Why study Latin American cultures at BGSU in Ohio?
- Highly-skilled educators. Our award-winning world language and cultures faculty leverages their wealth of scholarship, research and real-world experience to ensure each student excels.
- Study abroad. Immersion is one of the best teachers. That’s why BGSU prioritizes study abroad experiences for our students.
- On-campus resources. Our on-campus learning resources include expansive university libraries and student language clubs.
- Ample scholarship opportunities. BGSU students have so many scholarship prospects – for specific degree programs, international travel or study abroad opportunities.
- Hands-on experiences. Experiential learning is a core focus of the world languages and cultures degree program. BGSU offers service learning classes, learning communities like La Comunidad, field trips, research opportunities and more!
- BGSU Peace Corps Prep Program. The BGSU Peace Corps Prep Program is a 15-credit, 3-course study concentration that offers students a chance to be a part of life-changing (and resume-boosting) international outreach and aid operations.
- Next-level learning. BGSU offers advanced study in world languages and cultures with a master’s degrees in Spanish.
- Career connections. Our impressive alumni network includes professionals at prominent universities, major corporations and elite government agencies such as the FBI.
- Get hired! Graduates of the BGSU B.A. in world languages and cultures degree program bring essential skills to the global job market. Employers across industries recognize them as stand-out workers with exceptional abilities to communicate across cultures, think critically and ethically adapt to diverse environments with social awareness.
Second language acquisition can boost salary and job prospects by as much as 35%.
– Empirica
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Career - what can you do with a Latin American culture studies degree?
Employers are increasingly looking for job candidates with the ability to communicate with Spanish speakers. Graduates are finding numerous opportunities for international careers in non-governmental organizations, health and social service professions, international relations, diplomacy and international business.
Another common career opportunity for students majoring in world languages and cultures with a specialization in Latin American culture studies is the teaching profession.
Career paths
- International relations specialist
- Social service advocate
- Government diplomat
- Healthcare provider
- Educator
- Foreign correspondent
- Non-governmental organization associate
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
As well as the development of conversation and composition skills in Spanish, the curriculum offers the chance to explore every aspect of Latin American culture.
The Latin American culture studies specialization offers an interdisciplinary curriculum of studies on Latin America civilizations, literature, history and governments. It provides a comprehensive survey of the political, social, intellectual and artistic development of Spanish-speaking countries.
Inquiry culminates in an intensive study of a student-selected issue, theme or cultural phenomena that allows you to prepare for future career options and potentially complement a co-op or internship experience.
Sample courses
- Spanish Composition and Conversation
- Foundations in Hispanic Civilization
- Foundations in Hispanic Literature
- Modern Latin America
- Government and Politics of Latin America
- Hispanic Culture
- Civilization of Mexico and the Caribbean
- Civilization of South America
- Exploring Latino/a Culture
- Hispanic Studies
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50 years of study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, Spain
A unique feature of the Spanish program is the highly regarded study abroad program in the vibrant university town of Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The program is one of the oldest U.S. study abroad programs in Spain. It remains one of the most affordable because of our extensive commitments and contacts.
Latino/a/x Issues Conference
BGSU has hosted this vibrant and high-profile conference for the Latino/a/x community for over 25 years.
The BGSU Latino/a/x Issues Conference aims to support student research; increase the visibility of Latinx cultures, politics and interventions in BGSU and our region. It provides a venue for the recognition of the accomplishments of our Latinx communities.
The event is organized collaboratively by students, faculty, and staff from different organizations and units across campus, including the School of Cultural and Critical Studies.
The world languages and cultures program with a specialization in Latin American culture studies is part of the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 12/03/2025 11:04AM