Why study Spanish 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. Our program in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, is one of the oldest U.S. study abroad programs in Spain.
- 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 our Spanish master's program.
- 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
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
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Career - what can you do with a Spanish degree?
Employers are increasingly looking for job candidates with the ability to communicate with Spanish speakers. BGSU offers its world languages and cultures majors the chance to develop linguistic and cultural competencies for interacting effectively with others in Spanish. Graduates are finding 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. BGSU offers preparation for teaching Spanish at all grade levels through our world language education program.
Bilingualism in Spanish and English is an asset for all jobs that require interaction with people. Recent alumni of the program work as teachers, translators and:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Medical specialists (doctors, nurses and psychologists)
- Realtors
- Armed Forces security specialists
- Vice president, senior manager in digital banking
- Economic development specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce
- Chief of staff for the Bureau of Global Talent Management at the Department of State
Career paths
- International business executive
- Healthcare professional
- Government diplomat
- Educator
- Translator
- Social service advocate
- Non-governmental organization associate
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
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 there.
La Comunidad
La Comunidad is a learning community for all students who are passionate about the Spanish-speaking world.
This close-knit community provides cultural and academic programming that encourages and builds your confidence to use Spanish in your everyday life. Activities focus on the Spanish language and culture immersion in a co-ed residential setting.
Curriculum
The BGSU world languages and cultures major with a specialization in Spanish enable students to pursue advanced levels of linguistic and intercultural competence through:
- Upper-division coursework
- Co-curricular opportunities
- Immersive experiential learning both on campus and abroad
In consultation with your undergraduate advisor, you may choose to pursue an emphasis on Latin American culture studies.
Sample courses
- Spanish Composition and Conversation
- Foundations in Hispanic Literature and Culture
- Applied Linguistics
- Hispanic Literature and Film
- Latin American Art
- Short- and long-term study abroad
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
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The Spanish program is a part of the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 12/04/2025 12:04PM