Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions Major and Minor
Study the Spanish language and learn about the social and cultural history of the Spanish-speaking world. As you build the skills necessary to communicate effectively in spoken and written Spanish, you’ll not only understand the connections between language and culture, you’ll begin to open a wide range of career opportunities.
Why Study Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions at Albion?
Our Spanish Languages and Cultures for the Professions major is intended for pre-professionals who want to learn the language and attain cultural knowledge of a particular country of interest. The communication skills you’ll learn and cultural insights you’ll gain will help you thrive across many professions in a global economy.
On campus, you will experience the richness of Spanish-language cultures by interacting with our Native Speaker Teaching Assistants, living in our language-learning house (I-Space), and attending our yearly events and festivals. You will also have the opportunity to study off campus, and participate in internships in Spanish-speaking countries as well as Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.
What Will You Learn as a Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions Major?
We offer classes for all types of students. Whether you need to learn the language from scratch, want to practice what you already know, or you are completely fluent, we have classes for you. As you progress through the major, upper-level courses will enable you to explore selected global issues and develop communication skills that are vital for any professional in a Spanish-speaking work setting.
If you grew up speaking Spanish, you can read more about our Heritage Language Program.
Program Highlights
Experience Opportunities
By learning or improving your Spanish, you will be acquiring an essential skill for careers in a globalized world. You will also better understand the multicultural realities of life and work in the United States—the country with the second largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.
At Albion you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and master your Spanish, and to interact with people from Spanish-speaking countries: through weekly conversation tables with Native Speaker Teaching Assistants, living in the I-Space, off-campus study, internships, and yearly events and festivals.
Internship
A specific requirement for the Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions major, an internship abroad or a documented internship-like experience abroad, approved by faculty, provides a fantastic opportunity to put your Spanish to everyday use in a professional setting.
Scholarships and Awards
Students at all levels of study can participate in the Jean Keller Writing Contest. Every spring we offer the following awards:
- The best three essays written by students enrolled in a 100-level course.
- The best three poetry performances by students enrolled in a 200-level course.
- The best three essays written by Second Language Learners enrolled at the 300 level.
- The best three essays written by Heritage Speakers of Spanish.
Honors Thesis
Students majoring in Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions who are also members of the College’s Prentiss M. Brown Honors Program can construct an original research project as a capstone to their undergraduate studies at Albion. Eighty percent of Honors students go on to graduate or professional school after graduation.
Careers & Outcomes
The major in Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions is intended for students who are pursuing pre-professional studies in fields such as economics and management, communication studies, science or public policy, among others, or for students who are pursuing more traditional liberal arts fields and wish to add a practical component to their education.
Your knowledge of Spanish and Latino/a cultures will prepare you for all kinds of careers across the globe. Today more than ever, there is a great need for individuals who can speak Spanish and English. In fact, 85% of U.S. employers report that they need Spanish-speaking workers.
Job Titles & Employers
- Analytic Linguist, MVM, Inc. Management Consulting
- National Director of Refugee & Immigrant Children’s Services, Bethany Christian Center
- Physician, Sparrow Health System
- Program Analyst, Gates Ventures
- Marketing Manager, S-Docs
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Medilodge of Howell
- Case Investigator, MIchigan Public Health Institute
- Financial Advisor, Michigan Financial Companies
- Referrals Clerk, Prairie Quest Management Consulting
- Client Services Coordinator, Education Partners at Pri-Med (Boston, MA)
- Pastor, Hopkins United Methodist Church
- Spanish Teacher, Harper Creek High School
- Mathematics Teacher, Battle Creek Public Schools
Graduate Schools
- Michigan State University
- Ohio State University
