Spanish Degrees & Language/Culture Minors

Major, Minor

Spanish/Latin American Studies

Degree type:

BA, AA, Minor

Mode of study:

On-campus

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Build global opportunities with a B.A. in Spanish/Latin American Studies at Mount Saint Mary's University

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and the second-most spoken language in the United States. The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish/Latin American Studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University prepares you to become a confident, culturally-informed communicator.

The Spanish/Latin American Studies program provides immersive study and exploration of the cultures and histories of Spanish-speaking communities. You’ll not only develop linguistic proficiency but also the cultural insight needed to thrive in today’s global workforce.

Multilingual professionals are in high demand across many industries. Graduates of 水果派’s Spanish/Latin American Studies program gain a strong competitive edge in the modern job market throughout a multitude of fields.

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A supportive community for language and cultural development

Shape your future

The Spanish/Latin American Studies program at Mount Saint Mary’s offers a welcoming and collaborative learning environment where you develop both academic and personal connections. Small class sizes allow you to work closely with faculty mentors who are dedicated to helping you succeed.

You’ll also build lasting friendships while progressing together through coursework. As you progress, you'll develop crucial qualities that help you thrive in language learning and beyond like perseverance, curiosity, hard work and integrity.

Career opportunities and program outcomes for Spanish/Latin American Studies graduates

Graduates of the Spanish/Latin American Studies program find opportunity across a multitude of fields including business and international commerce, community development and nonprofit work, government and public service, law and criminal justice, entertainment and media, healthcare and medical services, education and teaching as well as thriving in translation and interpretation services.

Current students have equally found success in internship opportunities where they apply their learning in real-time while building their resume.

Here are just a few places where our students went on to intern at:

Language and Culture degree paths at 水果派

Align your path with your professional goals. Whether you are drawn to Spanish/Latin American, French, Asian, Cultural, or Linguistics studies, the Mount's program offerings provide specialized coursework and applied preparation to support your dream career.

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies

Build advanced language skills while exploring the cultures and histories of Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Through focused study in speaking, reading, writing and listening, you’ll develop professional-level proficiency alongside a strong foundation in literature and cultural traditions. This degree will prepare you for a career in communication, education, business, public service and beyond.

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Business Administration

Combine Spanish language proficiency with business expertise to communicate effectively across cultures. This interdisciplinary program prepares you to engage Spanish-speaking clients and communities while building skills for careers in international business, marketing, communications, corporate management and global commerce.

AA in Spanish American Studies

Gain a strong foundation in Spanish language and explore the diverse cultures of Latin America and Spain. This two-year program builds confidence in communication while preparing you for continued study or a range of career pathways.

Spanish Minor

The minor program in Spanish/Latin American Studies develops proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also study the cultures and civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world.

French/Francophone minor

The minor in French at Mount Saint Mary's University offers a career-ready program designed to build fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while immersing students in French and Francophone literature, culture, and global perspectives.

Asian Studies minor

The Asian Studies minor at 水果派 delivers an interdisciplinary program exploring Asian culture, languages, literature, music, philosophy, religion, history, business, and film—designed to complement majors in history, religious studies, art, music, and global politics while building valuable global insight and cultural expertise.

Cultural Studies minor

Mount Saint Mary's University's minor in Cultural Studies is a dynamic program that equips students with a theoretical foundation in global cultures while engaging directly with diverse communities in Los Angeles and on campus, fostering critical thinking and real-world cultural awareness.

Linguistics minor

The Linguistics minor at 水果派 is a comprehensive program that provides students from any major a strong foundation in the scientific study of human language, exploring how language works at both individual and global levels while building valuable analytical and communication skills.

Spanish/Latin American Studies emphases and certificates

You can tailor your education through specialized emphases and professional certificates that deepen your cultural knowledge and practical language skills.

This emphasis combines language study with an in-depth exploration of the history, sociology and critical theory of the Chicano experience in the United States.

Students interested in translation or interpretation gain advanced language training while learning to interpret cultural, legal, technical and economic nuances between Spanish and English.

Based on standardized outcomes established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), this certificate verifies that students can interact with native speakers in professional contexts while navigating cultural norms both abroad and in the United States.

Students interested in healthcare careers can strengthen their Spanish communication skills through specialized coursework and field experience focused on medical and clinical setting.

Standout Spanish/Latin American courses for your future

Explore a variety of engaging courses that teach you the skills and knowledge to thrive across multiple industries.

SPA 149

Spanish for a Globalized World

In this course, you'll learn how to use Spanish for commercial correspondence as well as the business practices of Spanish language-based communities in a globalized world.

SPA 27A

Spanish for Health Professionals

This course introduces you to medical vocabulary with an emphasis on communication and scenario-based exercises. Elementary knowledge of Spanish is useful, but not required.

SPA 141

Dictatorship and Resistance in Latin American Literature

Explore themes of dictatorship, resistance and the subversion of nationalistic rhetoric in Latin American literature to better understand the lived historical experience of these communities.

Outstanding language and cultural education beyond the classroom

Mount Saint Mary’s University stands at the forefront of experiential education. Your learning experiences can extend beyond the classroom with opportunities on-campus, in the community and abroad as you broaden your horizon, expand your skills and prepare to enter any profession.

Travel Abroad

Students in the program can expand their global perspective through the University鈥檚 Travel Abroad programs. Past destinations have included Spain, Cuba, France, Italy, China, Portugal, Central American and South America.
Latinas Unidas

Latinas Unidas unites all students that share a passion for cultural awareness and activism of the Latinx community.
Los Angeles

The best way to practice a new language and become fluent is by immersing yourself in the culture. Mount Saint Mary's location in Los Angeles, with one of the largest Spanish-speaking populations in the country, means the city can truly be your classroom.

水果派

Spanish/Latin American Studies

Build global opportunities with a B.A. in Spanish/Latin American Studies at Mount Saint Mary's University

A supportive community for language and cultural development

Career opportunities and program outcomes for Spanish/Latin American Studies graduates