Spanish, B.A.
Saint Louis University students who major in Spanish at SLU gain a valuable asset in an increasingly globalized, complex world. Mastering Spanish as the demand for bilingual workers in the U.S. continues to rise gives graduates a competitive edge in education, health care, business, international relations, government, cultural studies, social work and law enforcement. It also broadens one's horizons by increasing cultural awareness and global contacts.
Program Highlights
- The Spanish major at Saint Louis University prepares students for careers requiring Spanish proficiency or for graduate work in Spanish.
- With the help of a team of dedicated, experienced faculty members, instructors and mentors, Spanish majors focus on refining their language skills in Spanish, exploring the Hispanic cultural legacy through literature, linguistics and culture, gaining familiarity with Spanish within professional contexts (such as health care), and increasing their cultural and social sensitivity. Students are encouraged to study abroad; one option is Saint Louis University-Madrid.
- In the United States, Spanish has been present for more than five centuries. It is currently the second most widely spoken language, with about 43.4 million people speaking it at home and 8 million students. By 2060, the U.S. is expected to be the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, behind only Mexico.
- Worldwide, Spanish is the second most spoken native language, after Mandarin Chinese; the third most used language on the internet; one of the six official languages of the United Nations (along with Arabic, French, English, Mandarin and Russian); and one of the official languages of the European Union. Spanish is spoken worldwide by almost 500 million native speakers on four continents and in 21 countries, and by 23 million students. By 2030, Spanish speakers will make up 7.5% of the world's population.
- Based on the growth of the Hispanic population and the increase of Spanish speakers worldwide, bilingual English-Spanish ability and cross-cultural understanding are valued assets within all fields but especially within business, health care, government, education, cultural as well as international studies, social work and law enforcement. In addition, it is reported that the need for foreign-language teachers will increase by 20% over the next 10 years in the U.S.
Curriculum Overview
Spanish majors at Saint Louis University achieve oral and written proficiency in the language while taking courses in literature, culture, linguistics and Spanish for the professions. A diverse curriculum that focuses on literary, cultural and linguistic analyses provides students with an informed understanding and a critical perspective of the main issues in Hispanic societies. Thus, when graduating, a Spanish major at SLU may have taken some of the following courses:
- Refining Spanish Expression: Grammar and Composition
- Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics
- Spanish in the USA
- Spanish for the Health Professions
- English-Spanish in Translation
- Latin American Film
In addition to classroom coursework, Spanish majors at SLU are encouraged to participate in service projects and social activities that foster cultural awareness and social conscience. Thus, students are invited to be part of the SLU Spanish Club, to volunteer in service learning opportunities and to participate in social activities such as movie nights, cultural talks, service workshops, etc.
The program encourages all students majoring in Spanish to spend one year at SLU-Madrid. Besides many skill-expanding courses in Spanish language, culture and literature, students at SLU-Madrid may select from offerings in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Many courses are taught in English as well. This experience abroad has proven to be an invaluable asset in competing for career opportunities.
Careers
A major in Spanish, complemented by a second major, uniquely qualifies students to compete and advance in many careers. Spanish graduates can develop career paths successfully in:
- Education
- Medicine and health sciences
- Business
- Law
- Government
- Politics
- Social work
- Non-governmental organizations
- Foreign service
- Scientific research
- Translation and interpretation
Admission Requirements
Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application.
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.
Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).
In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.
Tuition
| Tuition/Fee | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $58,960 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2025, 99.6% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $517 million in aid University-wide.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.
For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will be able to communicate in spoken Spanish at least at the Advanced Low proficiency level according to the standards set by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
- Graduates will be able to communicate in written Spanish at least at the Advanced Low proficiency level according to the standards set by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
- Graduates will be able to interpret texts and artifacts produced in Spanish in formal contexts (such as news, academia and nonfiction) at least at the Advanced Low proficiency level according to the standards set by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
- Graduates will be able to analyze significant topics in linguistics, literature and/or culture pertaining to the Spanish-speaking world.
Students start the program at the 2000 level. The specific course will depend on their language and cultural proficiency. No more than a total of two SPAN and/or LLC courses conducted in English will be counted towards the major in Spanish. All students complete 33 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
| Major Requirements | 33 | |
| Skills-Expanding Courses | ||
| SPAN 2010 | Connecting with the Hispanic World: Intermediate Spanish 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 2020 | Connecting with the Hispanic World: Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN 2030 | Eloquent Communication in Spanish | 3 |
| 3000-Level Spanish Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Select no more than two 3000-level courses beyond SPAN 2030: | ||
SPAN 3030 | Refining Spanish Expression: Grammar & Composition | |
SPAN 3040 | In Conversation with the Hispanic World | |
SPAN 3100 | Spanish Pronunciation | |
SPAN 3150 | Medical Spanish | |
SPAN 3160 | Mental Health and Spanish | |
SPAN 3360 | Race, Gender, Class and Social Justice in Latin America | |
SPAN 3930 | Special Topics | |
| 4000-Level Spanish Elective Courses | 18 | |
| Select the number of courses needed to complete 33 credits from the following: | ||
SPAN 4000 | Advanced Spanish Grammar | |
SPAN 4020 | Spanish in the World | |
SPAN 4030 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | |
SPAN 4050 | Spanish Phonetics and Phonology | |
SPAN 4060 | History of the Spanish Language | |
SPAN 4070 | Spanish in the United States of America | |
SPAN 4090 | Spanish Sociolinguistics | |
SPAN 4130 | Second Language Acquisition | |
SPAN 4150 | Spanish for the Health Professions | |
SPAN 4160 | Business & Professional Spanish | |
SPAN 4170 | English-Spanish in Translation | |
SPAN 4175 | Introduction to Translation English-Spanish | |
SPAN 4180 | Creative Writing in Spanish | |
SPAN 4200 | Hispanic Genres | |
SPAN 4220 | Soccer and Society in the Spanish-Speaking World | |
SPAN 4240 | Latin American Short Story | |
SPAN 4260 | Latin American 'Modernism' | |
SPAN 4270 | Contemporary Latin American Poetry | |
SPAN 4290 | Introduction to Latin American Novel | |
SPAN 4310 | Contemporary Latin-American Drama | |
SPAN 4320 | The African Experience in Spanish America | |
SPAN 4330 | Latin American Novels after 1970 | |
SPAN 4350 | Latin American Testimony | |
SPAN 4360 | Women's Literature in Latin America | |
SPAN 4370 | Latin American Film | |
SPAN 4390 | Contemporary Spanish Women Artists | |
SPAN 4400 | Strangers in a Familiar Land: Displacements in Latin America | |
SPAN 4510 | Contemporary Latino Literature | |
SPAN 4521 | The Kingdom of Brevity: Spanish and Spanish-American Short-Short Stories | |
SPAN 4560 | Don Quixote | |
SPAN 4571 | Border Crossings in the Américas | |
SPAN 4590 | Spanish Jewry in Spain and in the Diaspora | |
SPAN 4630 | Narrative of the Spanish Civil War | |
SPAN 4680 | Contemporary Spanish Short Story | |
SPAN 4710 | 20th Century Spanish Novel | |
SPAN 4720 | Twentieth Century Spanish Drama | |
SPAN 4760 | Spanish Literature and Film | |
SPAN 4770 | Spanish Women Poets | |
SPAN 4790 | Spanish Culture & Civilization | |
SPAN 4820 | The Short Story in Medieval Spain: Fear, Education and Humor | |
SPAN 4830 | Spanish Medieval Masterpieces | |
SPAN 4840 | Love in the Middle Ages | |
SPAN 4850 | Don Quixote and the Books that Drove Him Mad | |
| University Electives | 52-55 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Every major is assigned a Spanish mentor who provides guidance and support within the program. All students are encouraged to contact and/or meet with their Spanish mentor at least once a year. Mentors in the Spanish program help majors make the most out of their learning experience.
Non-Course Requirements
No more than a total of two SPAN and/or LLC courses conducted in English will be counted towards the major in Spanish.
Continuation Standards
All courses for the Spanish major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Students who do not achieve the "C" or better grade in a required course will be expected to repeat the course in an attempt to achieve the "C" or better grade. Students may repeat a required course one time. Failure to achieve the "C" or better grade after one repeat attempt will have the student dismissed from the Major in Spanish.
This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.
Roadmap notes:
- This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
- Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
- Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SPAN 2010 | Connecting with the Hispanic World: Intermediate Spanish 1 (Some students may begin at SPAN 1200 or at SPAN 3010 depending on their proficiency level.) | 3 |
| CORE 1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar | 2 |
| CORE 1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community | 1 |
| CORE 1900 | Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication | 3 |
| CORE 1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
| University Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SPAN 2020 or CORE 3400 |
Connecting with the Hispanic World: Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN 2020 counts as Core 3400: Ways of thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture) or Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture |
3 |
| CORE 1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
| CORE 3200 | Ways of Thinking: Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPAN 2030 or CORE 1200 |
Eloquent Communication in Spanish (SPAN 2030 counts as Core 1200 and should be taken in your first 60 credit hours at SLU. ) or Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication |
3 |
| CORE 1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
| CORE 2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SPAN 3XXX Elective | Students take two Spanish 3000-level courses beyond SPAN 2030 in any order; it is highly recommended they are taken concurrently. | 3 |
| Intensive Writing Attribute | SPAN 3030 satisfies Writing Intensive. | 3 |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPAN 4200 or CORE 3400 |
Hispanic Genres (SPAN 4200 counts as Core 3400 Ways of thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture. SPAN 4200 is a pre-requisite for other literature courses.) or Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture |
3 |
| SPAN 4030 or CORE 3600 |
Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics (SPAN 4030 counts as Core 3600 Ways of thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences) or Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
| Equity and Global Identity: Global Interdependence | Ask your Spanish Mentor for courses that satisfy Global Interdependence. | 3 |
| CORE 2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression (SPAN 4175 or SPAN 4180 counts as CORE 2800) | 3 |
| University Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SPAN 4000-level elective | Students choose to take courses in a variety of areas. Mentors in the Spanish program help students build a comprehensive course sequence from early on. | 6 |
| Equity and Global Identity: Identities in Context | SPAN 4020, SPAN 4590, or SPAN 4790 satisfies Identities in Context. | 3 |
| CORE 3500 | Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World | 1 |
| University Electives | 5 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPAN 4000-level elective | 3 | |
| CORE 4000 | Collaborative Inquiry (SPAN 4150 satisfies Collaborative Inquiry.) | 3 |
| Reflection in Action | SPAN 4150 satisfies Reflection in Action. | 3 |
| Equity and Global Identity: Dignity, Ethics, and a Just Society | SPAN 4150 satisfies Dignity, Ethics, and a Just Society. | 3 |
| University Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SPAN 4000-level elective | 3 | |
| University Electives | 12 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Saint Louis University offers a singular opportunity for you to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in Madrid where you'll be totally immersed in the language, culture and literature of the Hispanic World.
The quality of Spanish courses at SLU-Madrid is incomparable to any Spanish course I've experienced in the United States. I feel my Spanish knowledge and speaking ability have improved exponentially from my two semesters here, and it is particularly rewarding to be able to use that education outside of the classroom in everyday life living in Madrid as well!"
- Anji Cooper
Curriculum Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish requires 120 credits, which includes 33 credits of Spanish coursework. You'll be required to complete 18 credits of literature or advanced Spanish language study.
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at SLU-Madrid focuses on advanced language training, culture and literary studies. A major, double major or a minor in Spanish is a popular choice for students considering careers in law, science, political science, international business, economics, international relations, history, psychology or education, areas in which language proficiency is highly valued.
Faculty
The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers and mentors. Learn about our faculty members, including their education, credentials, experience and contact information.
Faculty Research
The SLU-Madrid faculty maintains robust programs of research in a variety of fields. See below for more data.
Find Faculty Research Information
Fieldwork, Internships and Careers
From the very first day of class at SLU-Madrid, instruction is in Spanish. Students may also choose to take many of their general degree requirements ― such as psychology, history and theology ― in Spanish. You will experience Spanish life and culture firsthand, putting your language skills to practice outside the classroom.
Students who study Spanish language and literature receive a solid foundation of excellent analytical and language skills, and strong intercultural knowledge. Our alumni have enrolled in graduate programs to continue their Spanish studies. Many students who combine Spanish studies with other majors and minors find employment in education, translation, editing and publishing companies, business, government and nonprofit agencies. Some students choose to pursue service upon graduation through organizations such as the Jesuit Volunteer Corps or the U.S. Peace Corps.
Admission
Application Deadlines
- April 1 - Fall admission (July 1 for EU students)
- Aug. 1 - Spring admission (Nov. 1 for EU students)
- March 1 - Summer sessions (for applicants who require a student visa)
- April 15 - Summer sessions (for applicants who do not require a student visa)
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
Avenida del Valle, 34
28003 Madrid, Spain
P: (+34) 91 554 58 58
admissions-madrid@slu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays through Fridays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (3 p.m. on Fridays from May 15 - Sept. 1)
Tuition and Fees
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at SLU-Madrid are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
For additional information about this program, please contact languages@slu.edu or call 314-977-2617.