Engage with the richness of Spanish language and culture through St. Ambrose University's Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Our program offers comprehensive study of Spanish literature, media, politics, pop culture, and film, providing insights into linguistic nuances, current events and cultural expressions. Dive into the vibrant Spanish-speaking world, developing valuable skills for global communication and intercultural understanding
What is a Spanish degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Spanish?
In our contemporary and rigorous approach to Spanish language acquisition, you’ll cultivate reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills, through creative and compelling courses. Our program cultivates your critical thinking and gives you a competitive edge in the workforce.
Study abroad
Talk with native speakers, participate in cultural activities, and deepen your understanding of the language and culture.
Become bilingual
The majority of your Spanish courses are taught entirely in Spanish ensuring you master the written and oral language.
Deepen your learning
Multilingual skills are highly valued in education, healthcare, and criminal justice fields.
Supportive environment
Our faculty, staff, and students create a learning environment, cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Spanish Teacher Education
Our Spanish Teacher Education program is available for students interested in teaching Spanish at the secondary level.
What you’ll learn in your Spanish program
In our comprehensive program, you’ll become fluent in Spanish and gain the tools to understand Hispanic culture. Additionally, you’ll cultivate your critical thinking, memory, flexibility, and an awareness of global perspectives. Our program fosters skilled, versatile, and competent graduates highly sought after by employers.
- Mastery of Spanish grammar
- Develop and hone Spanish writing skills
- Understanding of Hispanic linguistics, Hispanic, and Latinx culture
- Linguistic and cultural immersion through study abroad
Explore Spanish courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 31 credits in Spanish, 50 elective credits, 1 study abroad course, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPAN 311 | Advanced Spanish Grammar | 3 credits |
| SPAN 312 | Spanish Electives Abroad | 3-12 credits |
| SPAN 313 | Writing in Spanish | 3 credits |
| SPAN 317 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 credits |
| SPAN 400 | Capstone | 1 credit |
How much does a BA in Spanish degree cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all of SAU’s accreditations
How does SAU support Spanish students?
St. Ambrose University’s Spanish faculty are a collective of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and an unwavering passion for teaching to the classroom. Their dedication to creating bilingual and bicultural students is the cornerstone of the program's success.
Spanish faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Spanish?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Foreign Language Scholarship
The Spanish department offers two scholarships for students to study overseas. Learn more about the Foreign Language Scholarship
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Debt-free college
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for Spanish students?
Work with the SAU and Quad Cities Latino communities by joining Latino Unidos. In this club, you’ll help increase awareness about the Latino community and culture. Students also participate in traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
High-achieving Spanish students can become members of Chi Ph, the SAU Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, a National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society (Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica).
Faculty involvement boosts success
“Getting involved with the faculty really taught me a lot about balance, leadership, and creation. I believe all those skills help me to be the best teacher I can be today.”
-Faith Boyd ’20, BA in Spanish, BS in Exercise Science
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Spanish?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Spanish program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Spanish degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Spanish program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Translator
- International business
- Tourism
- Healthcare interpreter
- Government jobs
- Cultural liaison
Potential employment settings
- Healthcare
- Professional services
- Local government
- State government
- Federal government
- Travel agencies
Top traits of a Spanish graduate
- Bilingualism
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Creativity
- Empathy
Industry Facts
- In the interpreting and translating industries, jobs are projected to be rising at a 4% rate with slightly higher growth than the average industry.
- Interpreters and translators start off making $25.79 per hour on average, which comes out to around $53,640 per year.
For more information on Spanish employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
