Do you dream of traveling in Spain or Latin America and being able to speak with people in their own language? Would you like to know more about the growing number of Spanish-speaking people living right here in the United States? Do you want to develop communication skills that will benefit you in any career you choose? Consider majoring in Spanish at Central College. In addition to learning to speak, listen, read and write in Spanish, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the many cultures that make up the Spanish-speaking world. Through the study of language, literature, culture, history and contemporary issues, Spanish majors gain a wider understanding that makes them better citizens of the world. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in teaching, business, social services and many other areas.
A Spanish degree from Central opens the door to a variety of careers and graduate study programs. Many students choose to combine Spanish with another major or minor to give them an edge in the workplace. Graduates have found careers in teaching, business, international management, accounting, banking, social services and government agency work as well as many other areas. Graduates include:
First-year students who have studied Spanish in high school take a placement exam to determine the appropriate course level for them to begin their Spanish studies at Central. Students can earn “credit by placement” for testing in beyond the first semester and completing the appropriate course with a C or better.
Spanish major: 30 semester hours at the 300-course level or above
Spanish minor: 6 semester hours at the 300-course level or above
Freshman year
Sophomore year
Junior year
Senior year
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
The Weller Center for Business and International Studies houses faculty offices and classrooms for the economics, accounting, business management and modern language departments. The $3.9-million building was completed in 1999 and includes state-of-the-art technologies and a very energy efficient design, including solar panels on the roof. There is a 24-hour computer lab on the main floor and eight high-tech classrooms, two of which contain student computers.
The Spanish House in the Wing International Center offers a unique living alternative for language majors, those returning from a semester abroad, or anyone who wants a chance to use Spanish on a daily basis, celebrate native holidays, share experiences and sample diverse foods. International language assistants from Mexico and Spain, also live in these townhouses, and students of French and German live next door in the French and German houses. This provides a great opportunity for cross-cultural exchange.
Central’s modern languages department maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in Spanish.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Spanish students might be interested in Central’s Spanish Club and Spanish Language House.
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Central offers Spanish scholarships of up to $2,000 for all students (majors and non-majors) planning to continue involvement in language at the college level. Learn more about scholarships!
