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

Begin Your Application

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

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

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.

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 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).
4. 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.

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.

Note: SLU-Madrid and SLU-St. Louis program requirements vary slightly by campus.

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.

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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

SLU-Madrid Application

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. 

• Tuition and Fees
• Scholarships and Financial Aid

For additional information about this program, please contact languages@slu.edu or call 314-977-2617.