Spanish, B.A.

Spanish, B.A.

Program Overview

Gain a world of local and international opportunities through the rewarding study of Spanish.

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish is perfect for students who are interested in expanding their horizons by enriching their communication, connecting with diverse cultures, and improving their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Proficiency in Spanish will prepare you to participate effectively in a multilingual society by mastering the second most common global language.

In this program, you will not only learn to speak Spanish, but also to develop a deeper understanding of communication in relation to culture, society, and politics. Our expert faculty lead courses on Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish history, literature, music, and film. Developing your skills with hands-on practice  will open a wide variety of career opportunities and life experiences.

Virtually every field is looking for multilingual professionals, so the Spanish B.A. makes for an excellent double major and is complementary to most academic programs, including STEM, creative arts, political science, business, education, and more. Spanish is also advantageous in most graduate-level programs in a variety of vocational fields. Being  bilingual (especially in Spanish) can boost your salary and job prospects by as much as 35%, according to a 2023 analysis from Forbes.

Whether you’re familiar with the Spanish language or just getting started, this program can be tailored to your level and will help you to broaden your understanding of Spanish and connect you with vibrant communities in San Diego and around the world.

Fluency Meets Expertise

Caroline McClaskey: A Calling Shaped by Spanish
Rachel Lozano Castro Goes Beyond Her Borders

Bringing Language to Life

Videos (1)
Articles (5)
Caroline McClaskey: A Calling Shaped by Spanish Through Spanish and service, Caroline McClaskey found her calling to build stronger, healthier communities. Discover
Rachel Lozano Castro Goes Beyond Her Borders This international studies alum cultivates a life of innovation. Discover
Faculty Spotlight: Scott Bennett, Ph.D. Dr. Scott Bennett’s students know what it’s like to be challenged, to be pushed beyond their comfort zones. Whether they are encouraged to visit a less-traveled country like Colombia, or asked to stretch themselves creatively by crafting a poem, Bennett’s Spanish major and minor students have felt his push to connect them with Latin American Discover
Point Loma Nazarene University Students Visit Zeta PLNU advanced reporting students visited Zeta under the advisory of Dean Nelson. Read about a student’s experience at the field trip. Discover
Mindy Wilson is Impacting Her Kentucky Community Through Higher Education Mindy Fine Wilson’s work in both higher education and in nonprofit volunteer activation has impacted thousands of students in Kentucky — changing her community in ways big and small. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Spanish, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

A degree in Spanish is much more than knowing the language — it’s knowing the culture as well. Upon completion of this program you’ll be equipped to help develop bilingual curriculums and education, aid in translation settings, or even apply your knowledge in travel and future learning opportunities. The major in Spanish is meant to promote the understanding of diverse ways of life and allow students to meaningfully impact society by building relationships across languages and cultures as globally engaged servants and scholars.

What can you do with a Spanish degree?

Many graduates of PLNU’s Spanish program have gone on to work in a variety of industries (most being directly related to community outreach and communication). Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States have driven employment growth for those with multiple-language fluency. Most graduates have applied their Spanish degrees in educational settings, teaching positions, managerial positions, public relations jobs, and in the realm of counseling.

Instructional Coordinators

An Instructional Coordinator develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs and curricula to improve teaching and learning outcomes. They train teachers, assess instructional materials, and ensure programs meet academic standards and student needs. Instructional Coordinators can work in K–12 schools, school districts, educational non-profits, or government agencies, with opportunities in curriculum design, teacher development, and program leadership.

  • Median Pay: $74,720/year
  • Number of Jobs: 225,200
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +2%
  • Employment Change: +4,100 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Interpreters and Translators

Interpreters and Translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another, ensuring accurate communication across cultures and contexts. They may work with documents, live conversations, or media, often specializing in legal, medical, or business settings. Interpreters and Translators can work for government agencies, international organizations, corporations, non-profits, or as freelance professionals, with opportunities in translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural consulting.

  • Median Pay: $59,440/year
  • Number of Jobs: 78,300
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +2%
  • Employment Change: +1,800 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

International Student Counselor

An International Student Counselor supports students from around the world by helping them navigate academic, cultural, and personal challenges while studying abroad or in the U.S. They provide guidance on enrollment, visas, campus resources, and cultural adjustment to promote student success and well-being. International Student Counselors can work in universities, colleges, study abroad programs, or education-focused non-profits, with opportunities in advising, student services, and international education programs.

  • Median Pay: $65,140/year
  • Number of Jobs: 360,800
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +4%
  • Employment Change: +16,200 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

How will you apply your Spanish degree to make a difference in the education system, your community and beyond?

Beyond graduation, your Spanish degree will help you connect with people of diverse backgrounds as you head into a wide range of careers fostering communication and community. Not only will you be able to share your skills in communication, but you’ll be able to continuously learn from the Spanish speakers you interact with. Whether you go into teaching, curriculum development, or managerial positions, let PLNU help you get started on your journey. 

To learn more, get connected with one of our counselors here for additional support and to answer any questions you may have. Or, apply to PLNU today!

Más Que Palabras: A Journey of Understanding

"Rooted in Experience"
"Expanding Your Mind"

More Than Words

Quotes (3)
Pictures (5)
Rooted in Experience
"The spring semester of my sophomore year at PLNU I spent in Argentina where I lived with a host family. I loved the classes that I took abroad like intermediate Spanish (which focused on the Argentine dialect), Argentinian politics, and a literature course that covered Spanish Nobel Prize winning authors. I now incorporate works from those authors, such as the poetry of Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, into the Spanish classes I teach at my school."
Marie LoPrell Spanish B.A.
Expanding Your Mind
"You will learn things, and you’ll have your worldview expanded, and you’ll have thoughts that you didn’t think before. That’s the best part of college; it’s finding ways to think thoughts that you wouldn’t think otherwise."
Rachel Lozano Castro Spanish B.A.
The Power of Language
"I had never imagined myself ever speaking another language, but it just became so natural to me. I loved conversing with people in their own language, whether it was a mom I met at a park, or a taco shop where I’d be able to order in Spanish. You can just see their faces light up. I get to use Spanish daily in my job, and my ability to speak Spanish was a big factor in me being hired."
Caroline McClaskey Spanish and International Studies, B.A.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Student holds a Toucan while studying abroad

Spanish Study Abroad Programs

With a major in Spanish, you will enrich your proficiency through an approved study abroad program of your choice.

Writer's Symposium Dean Nelson Interview

Writer's Symposium by the Sea

Writer's Symposium by the Sea interviews, conducted by symposium founder Dr. Dean Nelson, feature conversations about the stories behind the author’s stories.

Students involved in Honors Programs.

Honors Programs

Are you looking to challenge yourself in your college experience and prepare for your future vocation? If so, you should check out PLNU’s Honors Programs.