Bachelor's Degree in Spanish
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Spanish is ideal for students who want to achieve fluency in the Spanish language and gain a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures and literatures around the world and here in the US. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in international business, diplomacy, translation and interpreting and education, and for any field where bilingual communication skills and cultural expertise are highly valued.
Program Overview
Our field aims to develop students’ Spanish language skills, to deepen their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and literatures domestically and abroad, to sharpen critical thinking and foster creative approaches while they explore and develop their roles as local and global citizens in a pluralistic society.
Related Careers
- Elementary/Secondary Education
- Translation
- Interpreting
- Travel/Tourism
- International Business/Marketing
- Community Organization
- International and National Non-profits
- National/State/Local Law Enforcement
- Journalism
- Foreign Service/State Department
- Social Work
- Public Relations
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
While there is no separate application process to be admitted into the Spanish major or minor, there are pre-requisite courses that must be completed before enrolling in the courses that count toward major/minor requirements:
SPA 101 – Elementary Spanish I*
SPA 201 – Intermediate Spanish III*
SPA 102 - Elementary Spanish II*
SPA 202 – Intermediate Spanish IV*
*The College of Arts and Sciences requires the all students demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in a second language to graduate. Successful completion of SPA 202, or SPA 203 or SPA 205 satisfies this requirement.
SPA 210 – Spanish Grammar and Syntax
SPA 211 – Spanish Conversation
Language Placement: Students interested in pursuing a major or a minor in Spanish should consult with the Hispanic Studies Department when selecting their first Spanish class at UK. Often previous classroom experience with Spanish can reduce the number of pre-requisites needed to begin the major/minor coursework and facilitate the combination of Spanish with other areas of study.
For Heritage speakers of Spanish who have been placed into SPA 215 (Written Spanish for Bilingual Speakers), this course will replace the two listed above as the required pre-major/pre-minor coursework.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program offers students the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures, histories, and societies of the Spanish-speaking world. The curriculum includes coursework in language, literature, linguistics, and cultural studies, helping students build strong communication, creativity and critical thinking skills. Through immersive learning experiences and engagement with authentic texts and media, students expand their global perspective and intercultural competence.
Students majoring in Spanish choose between three tracks of study: Spanish language and linguistics; Spanish literature and culture; and general Spanish. All tracks offer the chance to explore a wide variety of subject matter and approaches, including the opportunity to pursue internships and Education Abroad related to the individual student’s interests within the major.
Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan for the available degree options and pathways.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
"As a pre-health student, I would choose to major in Spanish again without hesitation.
I have studied abroad twice, first for a semester in Costa Rica and later during a winter intersession in Mexico. Academically and professionally, Spanish has opened doors to meaningful research opportunities. Studying Spanish has not only enhanced my language proficiency, but has also deepened my cultural awareness and prepared me to be a more empathetic and effective healthcare provider."
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities for Study Abroad and Undergraduate Research
- Zembrod Award: Two $1250 scholarships are awarded annually to Spanish majors or minors who are planning to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. Applications are accepted through Scholarship Universe.
- Zolondek Award: Three $5000 scholarships are awarded annually to students who commit to studying in both KIIS Spain I and KIIS Spain II in the same summer. Applications are accepted through Scholarship Universe. For more details about the requirements for the scholarship, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Hispanic Studies.
- Funds for Undergraduate Research: The department accepts applications from undergraduate students to help defray the costs of travel to present their research at conferences such as NCUR, WorldCUR, and other various national and regional conferences. For more details about the requirements for the scholarship, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Hispanic Studies.
Expand Your Learning
Spanish majors have a wealth of opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom and connect to communities locally, nationally and around the globe.
Education Abroad
Spanish students study in countries around the world, improving their language skills and learning about themselves and others in ways that that have an impact for many years to come. Some choose programs that are several weeks long in the summer or winter breaks, others study for a semester or a year, some even choose to study abroad more than once. Early planning opens a world of possibilities. Check in with Education Abroad to get started.
SPA 397 – Independent Study
Work with a faculty member to explore more deeply an idea/topic that sparked your interest in class.
SPA 399 - Field Experience
Put your skills to work in community and earn credit toward your Spanish major. Work with a faculty member to develop a Service-Learning project or set up an internship.
SPA 497 – Spanish Honors Thesis
Spanish majors who meet requirements can extend their independent studies into a more developed paper or project. This is an ideal opportunity for students who wish to continue to graduate study in Spanish or other fields.
Honors Courses and Honors Thesis (For students in the Honors College)
Faculty members in Hispanic Studies frequently work with Honors Students studying Spanish to fulfill requirements for both programs.
Hispanic Studies Undergraduate Symposium
Students who pursue independent study in whatever form (project, thesis, internship, service-learning) are encouraged to share their experiences through a brief symposium presentation in the Spring semester. It’s a great way to build a resume, share with other students and celebrate creativity, innovation and intellectual inquiry.
For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Hispanic Studies.
Practice Your Spanish with Others
There are many ways to practice and take your Spanish to the next level right here on UK's campus:
La Mesa de Español - A weekly gathering for anyone who needs some extra practice or who has questions about assignments from class. Hispanic Studies Teaching Assistants and Instructor meet with students to go over homework, help with projects, prepare for upcoming exams or practice speaking.
¡Hay que hablar! - Brings together students of Spanish and heritage and native speakers of the language once a month for cultural programs and conversation.
Almuerzos los Miércoles - is a lunchtime Spanish conversation group open to all levels of experience. There is no specific topic so conversations are casual and wide-ranging, from classes to pop culture to future plans, wherever the tertulia takes us! It meets on Wednesdays (¡por supuesto!) during the semester in the main office of the Hispanic Studies Department.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
