Students who pursue a major in Spanish will have a wide range of options, both in the courses they take and in job opportunities after graduation. Our curriculum prepares students to think critically, articulate their ideas both orally and in writing, and to learn how to perceive and understand the world from a variety of perspectives. FIU's fully online BA in Spanish is designed to provide students with a a well-rounded knowledge of the language and cultures of the Hispanic world while enhancing linguistic proficiency for both heritage and non-heritage speakers. 

Career Opportunities

The teaching and research interests of our faculty cover the broad and dynamic range of Hispanic contributions to world literature and culture. Cultural and intellectual diversity forms the cornerstone of all levels of the curriculum. Students will be prepared for career opportunities in education, business, social and health services, law, diplomacy, and publishing.

According to a New York Times article by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, “speaking two languages rather than just one has obvious practical benefits in an increasingly globalized world. But in recent years, scientists have begun to show that the advantages of bilingualism are even more fundamental than being able to converse with a wider range of people. Being bilingual, it turns out, makes you smarter. It can have a profound effect on your brain, improving cognitive skills not related to language and even shielding against dementia in old age”.

Program Completion Requirements

A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

To qualify for admission to the B.A. program, FIU undergraduates must have met all the university's lower division requirements, including the CLAS requirement or its equivalent, and have completed 60 semester hours.

To undertake a major in Spanish, a student must demonstrate a proficiency in the language at the intermediate level. This may be done by an examination administered by the Department, or by completing SPN 2201 (non-heritage learners) or SPN 2340 (heritage learners).

Requirements for BA in Spanish for Students Admitted Effective Fall 2015

Required Credits for a Major in Spanish: (30)

(12 credits of Core Courses and 18 credits of electives)

Core Courses (12 credits)

• SPN 3301 Review Grammar and Writing (3)  OR SPN 3343 Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers (3)

• SPN 3422 Advanced Grammar and Composition (3)

• SPW 3130 Introduction to Spanish American Literature (3)

• SPW 3820 Introduction to Peninsular Spanish Literature (3)

(Students who have advanced proficiency in Spanish may replace the six language credits with electives in Spanish at the 3000 or 4000 level with the written permission of their advisors).

Elective Courses

A total of 18 credits from any of the following areas:

• SPW literature/cinema and SPN culture/cinema

• Upper-division Spanish translation and interpretation

• Culture-based advanced conversation (SPN 3401/3410)

• Upper-division Spanish language

Requirements for BA in Spanish for Students Admitted Before Fall 2015

To undertake a major in Spanish, a student must demonstrate a proficiency in the language at the intermediate level. This may be done by an examination administered by the Department, or by completing SPN 2201 (non-heritage learners) or SPN 2340 (heritage learners).

Required Credits for a Major in Spanish: (33)

(24 credits of Core Courses and 9 Credits of Electives)

Core Courses

• SPN 3301 Review Grammar and Writing (3)  OR SPN 3343 Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers (3)

• SPN 3422 Advanced Grammar and Composition I (3)  OR SPN 3423 Advanced Grammar and Composition II (3)

• SPW 3820 Introduction to Peninsular Spanish Literature (3)

• SPW 3130 Introduction to Spanish American Literature (3)

• SPN 3733 General Linguistics (3) (OR equivalent)

• SPN 4936 Senior Seminar

• One additional course in Spanish Linguistics (3)

• One additional course in Spanish (3)  OR Spanish American Literature

(Students who have advanced proficiency in Spanish may replace the six language credits with electives in Spanish at the 3000 or 4000 level with the written permission of their advisors).

Elective Courses

Nine credits of electives in Spanish at the 3000 or 4000 level from a range of courses in Spanish/Spanish American literature, Spanish linguistics, Hispanic culture, and Translation/Interpretation.

SPN 3733 General Linguistics (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for other linguistics offerings.

To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

FIU Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.

Steps to Apply

Freshman Students

 Please submit the following:

• Online application

• $30 application fee.

• Official SAT or ACT scores.

• Official high school transcripts.

Transfer Students

 Please submit the following:

• Online application

• $30 application fee.

• Official college transcripts.

• If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

International Students

 In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

• Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).

• NACES official course-by-course evaluation and translation of college transcripts.

• If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

Program Admission Requirements

• Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.

• Program Completion Requirements

A total of 120 credits are required to complete the fully online undergraduate degree.  Students must complete the University Core Curriculum, University requirements and Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs requirements while satisfying requirements toward their Spanish major and are expected to make good progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making good progress, a change of major may be required. The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met.  For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.

Admission Documents

To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:


Florida International University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

P.O. Box 659003

Miami, FL 33265-9003

USA



FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

• Faster (All FL public institutions)

• Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

• SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

*Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.