What can a Spanish major do for you?

Hispanic Studies is a very broad field that includes the study of language, literature and culture, and how those are expressed and interpreted by people of all backgrounds. In the Hispanic Studies Department at UK, we strive to develop your Spanish language skills in what has become the nation’s second language while also deepening your understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and literatures worldwide. Our course offerings cover various topics and the faculty consists of recognized experts and scholars in all areas of the language, literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The abilities and knowledge you acquire from the Spanish program at the University of Kentucky offer you advantages in today’s job market as employers increasingly look past those with one narrowly-defined skill set and target applicants who demonstrate foreign language proficiency and inter-cultural sensitivity and awareness. After graduation our students have used their education professionally as translators/interpreters, university professors, public school educators, lawyers, physicians, scientists, and business leaders, among many others.

13 Number of countries from which our instructional staff hail

3750 Number of students taught during 2014-2015

2nd Rank of the U.S. in regard to number of Spanish speakers

What skills does studying spanish develop?

• capability to investigate Hispanic history, literature and cultures
• Spanish language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing
• bilingual and bicultural competence
• ability to integrate the study of a world language and its diverse cultures in today’s society

Career opportunities

The Spanish major prepares students for a variety of professional opportunities in the United States and abroad. Students may pursue careers in education, government, law, social services, health care, tourism, publishing and non-profit organizations. Spanish majors may also continue their education with an advanced degree in area studies, business or law. 

Career opportunities in Spanish

• Elementary/Secondary educators
• Translators/Interpreters
• National security agents
• Journalists
• Foreign service officers
• FBI agents
• Social workers
• Community organizers
• Non-profit employees
• Bilingual educators
• International business people

A&S Hall of Fame Inductees

Daniel R. Reedy

2017 Inductee