The Spanish program is a part of the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

BGSU students in the Spanish: Latin American cultural studies program are encouraged to participate in the study abroad program.
  • Bachelors Available
  • Bachelors Available

Bachelor of Arts in

Spanish: Latin American Culture Studies

The BGSU Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a Latin American Culture Studies specialization introduces students to the cultural, social, intellectual and economic life of Latin America and Spain from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. 

An interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to align the Spanish major with their career interests. Education, diplomacy or international business are common pathways for Spanish degree graduates.

Explore the culture of 572 million people

Spanish is one of the major languages of the world and also the language of the fastest growing minority within the United States. The Hispanic world has a long and rich tradition, and it will continue to be important socially and economically on both a national and international scale.

Employers are increasingly looking for job candidates with the ability to communicate with Spanish speakers. BGSU Spanish graduates will be more competitive in the workplace and more connected in their communities by obtaining the transferable skills that a Spanish degree fosters.

Students majoring in Spanish with a specialization in Latin American Culture Studies can develop the bilingual dexterity and deep cultural sensitivity that will empower them as global citizens and strengthen their ability to collaborate, contribute, and lead in the diverse workplaces of today’s professions.

STAND OUT in courses like

  • 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

BGSU’s commitment to cultural and language study abroad in Spain spans over 50 years.

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 planned curriculum of studies on Latin America civilizations, literature, history and governments.

The BGSU Spanish degree with a Latin American Culture Studies specialization 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, allowing the student to prepare for future career options and potentially complement a co-op or internship experience.

50 years of study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, Spain

A unique feature of the Spanish program is the highly regarded semester, summer or year-long 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, and because of our extensive commitments and contacts, it remains one of the most affordable.

Students benefit both linguistically and culturally from this experience, and Spanish majors/minors are strongly encouraged to study overseas.

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; and provide a venue for the recognition of the accomplishments of our Latinx communities.  

The School of Cultural and Critical Studies serves as the organizational hub for the conference, and the event is organized collaboratively by students, faculty, and staff from different organizations and units across campus.

The Latino/a/x Issues Conference includes the eSTRELLA, which means star in Spanish, and in the conference, the name stands for STudent REsearch on Latino/a/x and Latin American Studies.

Careers

Employers are increasingly looking for job candidates with the ability to communicate with Spanish speakers. BGSU offers its Spanish majors the chance to develop linguistic and cultural competencies for interacting effectively with others in Spanish. 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 Spanish is the teaching profession, and BGSU offers preparation for teaching Spanish at all grade levels. For more information about world language education, consult the School of Teaching and Learning (STL) in the College of Education and Human Development.

GO FAR in your career

  • International Relations Specialist 
  • Social Service Advocate
  • Government Diplomat
  • Health Care Provider
  • Educator
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Non-Governmental Organization Associate

BGSU hosts a vibrant and high-profile Latino/a/x Issues Conference annually.

BGSU Arts and Sciences white

The Spanish program is a part of the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

La Comunidad

La Comunidad is a learning community for all students who are passionate about the Spanish-speaking world. Whether you are majoring or minoring in Spanish or just want to enhance your college experience, this is the place for you.

This close-knit community provides cultural and academic programming that encourages and builds your confidence to use Spanish communication in your everyday life. Through activities focusing on the Spanish language and culture immersion in a co-ed residential setting, community members are a part of something that goes well beyond the in-class experience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Spanish are expected to be able to:

  • Write, listen, and converse proficiently about Spanish and Latin-American literary works, movements, and genres, and about the civilizations of Spain, Latin America, and the Spanish-speaking world;
  • Master reading comprehension, terminology, and basic research tools appropriate to literary and cultural analysis;
  • Demonstrate language proficiency through standardized examinations;
  • Acquire an understanding of bilingualism, language and identity, translation, language politics and pedagogies via the study of applied linguistics;
  • Engage in rational, civil discourse in a manner respectful of others and the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

The Spanish program went through Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2016-17.

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program does not lead to professional licensure.



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 09/27/2022 12:30PM