Major, Minor

Spanish/Latin American Studies

Degree type:
BA
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Undergraduate degree programs 

BA in Spanish Studies 

After English, Spanish is the second-most widely spoken language in the United States, counting an estimated 400 million speakers worldwide. Being proficient in Spanish and the cultures of those who speak it is of growing importance in California, where the number of Spanish-speaking households continues to increase. 

Command of Spanish at a professional level provides enormous advantages in both public and private sectors of the contemporary job market. This major helps students develop proficiency in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also study the cultures and civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world.  

BA in Spanish and Business Administration 

Spanish-speaking populations increasingly comprise a major component of many urban areas — particularly, but not limited to, cities in the southwestern United States. Public- and private-sector organizations need personnel with business administration backgrounds to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking clientele. 

To help meet this need, the Language and Culture Department at Mount Saint Mary’s University is offers the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Business Administration degree. 

AA in Spanish American Studies 

MSMU offers a two-year Associate in Arts degree that helps students develop the ability to communicate confidently in Spanish and offers a study of the diverse cultures of Latin America, Spain and other Spanish-speaking people around the world. 

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For more information

Language and Culture

Please contact the interim Language and Culture Department Chair - Nancy Ballesteros at nballesteros@msmu.edu.

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Emphases and certificates

Learn about our emphases and certificates.

Chicano Studies emphasis 

This emphasis combines language proficiency with an in-depth education of the history, sociology and critical theory of the Chicano people. 

Translation emphasis 

This emphasis combines language proficiency with additional coursework to train students to translate or interpret cultural, legal, economic or technical nuances in Spanish. 

Intermediate Spanish certificate 

Based on standardized outcomes set by ACTFL, the Mount’s Intermediate Spanish program offers students certification that they can interact at a professional level with native speakers within standard cultural norms — abroad or in the United States. 

Basic Spanish for Healthcare Professionals certificate 

Students interested in the health professions can pursue this certificate to enhance their Spanish language and cultural skills, practicing in class and in the field. 

Minors 

Spanish Studies 

This program develops proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also study the cultures and civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world. 

French/Francophone

This is a comprehensive program leading to proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Incorporated into the program is French and Francophone literature, culture and civilization. 

Asian Studies

A minor that focuses on Asian culture, language, literature, music, philosophy, religion, history, business and film. This program complements a variety of majors in history, religious studies, art, music or global politics. 

Cultural Studies

This minor is an interdisciplinary program that helps students develop a theoretical understanding of global cultures while experiencing diversity in Los Angeles and in the University community. 

Linguistics

This minor provides students of any discipline with the opportunity to gain a foundation in the study and understanding of human language both at the individual and global level.