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Spanish

Available as a major, minor or concentration

Spoken by approximately 572 million people, Spanish is the fourth most commonly used language worldwide.

With a major or minor in Spanish, you'll be prepared for an increasingly global future. Students are primed for a wide range of careers in business, international relations, health care, education, social services, law, criminal justice and political science.

We also offer a concentration in Spanish for the Global Professions & Translation.

Curriculum & Courses

Sample Course Offerings

SPAN 304: Spanish for Oral Communication 
SPAN 330: Spanish for Business
SPAN 332: Spanish for Healthcare
SPAN 335: The Sounds of Spanish
SPAN 381: Translation & Interpretation

Professor Stanley teaching her Spanish class

Student Experiences

Yucatán Semester Program

Roanoke has a special semester-long, faculty-led program in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Students take classes with their professor, go on cultural excursions, experience language immersion and perform service projects. Learn more.

Students at a natural water pool with a Roanoke College banner
Students in front of ruins in the Yucatan
Students at a natural water pool
Flamingoes in a river
Student holding a spider
Students in front of a mural
Students in front of ruins in the Yucatan
Students getting ready to eat food
“Living in the language for four consecutive months showed me the beauty in communication with people I otherwise would have never been able to talk to.” 

Autumn Goff '24

student poses with mountains behind her

Learn By Doing

Play 'Madre Tierra' hosted by the Modern Languages Department

Students performed in "Madre Tierra," a Spanish-language play by Eduardo Cabrera. The play examines the effects of globalization, and specifically biofuel markets, on local farming in indigenous communities. Mayan poet Sasil Sánchez Chan provided an introduction at the event, explaining the importance of corn in Mayan culture. An audience discussion concluded the show.
 

Three students perform on a stage

One-on-one research leads to presenting at a national conference

Community Engagement

Lots to do here

students talk to a professor while sitting at a table

  • Join HOLA, our student club.
  • Get inducted to Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honor society.
  • Come dance and meet others at our salsa dancing workshops.
  • Attend the annual Dia de los Muertos party.

Study Abroad

"Traveling to Argentina allowed me to have a unique, enriching and cultural learning experience that I could not have received elsewhere. The month I spent in Argentina gave me a lifetime of knowledge on the diversity and beauty of speaking Spanish."

Calynn Trent '23

Five students pictured in selfie style picture

Recent Travels

Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain
Student in Spain

Careers & Outcomes

Creating Connection Through Language

"My love for Spanish started early in my schooling career. I had many Hispanic friends in middle school, but they always spoke Spanish amongst themselves. I couldn’t understand them, so I started taking Spanish classes.

"I enjoyed taking Spanish in high school but coming into college I had no aspirations of becoming a Spanish minor. I took the required Spanish classes for graduation and was about to call it quits.

"Then, I spoke with my Spanish professor at the time, and she convinced me that a minor in Spanish would complement my business administration major well. As a result, I declared the minor and haven’t looked back since. Through the Spanish program at Roanoke College, I have gained confidence in my abilities and learned how to communicate with people from around the world.

"My goal is to open my own business where I can contribute profits to charities in Latin American countries and live out my purpose of helping and getting to know as many people as possible."

— Kasey Draper, Class of 2023 co-valedictorian, now pursuing his MBA

Kasey Draper pictured outside on Roanoke College campus

Our grads go on to great graduate schools

Logos of graduate schools including: Universidad de Salamanca, Xavier University, and more

Faculty

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News

Interested in studying Spanish at Roanoke College?

Request Information

Our program allows you to pursue a range of interests through interdisciplinary investigations of Spanish language and culture including linguistics, literature, film, art, history, politics and contemporary issues. International travel, independent research and internship opportunities offer you the chance to gain extraordinary real-world experiences while developing your Spanish language skills.                                                

Our professors are native Spanish speakers from different areas of Hispania and skilled non-native speakers, all of whom are prepared to help you master the Spanish language.

A major or minor in Spanish complements majors in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The ability to communicate in Spanish is a professional asset for any career.  

We offer both a major, minor and concentation in Spanish, with the concentration focusing on Spanish for Global Professions & Translation. We also offer a concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Professor stands at front of the room and is speaking to students in the classroom