Welcome to the Spanish Program at Montclair State University, an exciting intellectual, personal, and professional adventure that offers you multiple possibilities for future careers and cultural enrichment. Jump to the list of programs.
Why should you study Spanish?
- Almost 500 million people in the world speak Spanish.
- Spanish is the third most commonly spoken language in the world.
- Spanish is spoken by half of the population in the Western world.
- Spanish is the official language of 21 countries in the world.
- The United States has the fifth largest Hispanic population worldwide with more than 44 million Hispanics.
- In the U.S. more job opportunities are increasing for those who are fluent in both Spanish and English due to the constant growth of the U.S. Hispanic population.
- 10 Nobel Literature Prizes have been awarded to Spanish-speaking authors, with the most recent one Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa (2010).
- Spanish is fun! Spanish opens up opportunities to experience different aspects of the language such as reading Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez, watching the best films of Pedro Almodóvar, listening to the songs of Celia Cruz, Juanes, and the Buena Vista Social Club, and conversing with people from many countries and cultural backgrounds.
Why should you study Spanish at Montclair State University?
The Spanish program prides itself on offering students multiple courses of study, careful mentoring by devoted faculty, enriching cultural activities and a nationally recognized chapter of the Hispanic Honor Society.
Here are some top reasons to study Spanish at Montclair State University:
- You can choose from among three possible Spanish majors, two combined degrees, two minors, an undergraduate certificate program in Spanish translation, and five graduate programs.
- The Spanish faculty, eminent Hispanists representing six different nationalities, is committed to offering exciting courses in literature, cultural studies, film, Hispanic linguistics, translation, and interpreting.
- The Spanish faculty provides mentoring for all Spanish majors and minors, guiding them with care through their undergraduate studies and beyond, and celebrating their achievements and successes in our department newsletter and reception for graduates.
- Students will have the opportunity to meet writers, film directors, actors, and visiting lecturers from many countries of the Hispanic world and to spend quality time with them over lunch, dinner, and special receptions.
Undergraduate Programs
BA in Spanish
The Spanish major combines core courses in literature, culture, and linguistics with a wide variety of electives including business, translation, and film.
BA in Spanish (Combined BA/MA)
The Dual Degree program in Spanish is an accelerated five-year option designed for students who wish to pursue baccalaureate and master’s degrees simultaneously.
BA in Spanish (Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Grades K – 6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities)
The Dual Degree Dual Certification program is a 5-year program that leads to teacher certification in Spanish grades K-6, teacher certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree.
BA in Spanish (Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Spanish (Preschool-Grade 12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities)
The Dual Degree Dual Certification program is an accelerated 5-year program that leads to teacher certification in Spanish grades P-12, teacher certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree.
BA in Spanish with Teacher Certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6
This BA combines certification as an elementary school teacher (Grades K-6) with a Spanish major. Students who pursue certification in Elementary Education must apply and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
BA in Spanish with Teacher Certification in Spanish (Preschool-Grade 12)
This BA prepares students for careers as certified P-12 Spanish teachers in New Jersey by combining a Spanish major with required teacher education coursework. Students who pursue P-12 certification must apply and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
BA in Spanish, Translation Concentration
The concentration in translation is designed to enhance the preparation of Spanish majors who are considering careers in diplomatic service, business, social service or law or who have an interest in literary translation.
Minor in Spanish
One of the following courses is required: SPAN 145: Spanish Language Review through Literature, Culture and Film, SPAN 241: Fundamentals of Spanish Grammar or SPAN 242: Spanish Composition and Stylistics. Choose five additional classes from an extensive list of electives to complete the minor with 18 credits.
Spanish Translation Certificate Program
The Spanish Translation Certificate is comprised of four required courses: Theory and Practice of Translation, Fundamentals of Specialized Translation, Audiovisual Translation, Capstone Course in Translation, and culminates with a three-hour written exam.
Graduate Programs
MA in Spanish
The MA program offers students a wide array of courses in Spanish and Spanish American literature as well as in advanced studies of the Spanish language and literary theory.
MA in Spanish (Combined BA/MA)
The Dual Degree program in Spanish is an accelerated five-year option designed for students who wish to pursue baccalaureate and master’s degrees simultaneously. Students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree are not eligible.
Spanish, Instructional Certification: Teacher Certification in Spanish (Preschool-Grade 12)
Students who complete this instructional certification program earn initial teaching certification in Spanish.
Translation and Interpreting in Spanish Certificate Program
The Translation and Interpreting in Spanish Certificate at the graduate level is comprised of four required courses: Translation and Health Services, Translation and the Law, Consecutive Interpreting, and Simultaneous Interpreting.