Spanish, AB

Georgetown University’s Spanish major provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on mastering the Spanish language, along with in-depth study of Hispanic literature, culture, and linguistics. Students gain advanced language skills and explore the diverse cultures of Spain and Latin America. Opportunities for study abroad in Spain or Latin America enhance cultural immersion.

If you’re considering whether a Spanish major or minor is the right choice for you, we encourage you to read our Majors and Minors flyers for an overview. If you feel ready to take the next step, you can apply here. However, we highly recommend exploring this section for more detailed information. Choosing a major is a significant decision, and we have a lot to offer.

To achieve a Spanish Major, a student must take a minimum of 10 courses in the department. A student who places lower than Advanced Spanish will require additional language study.

Here are some of the most popular double majors:

Spanish + Government
Spanish + English
Spanish + Economics
Spanish + Pre-Med Track

In addition, students can complete the Spanish Major with a Business Administration Minor: the International Business, Language, and Culture degree. The International Business, Language, and Culture (IBLC) Bachelor of Science program is a joint degree developed and offered by Georgetown College and the McDonough School of Business (MSB). Students in the College and MSB may apply to enter the IBLC program at the end of their first year.

Study Abroad (Majors)

Study abroad offers an invaluable opportunity for cultural and linguistic immersion. Spanish majors are generally required to study in Spain or Spanish America for a summer, a semester, or an entire academic year. Completion of the second level of the advanced language course is required but it is highly recommended that students complete a more advanced course before enrolling in a study abroad program. A maximum of two courses taken abroad can be counted for the major (as 3000-level electives). These courses can be from a variety of disciplines, including art history, economics, anthropology, political science and literature, but must be taught in Spanish and deal with the Spanish speaking world. No credit is given for Spanish language courses or oral reviews taken abroad. Students must obtain the approval of the Study Abroad Advisor Dr. Monica Simorangkir for their courses before going overseas. Upon returning, students should be prepared to show her the syllabi and coursework of the courses they took in order to receive credit.

Note: Students unable to fulfill this requirement (e.g., health reasons, visa status, etc.) should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Alejandro Yarza.

Spanish Programs in Quito and Barcelona

The department hosts two summer programs, one in Barcelona, Spain, and one in Quito, Ecuador. Participants take two or three 3-credit courses. These include courses regularly offered in the Department but also courses particular to the locale. All courses are offered in Spanish, and students sign a language pledge. Courses taken in these two programs count as regular Georgetown courses and at the same time count as satisfying the study abroad requirement.  The two programs satisfy the study abroad requirement.

Transfer Credit (including AP and Study Abroad)

A maximum of four courses taken at other institutions may be transferred toward the major; this can be any combination of AP courses (which can count as replacing the Advanced Spanish courses), study abroad courses (which can count as 3000 electives), and up to two transfer courses. Transfer students must have the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies in order to receive credit for courses taken at another institution.

Honors Program

Outstanding majors and minors will be invited to write a Senior Honor’s Thesis, for which they take SPAN 4500 in the spring of their senior year. Participating students work together with a faculty mentor of their choosing in developing a topic in the fall of their senior year. The Honors Program offers students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor, to pursue original scholarly research, and to produce a thesis. Students who complete the program will receive “Honors” on their official transcripts. Students who write truly exceptional theses will be awarded “Distinction” in addition to “Honors.” The Department of Spanish and Portuguese also awards a prize annually for the best thesis.

Accelerated Bachelor/Master Degree Program

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree at an accelerated pace by counting up to four graduate-level courses taken in the undergraduate program toward the Master’s degree. Students with a minimum of a 3.5 in the major are eligible to apply for the program at the end of their junior year. Interested applicants should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies. Applications are available in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. (See the section on this topic in the Bulletin.)

Latin American Studies and European Studies Certificates

See the Latin American Studies Certificate and European Studies Certificate sections in the Bulletin.