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Spanish

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.

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs, Certificates

Program Type:

Major, Minor

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

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Student Testimonials

Dr. 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

Opportunities

"My Spanish classes were the most fun and informative classes I took at GV, and they were a relaxing, low stress environment to learn another language. It was very easy to get a double major with the Spanish program, and having a background in Spanish will only benefit you in future employment. There are also great study abroad options through the University that are the opportunity of a lifetime, and the professors in the program truly care about your success both inside and outside the classroom." - Kate

"The Department of Modern Languages is very competent and they not only taught me Spanish but also helped me understand the culture behind the language. The program is well thought-out to involve students in activities and events in the DSM community where they can practice their Spanish that leads to good experiences and connections. Once you are out of college you don’t only speak Spanish, but you also have professional connections in the community who speak Spanish and this has helped me to get to know other people and expand my network." - Miguel

"GV students, first and foremost, could not ask for more supportive teachers/mentors than who they will find in the Modern Languages Department at GV. It will beautifully compliment any primary major and make them even more marketable in the workforce." - Rachel

Program Details

The major in Spanish for Careers and Professionals places an emphasis on practical application skills in Spanish related to a chosen field of interest such as Business, Teaching, Healthcare, Criminal Justice, etc. The curriculum provides theory and practice necessary to prepare students to effectively communicate in Spanish in a chosen area of concentration. Students are given a basic foundation in verbal, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in Spanish. The understanding of culture is emphasized through travel opportunities and involvement in the Hispanic community. Study abroad is not required but highly recommended. Local immersion may be a viable alternative to international study. Participation in international learning programs or projects not sponsored by Grand View University requires prior approval by the department chair.

Course Requirements (34-35 credits plus 8 prerequisite credits )

SPAN 101

Spanish I

4 credits

*Students who have taken at least 3 years of high school Spanish may enroll in Spanish II. If they earn a grade of C- or higher, they can receive credit for Spanish I. The processing fee of $30 needs to be paid to receive the credit.

**Students whose high school transcript show an Iowa Seal of Biliteracy can receive 8 credits, including Spanish I and II, after completing a GV class in Modern Languages. See policy for details.

SPAN 102

Spanish II

4 credits

Requirements for the Major:

SPAN 201	Spanish III	4 credits
SPAN 202	Spanish IV	4 credits
SPAN 310	Introduction to Hispanic Literature	3 credits
SPAN 312	Hispanic Culture and Civilization	3 credits
SPAN 320 or SPAN 321	Advanced Spanish Grammar or Advanced Spanish Composition and Communication	3 credits
SPAN 412 or SPAN 413	Spanish Translation for Professionals or Introduction to Spanish Interpretation	3 credits
SPAN 450	Spanish Leadership and Engagement	3 credits

Take 11-12 credits, completing one of the following concentrations:

Business Administration Concentration:

SPAN 105	Spanish for Business	3 credits
SPAN 399	Internship - Spanish	3 credits
Take 6 credits from:
BSAD 202	Entrepreneurship and Business Fundamentals	3 credits
BSAD 310	Principles of Management	3 credits
BSAD 315	Marketing	3 credits
MLAN 311	Global Perspectives	3 credits
SPAN 430	Special Topics (International Study)	3 credits

Criminal Justice Concentration:

SPAN 106	Spanish for Law Enforcement	3 credits
SPAN 399	Internship – Spanish	3 credits
Take 6 credits from:
PSYC/SOCS 310	Social Psychology	3 credits
CRJ 100	(DMACC) Intro to Criminal Justice	3 credits
SOCS 318	Criminological Theory	3 credits
MLAN 311	Global Perspectives	3 credits
SPAN 430	Special Topics (International Study)	3 credits

Health Care Concentration:

SPAN 107	Spanish for Health Care Providers	3 credits
SPAN 399	Internship – Spanish	3 credits
Take 6 credits from:
KINH 188	Personal and Community Health	3 credits
KINH 205	Lifetime Fitness and Wellness	3 credits
KINH 276	Principles and Foundations of Health Promotion	3 credits
NURS 220	The Caring Professional Nurse (For Nursing majors only)	3 credits
PHIL 325	Bioethics	3 credits
PSYC 363	Psychology and Health	3 credits
MLAN 311	Global Perspectives	3 credits
SPAN 430	Special Topics (International Study)	3 credits

Teaching Concentration:

EDUC 304	Education Practicum: Foreign Language	2 credits
EDUC 317	Foreign Language Teaching Methods	3 credits
Take 3 credits from:		3 credits
EDUC 280	Social Issues in Education	3 credits
EDUC 377	Modern Language for Today’s 21st Century Classroom	3 credits
MLAN 311		3 credits
Take 3 credits from:		3 credits
LIBA 350 or Study tour	Core Seminar II or Approved study tour in a Spanish speaking country	3 credits
SPAN 399	Internship – Spanish	3 credits
SPAN 430	Special Topics (International Study)	3 credits

Strongly Recommended Electives:

HIST 332	Modern Latin America	3 credits
HIST 337	History of Mexico	3 credits
SPAN 204	Self-Expression in Spanish	3 credits

Degree Fit

This program could be a good fit if you:

Enjoy broadening your horizons while developing specific linguistic and cultural skills
Like to immerse yourself in courses in conversation, grammar, reading and comprehension of another langauge
Quickly pick up on other languages and are able to fluently speak, read and write other languages

Spanish Minor

Did you know that Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world? 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 your major with the Spanish minor to give you a competitive edge in the workplace.

Course Requirements (22 credits)

SPAN 101*	Spanish I	4 credits
SPAN 102	Spanish II	4 credits
SPAN 201	Spanish III	4 credits
SPAN 202	Spanish IV	4 credits
Six additional hours in Spanish as approved by the department chair.		6 credits

*Students who have taken at least 3 years of high school Spanish may enroll in Spanish II. If they earn a grade of “C-” or higher, they will receive credit for Spanish I. The processing fee of $30 needs to be paid to receive the credit.

Modern Languages Minor

One course of study that’s often overlooked as a potential minor is a modern language. In the world as it is today, minoring in a modern language could prove to be a real advantage especially when it comes to employment opportunities.

Course Requirements (18 credits)

18 credits in any modern language, including Danish, French, Greek, or Spanish.

Spanish Essentials Certificate

As a Grand View student pursuing a Spanish Essentials certificate, 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. You’ll also analyze and interpret a range of Hispanic literature, and through travel opportunities and involvement in the community, you’ll develop an understanding of Hispanic culture within and outside the borders of the United States.

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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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.

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

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.