 Second Language Acquisition
SPAN 451 Introduction to Translation
SPAN 452 Advanced Spanish Translation
PLUS community internships (6 credits)
SPAN 391 Internship
SPAN 392 Internship
SPAN 393 Internship
*Spanish majors are also encouraged to have competence in a second foreign language through the intermediate level. The second language competency may be achieved by a combination of prior coursework, qualifying examination, and/or study abroad.
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Student Teaching and Teacher Licensure
This program is eligible for secondary teacher licensure.
Shenandoah University’s comprehensive Professional Studies Certificate program prepares you to be an effective secondary school teacher. You’ll complete coursework necessary to earn Virginia licensure (coursework can be adapted for teachers who are provisionally licensed), and spend 300-500 hours gaining hands-on classroom experience. Our programs are fully accredited by TEAC/CAEP.
These courses plus student teaching comprise a minor that can connect to the following majors for Virginia 6-12 Licensure. In addition to the regular admissions process, students applying to teacher education programs in Virginia must pass state-mandated standardized tests such as Praxis I.
Professional Studies Program for Secondary School Teacher Education (6-12)
| Course | Title | Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 220 | Child Development | 3 | |
| EDU 221 | Child Development Lab | 1 | |
| EDU 301 | Orientation to Teaching/Practicum | 3 | |
| EDU 343 | Methods & Assessments in Middle/Secondary Schools | 3 | |
| EDU 344 | Methods & Management in Middle/Secondary Schools | 3 | |
| RDG 425 | Reading & Writing in the Content Area | 3 | |
|
Pass PRAXIS II requirement before student teaching |
|||
| EDU 441 | Student Teaching in the Middle/Secondary Schools | 9 | |
| Total | 25 | ||
Students in the College of Arts & Sciences seeking to become licensed as teachers take courses in Arts & Sciences as the predominant part of their first two years at the university. Upon completion of EDU 301 – Orientation to Teaching, students apply to the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) for admission.
Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Related Programs
Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.
All majors within the College of Arts & Sciences require students to complete a minor in the program of their choice at Shenandoah.
These minors complement this program well:
You may want to think about enhancing your degree with these certificates that pair well with this program:
Continue your education by earning a graduate degree:
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.
Short-Term Mission Projects
Shenandoah University also offers short-term mission projects, both in the US and abroad. Spanish professor Dr. Ann Lesman has participated in trips to Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.