Spanish Major and Minor

Spanish is spoken by approximately 500 million people worldwide and is the primary language of discourse in 21 countries. It is also the second most used language in international communication.

Hispanics are the largest minority in the United States, with a population of more than 38 million.

The interest in the study of Spanish has doubled worldwide. Spain is now the world's ninth most powerful economy and it is ranked as the tenth most popular destination for investment. The countries of Latin America are becoming important commercial partners of the US.

The creation of MERCOSUR, NAFTA and many other free trade agreements between South and North America continue to create new opportunities for commerce and communication for the U.S. labor market. Spanish and Latin American cultural contributions also have had far-reaching influence throughout the world.

From Spain’s Golden Age of Literature to contemporary politics, economics and culture, students will encounter a diversity of voices in the Spanish-speaking world. Suffolk students who decide to study Spanish at Suffolk University have several choices. They can pursue a traditional B.A., which involves a thorough study of language, literature and civilization, or choose a major in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Through this multi-disciplinary program in the humanities and social sciences, students will be prepared to pursue their post-graduate interests in international organizations, education, business, government, communications and journalism. Students may also choose to combine their degrees in Spanish and international business or economics to prepare for the global economy. Further still, for those students wishing to pursue a career as a foreign language teacher at the secondary level, our department offers initial and professional licensure in Spanish.

In addition, students can explore our own collection of films and instructional videos, write for our on-line news magazine, Entérate, or participate in our weekly conversation sessions, Tertulias, run by tutors who come from all regions of the Spanish-speaking world. The study abroad program at our campus in Madrid, Spain provides students with a variety of educational experiences in Spanish for an academic year, a semester or a summer session.