SPANISH
Bachelor's Degree Programs
In today’s global marketplace and in an increasingly diverse society, being bilingual is an asset in business, health and human services and education. Spanish is the second largest language in the U.S., and more than 400 million people speak the language worldwide.
The Spanish major and minor offer expert and engaging instruction in Spanish language and culture, which can prepare you for success in a variety of fields.
The World Languages and Cultures programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater help students develop into global citizens of the world in a unique, deep and transformative way.
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
UW-Whitewater offers several scholarships that can help fund your travel.
What our Spanish students do
Participate in diverse student organizations
Practice conversational Spanish skills through internships and community service
Immerse themselves in another culture while studying abroad
Hands-on learning experiences
Spanish majors at UW-Whitewater learn by doing in many ways, including gaining cross-cultural experience and practicing conversational Spanish in various settings:
- Participate in undergraduate research
- Volunteer within the Latino/Hispanic community
- Enroll in classes with a service-learning aspect
- Intern at a company that will allow you to use your Spanish-speaking skills
- Work as a tutor or supplemental language instructor to help other students
Study abroad and cultural immersion
One of the most effective ways to gain cultural competency and improve your conversational skills is to immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment. Among UW-Whitewater’s 50+ study abroad options, you’ll find:
- Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza
- Chile: Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar
- Costa Rica: San Jose, San Joaquin
- Cuba: Havana
- Ecuador: Cuenca
- Spain: Barcelona, Granada, Madrid and Seville
UW-Whitewater offers a variety of other international experiences, including:
- Exchange programs
- International student teaching
- International service learning
- Faculty-led travel studies
The Travel Study program involves a semester-long course that culminates with a short-term, faculty-led trip. Options vary between semesters; recent topics and locations of interest to Spanish majors include environmental conservation in Panama.
Campus and community involvement
You’ll find student clubs and organizations that offer opportunities for Spanish conversation or cultural interaction, as well as community service, including:
- Spanish Club
- Latinos Unidos
- International Student Association
- Admira La Música de las Américas (A.L.M.A.)
Additionally, UW-Whitewater has student chapters of related honor societies and service groups such as Gamma Alpha Omega (Latina sorority), Sigma Pi Delta (Spanish honor society) and Zeta Sigma Chi (a multicultural sorority).
Ruth Hammer, from Mauston, Wisconsin, earned a BBA in international business and a B.A. in Spanish and was hired as a new product introduction specialist with Generac Power Systems in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
"I'd like to acknowledge Jodie Parys for encouraging me to continue my Spanish studies and for guiding me along my study abroad opportunities. Professor Parys truly cares for her students and has a passion for teaching!"
Dominika Szeliga, from St. Charles, Illinois, earned a BBA in marketing and Spanish and was hired as an opportunity development representative with Equinix in Amsterdam.
"I am most proud of graduating as a first-generation college student and making my parents immigrating from Poland worth it, becoming fluent in Spanish during my semester abroad, and winning multiple national sales competitions and being able to train younger students who also have a passion for sales."
Jared Ticha, from Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, earned a BBA in finance (Spanish minor) and was hired as a financial analyst intern with Kerry in Beloit, Wisconsin.
De'Andra Tucker, from Kenosha, Wisconsin, earned a BBA in accounting (Spanish minor) and was hired as an assurance associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Brady Challoner, from Germantown, Wisconsin, earned a BBA in supply chain and operations management (Spanish minor) and was hired as a buyer with Steel Solutions Inc. in Franklin, Wisconsin.
"I am most proud of serving two times on the Delta Chi executive board, winning a President's Cup while being vice president, and serving on the Whitewater Student Government executive board for the 2021-2022 academic year."
What our graduates do
Work for multinational corporations and global NGOs
Provide health care and human services
Teach Spanish in schools and the community
Careers for Spanish majors
UW-Whitewater graduates start their Spanish careers in a variety of industries, including:
- Health professions
- Education
- Social services
- Law
- International business
- Governmental service
- Journalism and media
- Librarianship
Many of our world languages majors also continue on to graduate school.
Claire Olsen, second from left, who earned a B.A. in Spanish, was tapped by Forward Janesville to identify existing business and community support initiatives for the Janesville Latinx business community and grow their participation in and engagement with Forward Janesville.
Our faculty
The diverse faculty and instructional academic staff members in UW-Whitewater’s World Languages and Cultures programs include:
- Respected scholars nationally and internationally
- Authors bestowed with international awards
- Distinguished alumni
- Instructors bestowed with teaching awards
Faculty members also represent many countries including Egypt, Japan, Colombia, Mexico and Spain.
Spanish faculty members have been honored for their excellence in teaching and service by the University, the UW System, the community and the industry.
Want to learn more about earning a Spanish degree?
262-472-1975 | wlc@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater’s World Languages and Cultures offerings include the following undergraduate Spanish options:
- Bachelor of Arts — Spanish | 4-year-plan [PDF]
- Bachelor of Science — Spanish | 4-year plan (created individually with faculty)
Licensure:
Minors:
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, as a Spanish major, you’ll take a variety of basic, intermediate and advanced language courses, as well as elective classes. Here’s an example of available electives:
- Introduction to Literature of Spain
- Introduction to Literature of Latin America
- Spanish Civilization
- Spanish American Civilization
- Spanish for Health Professions
- Spanish for Business
- Spanish Conversation
Students pursuing Spanish education will complete courses and teaching placements required for state certification.
An approved minor is also required to earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in a Spanish major.
If you studied Spanish in high school, you’ll take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for your first UW-Whitewater course. Native/heritage speakers should speak to the program coordinator for placement information.
