Spanish at UTEP

why studying Spanish at UTEP?

Spanish programs

Embark on a transformative journey to master the Spanish language and explore its rich cultural heritage with our undergraduate and graduate Spanish programs. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide an in-depth education in one of the world's most widely spoken languages.

The Spanish major offers four distinctive concentrations: Translation and Interpreting, Applied Linguistics, Chicano Studies, and Literature and Culture. Whether you are passionate about bridging communication gaps, analyzing the intricacies of language, delving into the vibrant history and experiences of Chicano communities, or immersing yourself in Spanish and Latin American literatures and cultural traditions, this program allows you to tailor your studies to align with your interests and career goals. By pairing your major with a required minor, you will graduate with a versatile skill set that prepares you for a variety of professional opportunities in today’s globalized world. Students seeking Teacher Certification in Spanish can complete an All-Levels Education Minor alongside the Spanish BA. Additionally, we offer a Spanish minor, which adds significant value to many majors in the College of Liberal Arts, particularly those in education, public service, non-profits, and the arts. For more information about the Spanish major and minor, please contact Dr. Laura Mendoza (lemendoza2@utep.edu). 

Our Spanish M.A. builds on the undergraduate degree, providing students with advanced skills for research and analysis of cultural artifacts from the US, Mexico, and Latin America. Our border location makes this graduate program ideal for in-depth and comparative studies of Spanish-speaking and bilingual cultural production. Graduates of our M.A. program have gone on to pursue Ph.D. studies at prestigious universities or have enjoyed successful careers as teachers at the high school or junior college levels. They also find opportunities in various professions where familiarity with Hispanic cultures is essential, including international business, foreign cultural affairs, homeland security, public administration, non-profit organizations, tourism, and entertainment. For more information, please contact Dr. Sara Potter (sapotter@utep.edu).

Language requirement and Study Abroad

Our Spanish language courses also fulfill the language requirement for the College of Liberal Arts and for some majors in other UTEP colleges. These courses are thoughtfully organized into two distinct tracks: one tailored for Heritage speakers who grew up in Spanish-speaking environments and another for second language learners of Spanish seeking to develop proficiency from the ground up. For students looking to further enhance their fluency and broaden their cultural competency, the program offers upper-division courses and immersive, on-site language experiences through Spanish Study Abroad programs in Mexico and Spain, providing invaluable opportunities to experience different parts of the Spanish-speaking world firsthand.

marketable skills 

Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish will develop the following marketable skills: 

1. 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.

2. Translation and Interpreting Skills (specific to the Translation and Interpreting concentration)

   • 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.

3. Linguistic Analysis and Applied Linguistics Skills (specific to the Applied Linguistics concentration)

   • 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.

4. Cultural Competency and Critical Thinking (specific to the Chicano Studies and Literature and Culture concentrations)

   • 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.

5. Analytical Skills

   • Ability to synthesize information, understand data, and present findings effectively.

   • Critical thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making in academic and professional contexts.

6. Global and Regional Awareness

   • 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.

7. Professional Preparedness

   • Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English, essential for careers in education, translation, public service, business, and more.

These skills make graduates of the program highly marketable in fields such as education, translation and interpreting, international business, public service, media, and more. The program’s emphasis on bilingualism, cultural competency, and interdisciplinary learning ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of today’s globalized workforce.