Have the State Seal of Biliteracy? Get up to 15 credits at Westfield State! Use them toward graduation, electives, a Spanish major or minor, or world language requirements.
Spanish, B.A.
Earn College Credit for Your Language Skills!
Develop an in-depth understanding of Spanish language and culture for your career at home or abroad.
The Spanish major at Westfield State University prepares you to take your place in a multicultural, multilingual environment—whether locally or abroad—through coursework designed to develop your written and oral communication skills as well as your cultural awareness. You’ll study the Hispanic world in a variety of dimensions—including linguistic, cultural, literary, and more. You may also select a concentration for your studies depending on your interests and goals in language acquisition and cultural competence.
Available concentrations:
Language, Culture, and Literature
This Spanish major concentration allows you to construct and customize your curriculum with courses from the Spanish Department, as well as English-taught classes in the department.
Translation and Interpreting
This Spanish major concentration prepares you for a career in translation and interpreting, in which advanced-level proficiency in both Spanish and English is required. All classes are conducted exclusively in Spanish, providing ample opportunity to practice your language skills. You’ll develop a practical foundation of the Spanish language, including advanced writing skills, formal presentation skills in Spanish, technical translation skills, and advanced cultural competency.
This concentration also features a range of advanced courses on a variety of topics, so you can acquire a diverse set of specialized vocabularies as well as the art and skill of translation and interpreting. You will graduate the program as a truly proficient professional with cross-cultural and intercultural competency and specific translation and interpreting skills.
Program Highlights
- On campus, online, or hybrid
- Research and internship opportunities
- Supportive, collaborative, student-centered community
- Develop versatile skills that can be applied in various industries
Take your place in a globalized economy and become a multilingual professional.
Earn your Spanish degree to immerse yourself in the Hispanic language, culture, and political dimensions.
Grow your cultural competence and become a fluent Spanish speaker.
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A well-rounded Spanish degree with a bilingual focus
Our flexible Spanish major focuses on language proficiency and cultural competence, along with developing a knowledge and appreciation of the Hispanic world in its historical, political, literary, and artistic dimensions.
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Small, immersive classes
You’ll learn in small, engaging classes designed with your career goals in mind. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to converse and collaborate with your peers as well as receive one-on-one attention from your professors.
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Real-world experiences
Put your classroom studies to use in a variety of internships, capstone projects, and more. Plus, engage with your fellow classmates to hone your everyday professional skills—like communication, teamwork, and project management.
Program Details
Program Mission
As part of the Department of Sociology, Hispanic, Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, the Hispanic Studies program aims to prepare you to take your place in a multicultural, multilingual environment —whether locally or abroad— through a curriculum designed to promote the development of written and oral communication skills and cultural awareness. Our curriculum is geared for you to study the Hispanic world, in a variety of dimensions: linguistic, cultural, and literary, among others. We offer different concentrations depending on your interests and goals in language acquisition and cultural competence.
Program Vision
Facilitate our students to grow into active, constructive, productive and energetic members of a just and prosperous society by enabling their sufficient analytical and language skill, accurate understanding about social reality, deep knowledge in the professional fields, strong drive for social justice and social progress, built-in cross-cultural sense and sensibility.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates from the Department of Sociology, Hispanic and Liberal/Interdisciplinary Studies are working in the professional fields of human resources and marketing departments in both public and private organizations, social service/social work agencies, state and local governments, schools, non-profit organizations, and many more. Equipped with the knowledge and skills they learned from the program students embed their extraordinary in the ordinary as they worked and are working on daily basis as community organizers, government officials, social workers, school teachers, police officers, business owners, company executives, etc. and have contributed to the local communities, the State of Massachusetts, the country, and the human society as a whole. Many of our graduates go on to graduate schools to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D.
What can you do with a Spanish degree?
Your Spanish degree will prepare you for a wide variety of careers and multiple types of professional settings. Follow your passions and pursue a career as a:
- Translator
- Bilingual teacher
- Interpreter
- Foreign service officer
- International relations consultant
- Travel agent
- Writer or journalist
- Tour guide
- Non-profit worker
- Community organizer
Ready to learn more?
Course Requirements
Get big school features with small school advantages.
We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support.
You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.
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17:1
student-faculty ratio
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Study abroad
in 35+ countries
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300+
service projects
Expert faculty and individualized attention.
Westfield State University’s Spanish Department prides itself on providing personal attention to each of our students. You’ll receive one-on-one attention and mentorship from faculty and administrators. Plus, we work with you to tailor your degree to fit your interests and professional goals.
Contact Us
Dr. Hugo Viera
Director of the Hispanic Studies Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?
Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).
All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.
Learn more about the application process and admissions here.
How much does Westfield State University cost?
Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more.
Will I receive academic support?
We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth.
Learn more about our student support services here.
Request Information
We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.