The department's lower division program gives students a solid foundation in the Spanish language, either through the traditional elementary and intermediate language series or through an accelerated three-course sequence of Spanish for native speakers. Linguistics 1 introduces students to a systematic study of language in general and serves as an introduction to upper division courses in Spanish linguistics. Spanish linguistics, Spanish literature, Spanish-American literature, and Hispanic literatures and cultures in the United States. Students are encouraged to work closely with the department's academic advisers in designing a program of studies tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Many students combine the Spanish major with another major in the humanities or social sciences.
The program, alone or in combination with other major programs, may lead to advanced study of the language or literature of Spain and Spanish America, and to careers not only in teaching, but also in other professions such as library science, law, medicine, and in government, social service, or business.