Dr. Heather Campbell-Speltz
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Hispanic Studies
heather.campbellspeltz@uky.eduOur field aims to develop students’ Spanish language skills, to deepen their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and literatures domestically and abroad, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to heighten their awareness of their role as local and global citizens in a pluralistic society.
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. Many Spanish majors continue their education with advanced degrees in the fields of medicine, education, business, law, or area studies.
Career opportunities in Spanish
Students majoring in Spanish choose between three tracks of study: Spanish language and linguistics; Spanish literature and culture; and general Spanish. Majors will develop their Spanish language skills; acquire a deep understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and literatures domestically and abroad; sharpen critical thinking skills; and heighten their awareness of their role as local and global citizens in a pluralistic society.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 3-6
Major Core Requirements
Other Course Work Required for the Major (from the major department)
Course Work from Outside the Major Department
Choose 3 approved courses outside Spanish (SPA) that are at the 200+ level. [9 hours]
Total Hours - 42
Are you new to Undergraduate Studies and not sure where to begin? If so, we recommend starting with the Advising Syllabus. Need assistance "bouncing back" from academic probation? Visit our Rebound Page. Want to speak with an advisor about course registration, to find out about available resources for classes and major exploration, or just to check in? Schedule an Advising Appointment. How to Determine Academic Status
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$57,090
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
68,700
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,000
new jobs (average)
Interpreters and translators work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
View Major Advising Page
Dr. Heather Campbell-Speltz
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Hispanic Studies
heather.campbellspeltz@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
asrecruiting@uky.edu
