Spanish students speaking in class FROM HISPANIC SHORT STORIES TO MAYAN NUMBERS—Among Professor Lydia Rodrguez's (at center) most popular courses are Hispanic Short Story, Spanish American Prose, US Latina/Chicana Literature, and The Maya: Culture, Literature, and Numbers.

Study Spanish with the Program that Works Best for You

Spanish is spoken by many people in the United states and is the dominant language of people in many neighboring countries found in the Western Hemisphere.

Those interested in studying Spanish at IUP may choose from two majors, a minor, a certificate program, and an honors track.

Many IUP students choose to double major in Spanish in order to enhance their job prospects in other fields such as business, education, criminology, social services, and tourism.

You may be able to test out of one or more classes depending on your previous experience with the language.

BA in Spanish

  • Learn Spanish to become better equipped for today's global society.
  • Consider a double major in Spanish to enhance your job prospects.
  • Once you earn your BA, go on to graduate studies in fields such as history, international studies, politics, Spanish literature, or Spanish linguistics.
  • Take advantage of your study abroad requirement and immerse yourself in Spanish. Spend at least four weeks in Spain, Costa Rica, or Mexico.

Spanish Education BA + Certificate

  • Go through a three-step process for teacher certification: Step 1 is the application for teacher education and a mid-program review assessing your proficiency; Step 2 is the application for student teaching; Step 3 involves the applications for graduation and Pennsylvania teacher certification.
  • Our students in Spanish Education have an excellent job-placement record.
  • Learn how to think critically and accept responsibility for your own learning.
  • Acquire the skills necessary to teach language, culture, and literature, and the philosophical knowledge to understand your multifaceted role as an educator.
  • Study abroad for at least four weeks. Choose to go to Spain, Costa Rica, or Mexico.

Spanish Honors Program

  • Apply in your junior year
  • Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 as well as a Spanish GPA of 3.25.
  • Must complete the 12-credit honors sequence.
  • Particularly useful for students interested in pursuing graduate work in Spanish.

Minor in Spanish

  • Pursue a Spanish minor and increase your job opportunities.
  • Pair a Spanish minor with any major on campus and become more marketable.
  • This minor consists of an 18-credit course of study covering intermediate Spanish language with coursework in Hispanic literature and culture.
  • Add to your experience by studying abroad.

Certificate in Spanish

  • The certificate gives you an internationally recognized credential in a foreign language with fewer classes than a minor.
  • Language courses required for many majors are counted toward the certificate.
  • The certificate is a credential focused explicitly on speaking and writing.
  • Certificate seekers are required to take an oral proficiency exam at the end of their studies. (Though no minimal result is required, it does provide an internationally recognized rating you can use in applying for jobs.)
  • You can add to your experience by studying abroad.