Spanish Major
A major in Spanish provides students with the analytical skills necessary to undertake linguistic, cultural and literary investigation. Students perfect their language skills so that they are able to communicate their views effectively in written and spoken Spanish and Portuguese. All students majoring in Spanish are required to choose an emphasis in one of the following areas:
Hispanic Linguistics
An emphasis in Linguistics provides students with a scientific study of the Spanish language. In these classes, students explore how language is formulated and organized in our brains, what Spanish structures are possible and why, and how sounds are organized, produced, and perceived.
Hispanic Literature
An emphasis in Hispanic literature is a comprehensive and innovative program in the writings and cultures of the Hispanic world.
Spanish Generalist
The Spanish General Emphasis offers students innovative courses in Spanish that help them improve their skills in intercultural communication. Our professors are well-known scholars who specialize in a variety of fields, such as: visual art, music, cinema, culture, literature, urban spaces, borders/migration, translation, interpretation, and linguistics.
Spanish & Portuguese
Students in the Spanish & Portuguese emphasis complete coursework in language, literature, linguistics, and culture in both languages. Students begin at whatever level is deemed appropriate based on a placement exam.
Translation & Interpretation
An emphasis in Translation & Interpretation provides students the academic resources and practical skills necessary for professional development as an interpreter and translator, focusing on healthcare and legal fields.
Additionally, a mimimum of two semesters of Portuguese (PORT 305a and 325a) are required for all Spanish majors. Students who want to become middle or high school Spanish teachers must complete 24 units of upper division coursework in Spanish and be admitted into the College of Education. For specific requirements, please see the Degree Requirements page.
Many Spanish majors have double majors or dual degrees and benefit from generous double-dipping policies. To learn more about these policies, please schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor for Spanish & Portuguese.
Spanish or Portuguese Minor
We offer two minors: a minor in Spanish and a minor in Portuguese.
The Spanish Minor requires 18-20 units of coursework - minimum of 6 courses. Depending on proficiency, additional SPAN 300 and 400 electives may be needed to meet this total.
The minor in Portuguese consists of no less than 18 units, starting at 200 with at least 9 units of upper division courses and requiring PORT 350 as a core course.
Minors are chosen in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Spanish. The Department strongly encourages majors to pursue a minor in Portuguese. Majors in Spanish are encouraged to take courses in areas related to their area of study such as Latin American Studies or Mexican and Mexican American Studies. For specific requirements, please see the Degree Requirements page.
Questions? Contact the Undergraduate Advisor for Spanish and Portuguese.
Ready to Declare?
Thank you for your interest. There are many benefits of majoring in Spanish & Portuguese! Declare a major or minor in one of the following ways:
In Person
To declare a minor, please email span-advise@email.arizona.edu
To declare a major, please schedule an appointment using the button below.
Online Form
Complete the online Major/Minor declaration form (NetID required). A faculty advisor will follow up to schedule a meeting. If you do not hear from a faculty advisor within a week, please contact the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at 520-621-3123.