Skip to main content

After careful review, the College has decided to phase out the Spanish major over the next few years. No new students will be admitted into this program. The College will continue to offer Spanish classes each semester.

Requirements
In addition to completing a liberal arts core, Spanish majors prepare for careers and for graduate school by completing a rigorous course load.
Major
Requirements for a major in Spanish.
Minor
Requirements for a minor in Spanish.
Student Success
93%
of alumni state they are pleased with their decision to attend Marietta College and would make the same choice again
100%
of Marietta College’s Spanish graduates since 2020 were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduating
Fayerweather Hall in the fall
Students sitting on a leaf covered lawn during fall at Marietta College
Erwin Hall
Two students walking in the rain while holding an umbrella in front of Erwin Hall on the Marietta College Campus

What You’ll Learn as a Spanish Major

The in-depth study in Spanish and the general education core curriculum that Marietta students receive makes them stand out to potential employers — both foreign and domestic — and graduate programs. 

An Immersive Experience

The major requires 31 to 33 hours in Spanish-related courses, which makes it possible for students to add a second major or multiple minors. Every student in this major studies abroad for at least one semester in a country where Spanish is the predominant language — so Marietta College Spanish majors are immersed in the language and culture. Students have opportunities to present their education abroad experiences each spring during the campus-wide All Scholars Day— a day when students present research projects, original creative works, and internship and study abroad experiences to students, faculty, and the Marietta community.

Teaching English as a Second Language

The College also offers a TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate, which qualifies graduates for teaching jobs and illustrates to employers the ability to work in bilingual environments. Research shows that 38 million people in the United States speak Spanish as their first language. That number is expected to rise dramatically — by 30 percent — by the year 2050. Recent studies also conclude that job opportunities posted for people with bilingual skills more than doubled between 2010 and 2015, and that language skills are the eighth-most in-demand by employers in all occupations.

What types of careers do Marietta Spanish majors pursue?

  • Translator
  • International Lawyer
  • Teacher
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Court Interpreter
  • Flight Attendant
  • Librarian
  • Personnel Manager

 

Honor Societies and Student Organizations

Students who excel academically in Spanish are elected to Sigma Delta Pi, the national collegiate Hispanic honor society.

Spanish majors also have opportunities to participate in the Spanish Club and Model United Nations Club or join the American International Association, which increases positive interactions and understanding between American and international students at Marietta and supports the values of globalization by exposing students to different cultures.

TEFL Certificate

Students can earn a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate by completing 18 credit hours in courses that include:

  • Language Analysis
  • Language Teaching Pedagogy
  • Language in the Social Context
  • Second Language Acquisition
Education Abroad Locations
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Nicaragua
  • Spain
  • Venezuela
Outcomes — Graduate Programs
  • Yale University
  • The Ohio State University
  • University of Montana
Outcomes — Professions
  • International Samaritan — International Program Coordinator
  • Otterbein University — Professor of Spanish
  • International Studies Abroad — Associate Director of Strategic Programs
  • Colégio Piracicabano — English Teacher
  • Wilson Elementary School — Spanish Teacher
  • Bishop Hartley (Ohio) School — Spanish Teacher
  • Teach For America — Teacher
  • Marietta College — Adjunct Spanish Instructor
  • Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains — Outreach Specialist
Rise to the Challenge
Department Faculty & Staff

FAQs

Does the department accept AP credit toward the major?

The department recognizes the accomplishments of students who have AP credit in Spanish. Any student who scores a 3 in AP Spanish Language and Culture will get credit for SPAN 101/102. Any student who scores a 3 in AP Spanish Literature and Culture will get credit for SPAN 300.

Can I double major?

It is common for students who are majoring in Spanish to have a second major. Almost any major at Marietta College would work well with Spanish.

Are you ready to become a Pioneer? 

It's time to Blaze a New Trail!

Request More Information