Spanish

University at Buffalo Department of Linguistics.

Expand your global reach with the Spanish Program at UB

¡Amplíe su alcance global con el programa de español en la UB!

Spanish is the first language of 427 million speakers in over 30 countries, making it a vital language of communication across multiple continents. The United States itself has a significant Spanish-speaking population, surpassing even Spain and Colombia. Mastering Spanish opens up numerous opportunities in banking, commerce, cultural production, diplomacy, science and the arts.

Why study Spanish?

Fluency in Spanish provides a competitive edge in the job market and enhances your ability to engage with diverse communities both locally and globally. The Spanish Program at the University at Buffalo introduces students to various disciplines within Hispanic language and civilization, aiming to build proficiency in Spanish through comprehensive coursework in literature, linguistics language teaching and more.

Program highlights

The Spanish Program offers a broad selection of classes and opportunities for independent study or directed work in related fields. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad to fully immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures. We provide two degree options tailored to fit your academic and professional goals:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
  • Minor in Spanish

Course offerings

Spanish Language Courses (Sample List):

  • SPA 111: Elementary Spanish I (3 credits)
  • SPA 102: Elementary Spanish 2nd Semester (5 credits)
  • SPA 151: Intermediate Spanish 1st Semester (3 credits)
  • SPA 151HRP: Intermediate Spanish for the Health-Related Professions (3 credits)
  • SPA 152: Intermediate Spanish 2nd Semester (3 credits)
  • SPA 207: Spanish Conversation and Language Workshop (3 credits)
  • SPA 208: Spanish Composition and Language Workshop (3 credits)
  • SPA 210: How to Read a Spanish Text (3 credits)
  • SPA 301: Survey of Spanish Literature: Middle Ages to Seventeenth Century (3 credits)
  • SPA 313LEC: Advanced Grammar (3 credits)
  • SPA 314SEM: Advanced Communication for Students of Spanish (3 credits)
  • SPA 325: Phonetics (3 credits)
  • SPA 382: Introduction to Second Language Acquisition Theory (3 credits)
  • SPA 311: Survey of Spanish American Literature (3 credits)
  • SPA 328: Spanish American Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
  • SPA 323: Business Spanish (3 credits)
  • SPA 324: Medical and Health-Related Spanish (3 credits)

Learn more and get involved

For degree requirements and more information about the program and minor, visit the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures.

Language placement exam

To start or continue learning Spanish at UB, you will first need to take our placement exam. Visit the Language Placement Exam page for details

For any questions about Spanish courses, placement exams or study abroad programs, contact rll-info@buffalo.edu.

Interested students can also explore study abroad opportunities and gain valuable international experience by visiting buffalo.edu/educationabroad.