Why Study Spanish at Washburn?

¡Bienvenidos! If you want to be able to communicate in Spanish in any work setting, Washburn can help you get there. More than half of all language majors at Washburn University combine language learning with another discipline, from business or nursing to psychology or social work. You will study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, and you will be eligible for internships locally. You also will gain Spanish language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking that will set you up for career success.

Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage Salary $80,000on campus
student in class

Translating into Success

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language from the start of your educational journey. You are encouraged to begin your language studies as soon as you become an Ichabod and continue to enroll in at least one language course each semester until graduation. Learning a foreign language is a cumulative process. By building on your skills and knowledge each semester, you will be prepared for a career speaking the fourth most spoken language in the world. Choosing Washburn offers a list of advantages:

Meet Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn studied Spanish and International Business at Washburn University. Listen as she shares her experience and offers tips for success in language acquisition.

It is common to declare a major in Spanish at enrollment and then determine your specific interest. Talk with your advisor right away if you know you want to study something else, as well. Depending on that other discipline, you will earn a double major or a double degree.

Depending on the length of time you intend to study abroad, be sure to talk with your advisor and the Bods Abroad Office at International House about your options. Don't forget departmental scholarships and Washburn Transformational Experience funding are available and financial aid applies to study abroad.

At graduation, students typically have an exam-demonstrated proficiency beyond intermediate level.

Graduates work in a variety of settings and have continued on to graduate school in many disciplines and professional school for medicine, law and library information science.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Student/Faculty Ratio

12:1

Qualities for Success

Open-minded
Eager to learn
Passion for other cultures
Committed to improvement
Adventurous

Travel Options

Argentina
Chile
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Panama
Spain

Bachelor of Arts

(F) SP 311 Spanish Grammar Review
(S) SP 312 Spanish Composition
SP 331 Introduction to Hispanic Literature
SP 400 Senior Thesis, including Portfolio
+ 6 hours of upper division course work (courses listed as 300 and above)
+ 9 hours of correlated courses -- These courses are intended to complement and broaden your Spanish classes. They are selected in consultation with your advisor.

Portfolio: All Spanish majors are required to present a portfolio after the 202 level course. They are then required to keep updating their portfolio which is then turned in as part of their grade in SP 400 course before graduation. This has the advantage of giving the department an initial assessment as well as an outcome assessment.

All coursework for the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Some of the hours required to complete the major can be earned through the study abroad program. The department strongly recommends study for a period of time in a country where the foreign language is spoken as a component of the student’s preparation for the major. We offer summer, semester, or year-long programs. Substantial scholarships for study abroad are available each year from the department and the International Education Committee.

Washburn has direct exchange programs with Universidad de Cantabria in Spain, Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and National University of Asunción in Paraguay.

Students who plan to teach will need to be formally admitted into the University's Teacher Education Program. All language majors preparing to teach must complete ED 368 Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages, and must take the following courses as part of their major:

  • SP 324 Civilization of Spain
  • SP 325 Civilization of Mexico or SP 326 Civilization of Latin America
In order to minor in Spanish a student must complete 18 hours of course work beyond the 100 level. Of these 18 hours, 6 must be at the 300 level.
students working with the instructor in a Spanish class

Spanish Conversation Table

The Spanish Conversation Table meets regularly during the semester for conversation.  Spanish Table is a fun, informal chance to practice your Spanish with fellow students without the pressure of grades, and is an excellent chance to brush up your speaking skills or keep them current.  Call the department at 670.1714 for information on the current meeting schedule. 

Contact the Modern Languages department for other information regarding the Spanish Conversation Table or the Spanish Club.

Apply Now

Apply now to Washburn University and begin the journey toward becoming your best self or your mejor yo.

Study Abroad

Study for a period of time (a summer or a semester) in another country.
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Student Resources

There are many resources for Modern Language students.
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GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Modern Languages

Department of Modern Languages
Morgan Hall, Room 350
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1714
modern-languages@washburn.edu

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