Spanish
Major or Minor
Apply nowExplore the Spanish bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Be a part of one of the fastest-growing languages with a Spanish bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Rooted in experiential learning and travel, our Spanish major provides countless opportunities for you to grow your language skills. Participate in a cultural immersion program, join a related student organization or enroll in a community-based course. Rigorous curriculum — taught by passionate, expert faculty — introduce you to a myriad of classes that explore Spanish culture, art and history.
All Spanish majors and minors are required to take what they've learned and put it into practice through study abroad or an alternate language immersion experience. Popular study abroad sites include Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Chile, Spain, Uruguay and Mexico. Students can also choose to participate in the National Student Exchange Program. This unique opportunity allows Blugolds to study for a semester or an academic year at another university while still paying UWEC tuition.
With many employers looking for well-rounded students with diverse backgrounds — and strong language and communication skills — Spanish graduates quickly find employment upon graduation.
Building connections
A Spanish immersion class is helping Blugolds build connections in western Wisconsin. Every fall, the class tours a Wisconsin dairy farm that has long hired migrant workers from Mexico. The students use their Spanish language skills to talk with the workers, learning about the farm as well as the workers’ families and their lives in western Wisconsin and Mexico.
It's an experience that improves students' cultural competency and Spanish-speaking skills. It's also an excellent way to grow as an individual.
"Having made contacts and connections, having empathy and understanding of different cultures, seeing the world in a different way — that's going to open up doors to them and that's going to make them a much better professional and person," said Dr. Carter Smith, professor of Spanish.
Why Spanish at UW-Eau Claire?
Cultural immersion programs. Many Blugolds seek out opportunities to learn about other cultures. Ranging from week-long to semester-long, these faculty-led experiences focus on a variety of interesting topics and lead to new perspectives that can be life-changing. Recent programs students have participated in include the Civil Rights Pilgrimage in Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana; the Social and Environmental Justice Experience in Guatemala; Women's Lives and Experiences in Nicaragua; and Culture, Society and Economics in Argentina.
Research opportunities. Spanish faculty members are regularly engaged in research and actively encourage students to become involved in their latest projects. These opportunities often lead to a chance to travel to state, regional and international conferences to present research results.
State-of-the-art technology. Practice what you learn in class in our Language Lab and the Roma Hoff Instructional Resource Center. These facilities are filled with sound and video programs, films, games and computer software to help enhance your Spanish language proficiency.
Career preparation. Many Blugolds choose to intern during their time at UWEC. Internships are a great way to build out your resume and narrow down your career path. They can also get your foot in the door at places you might want to work. Our Advising, Retention and Career Center will not only help you find a promising internship but will prepare you for interviews and review your resume and portfolio.
100%
Spanish majors study abroad
200
campuses participate in National Student Exchange
94% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Combining passions to change the world
The ability to explore multiple passions and career paths is just one of the many opportunities that await you at UW-Eau Claire. It's how Amanda DuBall discovered her love for the medical field and the Spanish language — and how she realized that combining both passions would allow her to have the biggest positive impact in the world.
From study abroad to immersion programs to service projects, Amanda was able to graduate with the knowledge and experiences necessary to best meet the health care needs of her future patients. She now works as a registered nurse on an orthopedic/neurology unit at Mayo Clinic and hopes to one day be a travel nurse working in Spanish-speaking countries or regions.
"By having greater cultural competence, I'll better understand how to care for others and be more cognizant of asking appropriate questions," she said. "How diseases are perceived, who is allowed in a patient's room, dietary restrictions and spiritual rituals all must be considered when caring for the overall health of my patient."
Quick facts
Spanish program details
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major requires a minor or certificate.
- This program is also available as a minor.
- Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
- Spanish Club
- Sigma Delta Pi
- Latinx Student Association
What can I do with a Spanish degree from UWEC?
Knowing multiple languages is highly valued by employers, making this degree a sought-after one. Our alumni go on to pursue a variety of interesting and rewarding careers and are well-prepared for graduate school.
Spanish careers
- Spanish teacher
- Bilingual patient assistance counselor
- Translator
- Tour coordinator
Faculty who care
UW-Eau Claire’s Spanish program opens countless doors for communication and human connection. And with the Spanish culture and language growing, graduates are certain to utilize their skills and find opportunities wherever they go. The comprehensive curriculum is paired with supportive, expert faculty who make your success a priority — one of the many things that make UWEC's Spanish program so wonderful.
“What sets UW-Eau Claire apart is the professors,” said Spanish student Theresa Laporte. “Our professors in the program are top-notch. Every single one of them is so knowledgeable and they're so passionate about Spanish.”
Watch to learn more about the value of a UWEC Spanish degree.
Spanish bachelor's degree program curriculum
As a Spanish major, you will explore all the different facets of learning a new language. Classes range from phonetics and pronunciation to Latin American literature and film. An exciting and key component of this program is that students are required to study abroad in a country where Spanish is spoken. Whether you spend Winterim in Latin America or a semester in Spain, these immersive experiences will enhance your understanding of the language and help you to thrive in your chosen career.
What classes do Spanish majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Economic development of Latin America
- Hispanic linguistics
- Cultural anthropology
- Latinx health and migration to the U.S.
- Phonetics and pronunciation
- Spanish sociolinguistics in Latin America/USA
- Women in Latin American literature
Learn more about the Spanish major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about the Spanish minor in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
Thinking about a bachelor's degree in Spanish? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.
Department information
Languages
Centennial Hall 45081698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Languages department website