BA in Spanish
Student describes paintings in SPA 409/539, "The Age of Lorca."
Experience community. Embrace tradition. Unlock global horizons.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used across Spain, Latin America and the United States. In the BA in Spanish at the University at Buffalo, you will build advanced language skills while exploring literature, linguistics and cultural expression across diverse Spanish-speaking communities. This flexible degree supports careers that connect people, cultures and ideas.
The BA in Spanish combines language mastery with cultural and intellectual exploration. Students strengthen their communication skills while studying literature, linguistics and cultural production from across the Spanish-speaking world.
Students choose this degree because it offers:
- Advanced language training that builds confidence in speaking, reading and writing
- Exploration of literature, culture and media from Spain, Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities in the United States
- Small, discussion-based classes that support close mentorship
- Flexibility to double major or combine Spanish with another field
- Preparation for graduate study and globally connected careers
Spanish is especially valuable for students interested in education, health care, law, communication, international work or public service.
The BA in Spanish offers a flexible pathway that allows students to build strong language skills while exploring cultural and intellectual traditions across regions and time periods.
Highlights of the program include:
- Upper-level coursework in literature, linguistics and cultural studies
- Opportunities to study translation, film and cultural production
- Advising support for heritage speakers and students entering at different proficiency levels
- Study abroad opportunities that deepen language proficiency and cultural understanding
- Flexible degree planning that works well with double majors or minors
Global Pathway: Language and Culture
Nine credit hours in French can fulfill the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track. These courses can also count toward a Spanish major or minor.
Students in the BA in Spanish develop advanced language proficiency while building strong analytical and research skills.
You will learn to:
- Demonstrate advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Spanish
- Use communicative strategies effectively across cultural contexts
- Apply knowledge of language history and linguistic structures
- Analyze literary, cultural and media texts critically
- Identify rhetorical strategies across genres and historical periods
- Conduct research using scholarly sources
- Produce original research and written analysis
- Apply insights from multiple disciplines to cultural and linguistic questions
These skills prepare students for careers that require communication, cultural awareness and analytical thinking.
Curriculum overview
The Spanish major builds gradually from language development into advanced cultural and literary study. Students begin at the level that matches their experience and progress toward more specialized coursework.
Students typically explore areas such as:
- Spanish and Spanish American literature
- Linguistics and language structure
- Cultural history and theory
- Film and cultural production
- Advanced writing and translation
As students move into upper-level courses, they deepen their ability to interpret texts, analyze cultural contexts and conduct independent research.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in departmentally approved study abroad programs. Living and studying in Spanish-speaking environments helps students strengthen language proficiency while experiencing cultural traditions firsthand.
In addition to study abroad, students may pursue:
- internships
- independent study
- research projects
- interdisciplinary coursework
These experiences help students apply language skills in real-world contexts.
The BA in Spanish works especially well for students who want to combine language study with another field.
Double Majors
Love two subjects? You can major in both (like Spanish and Communication) and graduate with one degree by completing the requirements for both programs.
Joint Majors
Want something more streamlined? A joint major lets you blend coursework from two programs without doubling up on everything. It's a smart choice.
Double Degrees
If you're up for a challenge, you can pursue two separate types of degrees—like a BA in Spanish and a BS in Biological Sciences—and graduate with both and on time!
Combined Degrees
Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. These programs let you dive deeper into your field and get a head start on grad school or your career.
- BA in Spanish and EdM in Spanish Adolescence Education
A BA in Spanish prepares graduates for careers in fields where communication and cultural knowledge matter.
Graduates pursue roles in:
- education and teaching
- health care and public health
- law and public policy
- international relations and diplomacy
- business and international trade
- media and communications
- translation and interpretation
- cultural and nonprofit organizations
Many students also continue their studies in graduate programs in literature, linguistics, education, law, public policy or international studies.
Spanish strengthens many career paths by signaling communication skill, cultural awareness and the ability to work across cultures.
The BA in Spanish combines language mastery with deep cultural knowledge across regions and traditions. Whether you plan to work internationally or in your own community, Spanish gives you tools to communicate, analyze and lead in a connected world.
