Spanish Major

Immerse yourself in Spanish – the nation’s second most commonly spoken language.

As a Spanish major at UNI, you’ll explore different areas of study, including Spanish grammar and vocabulary, Spanish-speaking cultures and civilizations, literature and film in Spanish, Spanish linguistics, Spanish/English translation and Spanish for Heritage Speakers.

All courses are taught exclusively in Spanish and offer ample opportunities to improve in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

Our faculty come from very diverse backgrounds, allowing students to hear a variety of Spanish dialects and explore a breadth of intellectual possibilities. With small class size, our students receive one-on-one attention from faculty members, resulting in numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, including honors theses and presentations at conferences.

Outside of the classroom, our students engage in a variety of community service projects, working with local business and community and government agencies, providing language assistance for immigrants and refugees, participating in simulations, as well as doing professional-level translation services.

Find out more about Spanish major classes and program requirements.

students in Spanish class talking to professor

Community Engagement

Community engagement experiences are embedded in most advanced Spanish courses.

Study Abroad

Most Spanish majors spend a summer or semester abroad, building their language skills in real-world settings.

Grad School Ready

UNI Spanish majors have gone on to succeed in nationally recognized graduate programs.

Learn more about Spanish

Fill out your information here to receive communication about this major.

Department of Languages and Literatures
1001 Bartlett Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506
langlit@uni.edu

Phone: 319.273.2821
Fax: 319.273.5807

Dynamic Major

I am a:

I want to start at UNI in:

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Email Responses To

Primary Instrument:

Secondary Instrument:

I am interested in music ensembles.

I would like to receive text messages from the School of Music.

Phone Number:

Google Analytics

GA Campaign Term

GA Campaign Source

GA Campaign Content

GA Campaign Medium

GA Campaign Name

Contact Information

Spanish placement exam

Take the exam

Spanish for Heritage Speakers – gain credits, save money

If you grew up in a home where Spanish is spoken, should you still study Spanish? At UNI, the answer is yes! The Department of Languages & Literatures allows heritage speakers of Spanish to earn credit based on their previous language experiences that can be applied to UNI language requirements or toward a major or minor in Spanish.

Students who successfully pass Spanish for Heritage Speakers are eligible to automatically earn up to 18 Spanish credits, including:

Satisfaction of the foreign language exit requirement
12 credits towards a Spanish minor or Spanish teaching minor
9 credits towards a Spanish major
9 credits towards a Spanish teaching major

Many heritage learners go on to take more advanced courses in literature, cultural studies, translation, and linguistics in Spanish. They also participate in study abroad programs and internships where they apply their Spanish language skills out in the world. These students know that developing academic and professional skills in Spanish will complement their professional advancement in almost any field.

Resources for Spanish Heritage Speakers

Why study Spanish at UNI?

diaz

“I originally was a nursing student, and I got my Associate’s Degree from Marshalltown. However, I realized that I wanted to make more of an impact. Coming to UNI has helped me to decide that I wanted to help people more long term, and I realized social work could help me connect with people, because I really enjoy having that contact with others. Having a Spanish major can help your overall end goal, which is assisting my social work major by broadening the range of people I can impact. Being able to reach a wider scope of people will allow me to help more of those who need it. I also am very interested in diversity, and I want to showcase that throughout my life. Having a social work and Spanish major allows me to do that.”

Martha Ortiz Diaz is a Spanish and social work double major at UNI.

Learn more about the Spanish program at the University of Northern Iowa

professor in spanish class pointing at whiteboard

Careers

A Spanish major enables students to gain a wide-variety of teaching experience by offering courses in communication, literary theory and film. Common career areas for graduates of this major include:

Teaching and student affairs
health services
translation and interpretation
public relations
law enforcement
Business
social services
journalism

Courses

Spanish for Special Purposes
Grammatical review and specialized vocabulary for practical professional situations; develops listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills; and provides a vehicle for cultural awareness.

Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Reading and writing-intensive Spanish course for heritage speakers of Spanish, including linguistic, literary and cultural content.

Hispanic Literature
Combined study of Peninsular Spanish and Spanish American literature by genre, period, theme, or author. Topic listed in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated on different topics.

Study Abroad

Spanish majors are expected to study abroad during their time at UNI. We offer opportunities to study in Spain, Peru and Costa Rica, from two weeks to semester-long, in faculty-led programs as well as studying at local universities with family stay.

Related Majors & Minors

English

TESOL

Spanish Teaching

Languages and Literatures Features

Final Thursday Reading Series featuring Gail Lynn

Thu, Jan 30 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Hearst Center for the Arts, 304 West Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls

View Full Calendar →