What is a Spanish degree?

A degree in Spanish explores the fastest growing and most widely spoken second language in the United States, as well as the most recognized language in the Western Hemisphere. As the native tongue of some 480 million people, Spanish connects you to millions of other Spanish speakers on this ever changing, multi-lingual planet. With a purchasing power of $1.5 trillion, according to Forbes, the Latin American market represents a huge opportunity for Spanish speakers and the corporations that employ them. A bachelor’s degree in Spanish not only encompasses linguistics, reading, writing and translation of the Romance language, it also immerses students in the heritage, literatures, cultures and peoples of the vast Spanish-speaking world.

Why study Spanish at Furman?

The Spanish section of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures will distinguish you as a cultured, confident and powerful communicator. Regardless of the career you pursue, you will develop your language skills to address the sophisticated challenges of our increasingly interconnected world. You’ll take a deep dive into conversation, literature and culture, creating compelling experiences at home and abroad that will enrich your life and give you an unparalleled edge. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.

How will you learn?

You’ll acquire excellence in listening, speaking, reading, writing and vocabulary through classroom and out-of-class experiences. Study away opportunities, our Modern Language Center and an on-campus Language House program multiply the ways in which you’ll explore Hispanic civilizations, history and customs, immersing you in everything from arts to current issues. Several options in service-learning and internships bring students into dynamic interaction with local Hispanic populations.

A three-week May Experience (MayX) in a local hospital invites students to build empathy, develop real-world language skills and get an inside look at possible medical professions that tap the Spanish language. Through our medical Spanish courses, learn the specialized vocabulary needed for taking a medical history, conducting a physical exam, discussing pharmaceuticals, nutrition and various illnesses.

Featured Spanish courses

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  • 90%
    Spanish majors who study away
  • 75%
    Spanish majors who also complete a second major
  • 75%
    Spanish majors who participate in at least one service-learning class
  • 58%
    Spanish majors who complete an internship

What our students say

"My decision to major in Spanish at Furman was probably the most impactful choice of my four years in college. It opened doors for me to work in Berea, South Carolina, study in Madrid, Spain, and research in Medellín, Colombia. I built relationships with my professors and classmates – and learned to overcome a fear of discomfort while having fun. Not only did I learn a second language, but through that, I learned who I am and how to better engage with the people around me."
- Whitney Maness ’20, B.A., Spanish, and B.A., communication studies; project manager

Our faculty

Linda Bartlett

Carey Shepard Crantford Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures; Chair, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Ronald Friis

Professor of Spanish; Chair, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Sofia Kearns

Professor of Spanish

Stephanie Knouse

Professor, Spanish; Chair, Linguistics Interdisciplinary Minor

Angélica Lozano-Alonso

Professor of Spanish; Spanish Language Coordinator

Lourdes Manyé

Professor of Spanish

Jeff Michno

Associate Professor

Santiago Quintero

Assistant Professor of Spanish

Maria Rippon

Associate Professor of Spanish

Eunice Rojas

Herman N. Hipp Professor of Spanish Chair, Latin American and Latinx Studies Minor

Juan J. Garrido Pozú

Assistant Professor of Spanish

Angeli Leal

LECTURER, SPANISH

Mahan Ellison

Associate Professor of Spanish
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Spanish Major F.A.Q.

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