🌎 Spanish at UTEP
At UTEP, studying Spanish is more than learning a language—it’s an opportunity to engage with a vibrant cultural heritage and develop professional skills that open doors across industries. Our location on the U.S.–Mexico border provides a uniquely immersive environment for studying the world’s second most widely spoken language.
The B.A. in Spanish offers four distinctive concentrations:
Two learning tracks
Enhance fluency and cultural competency through Study Abroad programs in Mexico and Spain. These upper-division, immersive courses provide firsthand experience in diverse Spanish-speaking contexts.
📺 why studying Spanish at UTEP?
Watch this video to find out!
🎓 Spanish programs
B.A. in Spanish
Embark on a transformative journey to master Spanish and explore its cultural richness through our undergraduate major and minor programs.The B.A. in Spanish offers four distinctive concentrations:
- Translation and Interpreting: Bridge communication gaps across languages and cultures.
- Applied Linguistics: Analyze the structure and use of language and explore applications in teaching and policy.
- Chicano Studies: Examine the histories, identities, and experiences of Chicano communities.
- Literature and Culture: Immerse yourself in Spanish and Latin American literary and cultural traditions.
- Combine your Spanish major with a required minor to build a versatile professional profile.
- Students seeking Teacher Certification in Spanish can complete an All-Levels Education Minor.
- The Spanish minor complements many majors—especially in education, public service, non-profits, and the arts.
M.A. in Spanish (newly revamped)
Our Spanish M.A. program builds on undergraduate training to provide advanced skills for research and analysis of cultural artifacts from the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America.- Ideal for comparative and interdisciplinary studies in Spanish-speaking and bilingual contexts.
- Students now have the option to pursue a secondary specialization in Spanish language teaching or translation and interpreting.
- Advanced coursework in
- Hispanic culture
- Research methods
- Elective coursework in Spanish language teaching or Translation and Interpreting
- Preparation for PhD studies, teaching careers, and professional roles in fields such as international business, cultural affairs, homeland security, public administration, non-profits, tourism, and entertainment
📧 For more information about the M.A. program, contact Dr. Sara Potter at sapotter@utep.edu.
✈️ Language requirement and Study Abroad
Our Spanish language courses fulfill the College of Liberal Arts language requirement and those of several other UTEP colleges.Two learning tracks
- Heritage Speaker Track: For students who grew up in Spanish-speaking environments.
- Second Language Learner Track: For students developing Spanish proficiency from the ground up.
Enhance fluency and cultural competency through Study Abroad programs in Mexico and Spain. These upper-division, immersive courses provide firsthand experience in diverse Spanish-speaking contexts.
💡marketable skills
Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish will develop the following marketable skills:
Bilingual Proficiency and Communication Skills- Advanced proficiency in Spanish, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both Spanish and English, a highly sought-after skill in global and border-region contexts.
- Cross-cultural communication skills, essential for working in diverse environments.
- Expertise in translating written texts and interpreting spoken language between Spanish and English.
- Knowledge of specialized terminology in fields such as legal, medical, and technical translation.
- Understanding of the structure and function of the Spanish language.
- Ability to analyze language use in social, cultural, and professional contexts.
- Skills in teaching Spanish as a second language or working in language-related fields like language policy or curriculum development.
- Deep understanding of Chicano history, culture, and identity, particularly in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
- Analytical skills for interpreting and critiquing Spanish and Latin American literature, film, and other cultural texts.
- Ability to engage with and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional and community settings.
- Ability to synthesize information, understand data, and present findings effectively.
- Critical thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making in academic and professional contexts.
- Knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world, including its history, politics, and cultural diversity.
- Awareness of the unique dynamics of the U.S.-Mexico border region and its impact on language, culture, and society.
- Skills to navigate and work in globalized and multicultural environments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English,
- Preparation for careers in education, translation, public service, business, and more.
💼 JOBS AND SALARIES
The linguistic and cultural competence involved in earning a BA in Spanish can enhance marketability and increase earning power in just about any field, from business to journalism to education to medicine, so a double major is an excellent choice for many students.Sampling Jobs & Salaries
- Bilingual education, K-12: Avg. $59,560; range $51,000-$82,000
- Cultural affairs coordinator: Avg. 57,869; range $40,000-$70,000
- Director of study abroad programs: Avg. $119,594; range $41,924-$216,611
- Foreign service officer: Avg. starting range: $44,000-$54,000; significant room for advancement
- Immigration officer: Avg. $57,752; range $32,670-$102,092
- Intelligence analyst: Avg. $74,574; range $19,445-$135,667
- Localization specialist: Avg. $44,676; range $23,000-$97,500
➡️ Students pursuing a concentration in Applied Linguistics can explore additional job and salary information here.
➡️ Students pursuing a concentration in Translation and Interpreting can explore additional job and salary information here.
