Career Possibilities

Why Study Spanish? 

A bachelor's degree in Spanish is a very useful asset to have in today's social and economic climates, especially in the United States, where, according to studies conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, people of Hispanic and Latino descent will make up more than 31% of the nation's population by the year 2060. In California alone, Latinos make up 40% of the population, making them the largest racial/ethnic group in the state. Consequently, people with the skills and ability to communicate in Spanish will be in high demand from all corners of the job market(s). A degree in Spanish can open up many different opportunities, including but not limited to:

Teaching

More and more, the study of Spanish language is being required in high schools and elementary schools all across the country. Teachers who are fluent in Spanish are the key to shaping these young minds and preparing them to learn a language spoken by more than one billions people across the world. The department's major curriculum also doubles as the Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) for Future High School Spanish Teachers, which allows students to teach Spanish at the high school level. The department's Bilingual Authorization allows students who hold the authorization to conduct all kinds of classes in Spanish. Many students go on to have successful careers as high school and elementary teachers, both in traditional classes that aim to teach Spanish to non-speakers and classes held for students whose primary language is Spanish.

Furthering Education

Besides imparting practical communication skills such as speaking and reading proficiency, a degree in Spanish also allows students to develop critical thinking skills. These kinds of skills are essential for those students who wish to continue on to graduate or professional studies, such as pursuing an MA or Ph.D. in Spanish, master's in education, a law degree, or a master's in business administration, to name a few. A master's degree allows the holder to teach in community colleges, while a Ph.D. allows holders to teach at four-year universities. People who receive graduate degrees, regardless of the discipline they complete it in, oftentimes go on to fill important administrative roles in their universities or schools, such as becoming the dean of a college, the principal of a high school or the president of a university. 

Serving the Public

Many of the cities and communities in the United States are predominantly made up of Latino and Hispanic people. A degree in Spanish will allow students who wish to pursue a career in the public sector, such as running for city office or working for the federal government, and students who wish to work in a public service role, such as a police officer, to develop  language skills that will help them communicate with and, more importantly, represent these communities in a much better capacity. 

Translating

Many students with a degree in Spanish go on to receive the training and certification required to be translators and interpreters. Oftentimes, they can work for courthouses, corporations, schools, and even prestigious institutions and entities like the United Nations.