All people should be heard – including Spanish speakers.
In America, where most people only speak one language, being bilingual is like having a superpower. Learning Spanish will be an advantage to you in future careers and allow for adaptability and inclusion in both the workforce and your personal life. The Spanish program at University of the Cumberlands is focused on preparing you to understand and speak Spanish while also learning about the beautiful Spanish culture. But there’s a deeper reason to learn Spanish: to make sure all people, not just English speakers, are heard.
By the Numbers
$49,110
20%
1 in 5
30+
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Minor
Experience small, close-knit classes as you explore Spanish language, literature, and cultures in both Spain and the Americas. Spanish culture will come to life for you as you grow in your understanding and proficiency of the language and lifestyle. Not only will you enjoy the personalized classes, but you will also have ample opportunity to apply what you learn to real life situations at work, with other students, or with someone in the local coffee shop. Did we mention that Cumberlands has partnership programs with places such as Costa Rica, Spain, and Salamanca? You have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel abroad and make the most of your learning experience!
Course Requirements
- SPAN 131 - Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 - Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 - Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 - Intermediate Spanish II
- SPAN 331 - Spanish Composition and Conversation
- SPAN 332 - Latino Culture and Literature in the United States
- SPAN 334 - Stories and Tales from the Spanish-Speaking World
- SPAN 336 - Cultures of the Spanish-Speaking World
- SPAN 437 - Introduction to Spanish Translation and Interpretation
- WOLC 490 - Special Topics in World Languages and Cultures OR WOLC 434 - Language in the World
- SPAN 491 - Cultural Immersion in Spanish *
- SPAN 492 - Independent Research in Spanish *
*Requires department chair approval
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
Here at University of the Cumberlands, it is our mission to prepare Spanish students like you to optimize your career choices in today’s diverse economy and help you explore the culture of Spanish through class work, extracurricular activities, and more.
Spanish Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Interpreter/Translator: $49,110
Interpreter/Translator: $49,110
Translate languages into other languages for people to understand.
Customer Service Representative: $17.75 hourly
Customer Service Representative: $17.75 hourly
Interacts with customers and helps with processing orders, complaints and questions.
Spanish Professor: $83,300
Spanish Professor: $83,300
Teaches Spanish language and culture to students.
Bank Teller: $36,310
Bank Teller: $36,310
Responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank.
Medical Assistant: $37,190
Medical Assistant: $37,190
Help with tasks in hospitals, doctors' offices, and healthcare facilities in general.
Travel Agent: $43,810
Travel Agent: $43,810
Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips.
Common Questions
A Spanish degree is an academic program focused on the Spanish language, literature, culture, and history. It typically includes courses in language proficiency, conversation, and the study of Spanish-speaking countries, providing a deep understanding of both the language and its cultural context.
A Spanish degree usually takes four years to complete as a bachelor's program. This includes completing the necessary coursework, general education requirements, and possibly a minor or additional language studies.
Yes, many universities offer online Spanish degrees or hybrid programs that combine online coursework with on-campus experiences. However, some aspects, such as conversation practice and cultural immersion, may require in-person attendance.
Yes, a Spanish degree can be worth it for individuals interested in careers that require bilingual skills. It enhances job prospects in various fields, including education, translation, healthcare, and customer service, while also providing valuable cultural insights.
With a Spanish degree, you can pursue various careers, including interpreter/translator, customer service representative, Spanish professor, bank teller, medical assistant, travel agent, and roles in international relations or business. It can also serve as a foundation for further studies in areas like education or linguistics.
To obtain a Spanish degree, apply to a university that offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Spanish. Complete the required coursework in language and cultural studies, fulfill general education requirements, and engage in practical experiences such as internships or study abroad programs.
Yes, a Spanish degree is useful in today’s globalized economy, where bilingualism is increasingly valued. It enhances communication skills and cultural awareness, making graduates more competitive in various job markets, especially in healthcare, education, and customer service.
Currently, you have the option to study abroad in France, England, Spain, Ireland, or Costa Rica. Visit our study abroad page for more information!
While a Spanish degree provides a strong foundation in the language, achieving fluency depends on various factors, including immersion, practice, and personal effort. Engaging with native speakers, studying abroad, and using the language in real-life situations significantly enhance language proficiency.
Any student that is 18 years old at the time of travel, is a full-time student at UC, has at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and has attended UC for at least one full term before travel is eligible for study abroad trips. If you have all of those requirements and are interested, then you are one step closer to your dream of going abroad! Visit the study abroad page to learn more.
Faculty Experts in World Languages
Learn more about the world languages professors you will interact with.

Jennifer Marsh

Dr. Laura Dennis
Request Information
Have any questions? Submit them down below!