About the Spanish Language Program
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S. and the world—and a key to global career opportunities. At Eastern Michigan University, our Spanish language programs help you build real-world language skills through study abroad, native-speaking conversation partners, and hands-on internships.
Choose from majors in Spanish, K–12 teaching, or international careers, and prepare for in-demand roles in education, healthcare, business, and more. With a Spanish degree from EMU, you’ll be ready to make an impact in the U.S. and around the world.
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish [BA]- Explore the Spanish-speaking world and prepare for a career with a BA in Spanish. Choose from two concentrations—Spanish Language or Language and International Careers—and gain the language skills, cultural fluency, and hands-on experience through study abroad and internships that open doors to a variety of careers.
- Spanish Minor (for non-Spanish majors) - Enhance your major with a Spanish minor that expands your understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, literature, and communication.
- Master of Arts in World Languages (Spanish) [MA] - Advance your fluency and cultural expertise with a Master of Arts in World Languages (Spanish), designed to elevate your communication skills, deepen your understanding of Hispanic cultures and literature, and prepare you for a career in education, translation, global service, or further graduate study.
- Hispanic Language and Cultures [Graduate Certificate] - Boost your Spanish fluency and deepen your understanding of Hispanic cultures—especially in business and technology with a Graduate Certificate in Hispanic Languages and Cultures.
- K - 12 Spanish Teaching [BA] - Turn your passion for Spanish and working with youth into a rewarding, high-demand teaching career. This major prepares you to engage and inspire students at all grade levels while opening doors to careers in education, global industries, and future graduate study.
- Bachelor of Arts in K - 12 Bilingual Education (Spanish) [BA] - Prepare for a meaningful, high-demand career in bilingual education by combining your love of language, culture, and teaching. With this degree, you’ll learn to teach English to non-English speakers and Spanish to K -12 students, equipping you to lead inclusive classrooms in the U.S. and beyond.
- Spanish Minor (for non-Spanish majors) - Enhance your major with a Spanish minor that expands your understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, literature, and communication. Choose the K–12 track to build a strong foundation for a rewarding teaching career—and inspire the next generation of language learners.
- Master of Arts in Teaching [MAT]- Commonly Taught World Languages (Spanish) - Advance your teaching expertise and become a leader in Spanish language education with this program designed to align with Michigan and national standards. You'll deepen your pedagogical knowledge, enhance your ability to teach a variety of learners, and gain the tools to advocate for language learning in today’s global classrooms.
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish [BA], Language and International Careers Concentration - Explore the Spanish-speaking world and prepare for a career with a BA in Spanish. Choose from two concentrations—Spanish Language or Language and International Careers—and gain the language skills, cultural fluency, and hands-on experience through study abroad and internships that open doors to a variety of careers.
- Master of Arts, Language and International Trade (Spanish) [MA] - Develop advanced Spanish proficiency and real-world insight into Spanish-speaking markets while strengthening the cultural awareness and communication skills you need to succeed in global business.
Study Spanish Abroad
Immerse yourself in the language and culture through study abroad experiences in Spanish-speaking countries. From classroom learning to real-world conversations, you'll build fluency, gain global perspective, and create memories that shape both your personal and professional journey. Learn more about study abroad opportunities.
Seven Reasons to Study Spanish
#1. A Top Global Language Spanish is the most common first language in the Americas, and Spanish speakers also can be found in Spain, in much of the U.S., the Philippines, and even Africa. Due to the high birth rate in the Spanish speaking world, the Spanish language is expected to be the #2 language globally (Chinese is the world's #1 most spoken language).
#2. Fast-Growing Demographic According to recent U.S. Census information, Hispanics or Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, making them the nation's largest ethnic group.
#3. Career Versatility & Competitive Edge Spanish proficiency enhances your marketability in fields like business, education, healthcare, law enforcement, media, and government. Bi-lingual candidates often stand out in hiring processes and may earn higher salaries compared to others.
#4. Deeper Cultural Understanding Learning Spanish will help you engage authentically with Spanish-speaking cultures through literature, film, music, history and traditions.
#5. Improved Overall Language Skills Studying a second language strengthens your listening, speaking, writing and problem-solving abilities, even in your native language.
#6. Graduate School Readiness Language study supports critical thinking, research skills, and cross-cultural awareness—valuable assets in many graduate programs.
#7. Travel Confidence Speaking Spanish makes travel easier, safer, and more meaningful in regions like Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain.
Undergraduate Degrees & Minor
- Spanish [BA] and International Careers Concentration
- K - 12 Spanish Teaching [BA]
- K - 12 Bilingual Education (Spanish) [BA]
- Spanish Minor (non-Spanish majors)
Graduate Degrees & Certificates
- World Languages [MA] (Spanish)
- Commonly Taught World Languages [MAT] (Spanish)
- Language and International Trade [MA]
- Hispanic Language and Cultures [Graduate Certificate]
Resources
- Call: 734.487.6732
- Office: 343 Alexander Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
- Email: [email protected]