Spanish Major
Program Overview
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.
Careers for Spanish majors
As a Spanish major, you’ll be well prepared for the workforce with finely tuned critical thinking, analysis, translation and communication skills, which set you up for virtually limitless career options.
Some of our graduates go on to seek advanced degrees, while others have landed positions such as:
- Interpreter or translator
- Elementary, middle or high school teacher
- Account executive or representative
- Researcher
- Youth minister
- Case manager for law firm
- Medical assistant
- Research programmer for evidence-based policymaking firm
- Data analytics developer
- Coach for non-profit youth fitness company
- Patient advocate
- Project coordinator for global project management company
- Family support coach for firm dedicated to the advocacy of those with intellectual/developmental disabilities
- Early intervention specialist
- University admissions counselor
- Graphic designer
- Real estate client portfolio manager
- Investment analyst
- Military officer
- Customer service manager or representative
- Associate engineer for space exploration enterprise
Featured Spanish courses
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90%Spanish majors who study away
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75%Spanish majors who also complete a second major
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75%Spanish majors who participate in at least one service-learning class
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58%Spanish majors who complete an internship
Our faculty
Linda Bartlett
Ronald Friis
Stephanie Knouse
Angélica Lozano-Alonso
Eunice Rojas
An array of transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, analysis and translation position you for a wide range of career options. Some of our graduates have gone on to occupations like interpreter or translator; elementary, middle or high school teacher; account executive or representative; researcher; youth minister; case manager for a law firm; medical assistant; research programmer for an evidence-based policymaking firm; and data analytics developer. Others have pursued careers as a coach for a non-profit youth fitness company, patient advocate, project coordinator for global project management company, family support coach for a firm dedicated to the advocacy of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, early intervention specialist, university admissions counselor and many other professional paths.
The average base salary for Spanish majors is $47,000 per year, according to payscale.com. Zippia.com estimates the average salary for Spanish majors at just more than $51,000, with the top 10% earning in excess of $73,000.
The Spanish B.A. at Furman is a four-year program.
