In today's job market, the study of Spanish offers some real advantages. There are over 400 million native speakers. It's the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S. and fourth in the world. It's the primary language from Latin America to Spain to the territory of Puerto Rico and the official language of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization of American States. There's an increasing presence in the demographics and popular culture of the United States, particularly in the fast-growing states of the Sun Belt. Also, it is considered to be the most beneficial second language for a native speaker of English. Consequently, Old Dominion's Spanish program curriculum is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and to prepare students for a variety of professions. Knowledge of Spanish also complements such fields as economics, government, history, engineering, and computer science. No matter what their future careers students find that Spanish Studies, as part of a liberal arts education, enriches their professional and personal lives.
Program Highlights
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Two types of B.A. degrees: B.A. in Spanish and B.A. in Spanish with Secondary School Certification.
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Students have a variety of opportunities to practice their Spanish, including a state-of-the-art multimedia Language Learning Center, lectures by prominent Hispanic writers, and conversation groups.
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Broad curriculum: Peninsular and Latin American culture and literature; Culture courses on customs, values, ideologies, popular culture, history, philosophy, art, economics, and education of the many Spanish-speaking nations; Literature courses on major literary movements apply current literary theories, and approach literary texts as fundamental to the study of a given nation's culture; Business Spanish, Spanish for the health professions, phonetics, and grammar.
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Students have access to the Language Learning Center as a resource.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Interpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Chief Executives
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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Must complete the Lower Division General Education requirements and the core requirements.
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A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for the 30 hours of upper-division courses in Spanish.
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No more than two SPAN courses taught in English can be counted for the major.
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At least 12 hours in theconcentration must be taken at Old Dominion University.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Through the Office of Study Abroad Spanish majors are eligible for scholarships to study the language and culture abroad.
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