Spanish
Overview
With more than 580 million Spanish speakers located around the world, having the ability to read, write and converse in Spanish has countless benefits, both personally and professionally.
What is a Spanish Major?
The Spanish major and minor at Saint Joseph’s University focus on language, literature, culture, and linguistics related to Spanish spoken in Spain, Latin America and the United States. We also offer Spanish for business and medical professions as well as service learning and internship opportunities. Small class sizes allow for the individual attention necessary to acquire a new language and for students to work closely with faculty advisors. Saint Joseph's University is home to an active chapter of Omicron Phi of the National Spanish Honorary Society, as well as a Spanish Club which organizes diverse cultural activities for students.
What Can You Do with a Major in Spanish?
Spanish majors and minors at Saint Joseph's University have pursued a variety of professions in fields including law, medicine, business, psychology, education, linguistics and international relations. Some use Spanish in their work in Spanish-speaking countries or in the U.S. among Spanish-speaking communities, including the greater Philadelphia area. They hold a variety of professional roles at businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and in academic settings. Many graduates have participated in service opportunities abroad immediately following graduation and before pursuing advanced degrees or entering the workforce. These programs include:
- Peace Corps, Urban Servant Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA
- Bilingual Education for Central America teacher
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Fellowship in Spain and Latin America
- English language teaching assistant in Spain
The following are some specific occupations held by our recent graduates:
- Various medical professionals (physicians, therapists)
- Spanish teacher or professor
- Psychologists
- Legal professionals (attorney, immigration paralegal, legal assistant)
- Business professionals
- Project coordinators
- Speech-language pathologists
- Pro Bono case managers
- Journalists
- English as a Second Language instructors
- Insurance representatives
- International relations consultants
- International account manager or banking professionals
How Will a Degree in Spanish from Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for a Future Career?
The critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that students hone as they work closely with faculty prepare them to be agile and resourceful in their diverse career paths. Most Spanish majors study abroad, and the sociocultural fluency that they develop helps them see situations from diverse perspectives, an advantage in any profession. Saint Joseph University’s Spanish program breaks away from the traditional model of language study by offering a variety of courses beyond the study of literature and culture. Courses in Spanish for certain professions, on current events, on Spanish in the local community, on translation and individualized internships encourage students to apply their language study to learn more about their particular professional and personal interests.