B.A. in Spanish

Program Overview

UVM’s Program in Spanish helps you build strong language skills while exploring the cultures, histories, and communities of Spanish-speaking regions around the world. You’ll take courses in language, literature, and cultural studies across Latin America, Spain, and U.S. Latino communities, supported by faculty who are both dedicated teachers and active scholars.

Students learn in small, discussion-based classes and are encouraged to engage beyond the classroom. Many participate in Spanish-language events, conversation groups, and cultural activities, or live in La Casa de Cultura (Spanish House), creating opportunities to practice their skills and connect with the community.

Many students also study abroad for a semester, year, or short-term program in Spain or Latin America, gaining real-world experience and cultural immersion.

Alumni Spotlight

I loved studying Spanish at the University of Vermont. I had great professors who were not only interested in what we did during class, but what we also did outside of class. I developed close relationships and I had the opportunity to do an internship and study abroad in Madrid, Spain. 

In addition, I learned a variety of topics throughout my Spanish major such as extractivism and colonialism in Latin America, Cuban Cinema, Medical Narratives, and different literatures. Furthermore, I always enjoyed the passion of the professors, participating in class discussions, and expressing my own opinions/thoughts. The Spanish Department helped me grow in my knowledge, awareness of the culture, and skills such as writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Spanish. I felt honored to be a member of the National Hispanic Honor Society.  

Ethan Frey, Class of 2023
Peace Corps

Curriculum

We offer a wide range of classes on the literatures and cultures of Spain and Latin America in addition to language courses at all levels. Sample upper-level electives include The Language of Social Justice, Petroculture: Extraction and Latin America, Latin American Poetry in Resistance, Cuban Cinema, Writing and Speaking Creatively, Medical Narratives, Sustainability and Culture.

From the UVM Catalogue:

Spanish B.A. Requirements

Admissions

Regardless of how much experience you have with Spanish prior to UVM, we require that everyone take the language placement exam.

Foreign Language Placement Test

Outcomes

Our students advance into a wide variety of professions. We have students who have become teachers, lawyers, investment consultants, marketing managers working in Spain, and community organizers among other things.

Upon completion of the B.A. with Major in Spanish degree, students will be able to:

1. Acquire knowledge of the literary and cultural traditions of Spanish-speaking peoples
2. Speak and understand the language for the expression of ideas and opinions in academic writing and for purposes of daily life
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in analyzing literary or cultural topics
4. Develop multicultural awareness to enhance professional and personal interactions with people of other cultural traditions

Core Competencies: Skills You Will Master

• Intercultural/global fluency and foreign language skills
• Ethical reasoning and decision making
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Creative expression and innovation
• Teamwork, collaboration, and leadership
• Written, visual, and oral communication

Careers

• Health services
• Peace corps
• Network reporter
• Social services
• Law enforcement