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Why Major in Spanish at Allegheny College

Our Spanish program will engage you with Spanish-speaking culture from day one and will keep improving your language skills until graduation and beyond. Along the way, you’ll learn to solve problems by reflecting on and analyzing the deep connection between language and culture.

  • Join a close-knit community. You’ll get to know other language students and be part of a community of students who love language in and out of the classroom.
  • Get more “talk time.” Allegheny’s small classes mean you have more time to practice the language in class.
  • Combine your Spanish study with expertise in another field. Because every Spanish major also has a minor, and many double-major, you’ll graduate ready to put your finely-tuned language and cultural skills to work in a field of your choice.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Spanish with:

Division

  • Language, Literature, and Culture

Program Type

  • Major
  • Minor

Number of Credits

42 for major20 for minor

Careers Outcomes

93%of Allegheny graduates are employed, in grad school, or in full-time service within six months.

80+%Acceptance rate to graduate and professional school for Allegheny students

90%of US employers need multilingual employees.

Where Spanish Alumni Work Today

Director of Educational Technology

Smithsonian Institution

Darren Milligan ’99

Physician

Emergency Physicians of Mason County

Colleen Tran ’07

Technical Expert and Product Specialist

Admeo, Inc.

Benjamin Eyer ’10

Spanish Teacher

York Prep School

Molly O’Donnell ’18

rogram Associate, Medical Aid Programs

Global Links

Erin Zehr ’19

Graduate Research Assistant

Arizona State University

Megan Swing ’22

Product Manager — Retail Lending

PNC

Shane Pentland ’18

ESL Teacher and Tutor

Magic Ears Official

Lucy Nass ’18

Program Assistant and Fundraiser Associate

The Latin America Working Group

Yadira Sanchez-Esparza ’21

Your Four-Year Journey

Spanish Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Understand the basics of language and culture. You can start from the very beginning if Spanish is new to you or if you’ve studied Spanish before. We’ll ensure you start in a suitable class to make the most of what you already know while building a solid foundation for the coming years.

Year 2: New Approaches

Your second year is a great time to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community on campus. If you haven’t already, try having lunch at a Spanish table once a week or apply to live in the Spanish house in the Max Kade Wing, where you’ll speak Spanish all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate. Don’t forget to declare your Spanish major or minor before the end of the year!

Year 3: Delving Deeper

By now, you’ll be advancing your language skills and gaining rich knowledge of its culture. Nothing helps you do that more than studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Most Spanish majors or minors go abroad in their third year. Visit the Global Education Office about your options and talk with your advisor to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!

Year 4: The Comp

By now, you’ve had an unforgettable time abroad, speaking Spanish comes easy to you, and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Comp is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You’ll start by choosing a topic related to a Spanish-speaking culture. Then, a professor will work with you to refine, research, and develop it. Finally, you’ll write an extensive thesis in Spanish in the spring semester!

Research and Internships

Learn By Doing

World Language & Cultures students get immersed into a culture by:

  • Living in the Max Kade International Wing, ⁣promoting cross-cultural exploration
  • Writing for Gator International in a foreign language
  • Joining a student, cultural organization
  • Phi Sigma Iota language honor society

Max Kade International Wing

Special-interest housing is open to any student who has a strong interest in world cultures or who wants to live in the language they’re studying.

World Language Program

This internship sends Allegheny students into local elementary school classes to provide an introduction to foreign language and global culture. Students develop a portfolio that documents the teaching experience and lesson plans and earn class credit.

Student Organizations

Get involved with a student organization! They often host awareness and cultural events to share with the College community. Here are some to consider:

  • Latinas on the Rise
  • International Club
  • Union Latinx (UL)
  • Phi Sigma Iota language honor society

Study Away Opportunities

Students interested in studying away from campus during their junior year often spend a semester in Seville or Madrid, Spain.

Faculty and Staff

Maria-Teresa Herrera

Associate Professor

Ph.D., M.A., University of Kentucky; B.A., Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Barbara Riess

Professor

Ph.D., Arizona State University; M.A., B.A. University of Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spanish Program

What type of degree is an Spanish major?

Students who major in Spanish at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Spanish students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Spanish program, such as Latinas on the Rise Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Thomas Conners

Assistant Professor of Latinx Studies and World Languages & Cultures

(814) 332-3389