B.A. in Spanish
Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages — second only to Mandarin — and is increasingly prevalent in the United States. Through Biola’s Spanish major, you’ll develop Spanish writing and speaking skills and grow in appreciation for cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, preparing you for successful careers and service in Spanish-speaking contexts.
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s Spanish program offers several key advantages:
- All Spanish majors are strongly encouraged to take a travel practicum or to participate in study-abroad programs.
- Biola’s location in Southern California offers great opportunities to engage with Spanish-speaking communities and to work or intern in Spanish-speaking churches, schools and businesses.
- Small classes give you an opportunity to form deep relationships with your professors and fellow students.
Concentrations
- Generalist in SpanishKnowledge of the Spanish language is a broadly applicable skill — one made more valuable by cultural understanding. Students seeking career flexibility over specialization will value the well-rounded approach of the Spanish Generalist concentration, which includes language and linguistics, literature, culture, study abroad opportunities and more.
- Global MarketplaceSpanish fluency is an increasingly valuable asset in the world of business. By integrating their Spanish studies with business courses offered through Biola's Crowell School of Business, students develop the skills necessary for working in a multilingual local and global marketplace.
- International RelationsIn this concentration, students interested in entering global or local politics or foreign affairs will sharpen their Spanish speaking while expanding their political science understanding. This highly practical combination equips students to serve diplomatically in any of the over twenty countries where Spanish is commonly spoken or in culturally diverse areas in the United States.
- Ministry Partnership with Biola's Talbot School of Theology empowers students to incorporate their Spanish communication skills into cross-cultural ministry, meeting a great need in light of the growing number of Spanish-speaking people within the United States. This concentration enables students to serve both abroad and right at home.
- Secondary InstructionWith this unique concentration partnered with the School of Education, students can combine their passion for teaching and Spanish. This concentration will help prepare students to teach in predominantly speaking Spanish schools or to teach Spanish in secondary settings.
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Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish?
Many career possibilities in fields like education, international affairs, government and ministry await future graduates of Biola's Spanish program. You can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:
- International relations consultant
- Translator
- Immigration officer
- Foreign media correspondent
- Court interpreter
- FBI agent
- College professor
- Secondary elementary Spanish teacher
- English language support teacher
- Foreign diplomat
Biola graduates from the Spanish major are doing everything from teaching Spanish at schools around the country, to pursuing business opportunities with Latino corporations, to providing nursing care to Latino immigrants in the Santa Ana School District.
We had professors who were mentors and examples for us as educators and also in their daily lives outside of work. Learning and studying at Biola also helps you learn not to compartmentalize your faith and let Christ lead in everything.
The program helped me become more confident in my Spanish, and prepared me with necessary tools to use Spanish in different contexts.
Spanish, B.A. '16
Students will be equipped with the skills to not only speak, read and write Spanish, but will develop a greater understanding of the Hispanic culture and how to fulfill the great commission.
