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Spanish for Careers & Professionals Major

A degree in Spanish will prepare you for an exciting career in our increasingly diverse society. At Grand View,  you'll learn to communicate effectively in Spanish both orally and in writing. You’ll master the practical applications such as grammar, punctuation, mechanics and usage for your chosen concentration, whether that’s business, health care or criminal justice.

According to a recent student by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, U.S. businesses need more multilingual employees. In fact, 85% of employers report Spanish as their most in-demand language. There’s no better time to increase your language skills with a Spanish major or minor – it will help you stand out as a valuable employee.

Grand View University offers college credit for students who have earned the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy.

Why Grand View?

  • Students engage Spanish language skills in a variety of disciplines.
  • Small class sizes and personal attention from instructors.
  • Extensive service opportunities within the Des Moines Latino community.
  • Study tour and study abroad opportunities that provide incomparable international exposure and cultural experiences.
Career Options

Whether you plan to work for an international business or organization, provide instruction, translation or interpretation, the job opportunities in today's world are many:

  • School Teacher
  • Legal Assistant
  • Athletic Coach
  • Real Estate
  • Community Liaison
  • Self-enrichment Spanish Instructor
  • Spanish Interpreter or Translator
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • International Relations Consultant
  • Cultural Events Coordinator
  • Law Enforcement
  • National Security Agent
  • College Professor
  • Immigration Officer

What Can I Do With This Major?
Course Requirements
Download Degree Checklist
Student Testimonials

Dr. Sarah Miller BoeltsDr. Sarah Miller Boelts

“Professor Sarah is my Spanish teacher. Spanish is my third language that I am learning, but professor Sarah has made the class convenient for me. She is always looking for an opportunity to teach the students in a way that students learn easy. I have learned so much over these 2 months than I ever have in my entire course. I have confidence when I am speaking Spanish, as well as writing. She is very polite and understands me so much, which makes me glad that I belong to Grand View. She always gives good feedback that I have always scored well every time I do a lab writing or a exam. Professor Sarah has all the qualities a PhD degree holder should have.” - Sumitra Basnet

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in or more of the following:

Awards and Accomplishments

Faculty

Ms. Coralie Turner • Studied Latin, German, French, and Portuguese and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Travels extensively to keep language and culture fluency current. She is passionate about teaching, learning, and service and has received the Iowa World Language Teacher of the Year award at the post secondary level in 2007 and the Grand View Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Dr. Sarah Miller Boelts • Has presented at various local, national, and international conferences on topics dealing with Hispanic literature and culture, mainly Cuba. She has done article reviews on submissions and completed textbook reviews for upcoming publications. She was awarded a grant through Central College to go to Mérida to see their Study Abroad site in 2014. She has also organized and led study tours to several different countries.

Ms. Amy Schumann • Presented at various local and international conferences on topics pertaining to language learning and fluency. She has studied Spanish and Portuguese and is fluent in both Spanish and English. She teaches in the modern language department and assists in the education department teaching a methods course. She has also taught in the Core, engaging students in the Latino community. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in bilingual education and social justice at New Mexico State University. She serves on the Latino Heritage Festival Board as the current educational liaison between the board and the community and has assisted on study tours to Spain, Brazil/Argentina, and Peru.

Alumni

Brandon West (2005) • The Spanish Club founder and works for the State of Iowa using Spanish very strategically and creatively.

Chelsea Maas Menchaca (2010) • B.A. in Spanish for Careers and Professionals • M.A. Secondary Education - Teach Arizona Program - University of Arizona (2011) and has taught high school Spanish in Arizona since graduation.

Kari Seabrooke Sass (2011) • RN BSN Nursing & Spanish School Nurse in Postville, Iowa serving students from México, Somalia, Guatemala, Afghanistan, Russia, and others.

Did You Know?

  • Being bilingual makes you a more desirable candidate in the workforce. You’ll find extensive career opportunities in a variety of fields because all sectors of the economy require the skills of bilingual (Spanish) personnel.
  • Your ability to communicate in Spanish is valuable in many realms of society, from philanthropic to business to government. Employers in the Des Moines area and throughout the country, not to mention international organizations, very frequently reward employees with abilities in a language other than English with hiring bonuses and higher pay grade positions.
  • Through this interdisciplinary study of language, literature, culture, history and contemporary issues, you’ll gain a significant global understanding that will make you a sought-after candidate in many career fields.
  • Consider combining Spanish with another major or minor to give you an additional edge in the workplace.

Alumni Spotlight

"Learning Spanish has not only opened the door for advancements in my career, but has also given me the opportunity to learn about a different culture, as well as communicate with my Spanish speaking students where I teach."  
--Sarah Lopez '02

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Faculty

Jensen Hall

Originally a historic residence hall, Jensen was transformed into part of Grand View’s academic facilities in 2004 and is now home to offices and classrooms for religion, history, foreign languages and english.

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