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Spanish

School of Liberal Arts

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Embracing Cultural Diversity in a Global Society

In today’s global society, students who learn a second language have a competitive advantage in the job market. They can distinguish themselves across different industries including business, education, and healthcare, through their academic pursuit of the Spanish language. As a Spanish major or minor, students can expand their intercultural competency and be positioned for success with an understanding of the Spanish language and cultures.

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Real-World Learning Experiences

The Spanish program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures offers a major and minor in the world's second most popular language, connecting students with over 500 million speakers across more than 20 countries. The pragmatic curriculum emphasizes language proficiency, intercultural competence, and critical reasoning through immersive study abroad opportunities, community-based learning courses, and internships tailored to each student's interests. Our goal is to prepare students with the linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity required to make meaningful impacts in the global arena.

Education (Adolescence/Special Ed) and Spanish

The five-year BA/MAT program at Marist allows students to complete a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Students begin their 36-credit MAT during their senior undergraduate year by completing 12 credits of graduate coursework. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive program, blending expertise in the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures with pedagogical training for future educators.

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Psychology or Social Work and Spanish

Double majors in Psychology or Social Work and Spanish develop the linguistic and intercultural skills necessary to work in related fields through specialized courses such as Spanish for Human Services, and the opportunity to develop community-based learning or research projects in these fields.

Read more about Psychology > | Read more about Social Work >

Criminal Justice or Pre-Law and Spanish

Majors in Spanish and Criminal Justice or Pre-Law develop effective communicative skills in both Spanish and English while reaching an understanding of intercultural differences sophisticated enough to help them navigate their field successfully. Our students can tailor their Spanish curriculum to their particular interests through relevant courses such as SPAN 270 Cultures of Hispanics in the US, and the opportunity to develop community-based learning or research projects in their areas of interest. 

Read more about Criminal Justice > | Read more about Pre-Law >

Pre-Health Professions and Spanish

Through specialized course work and their individual community-based learning or research project, majors in the Pre-Health professions that add a Spanish major or minor develop the linguistic and intercultural proficiency necessary to serve a diverse public.  

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Learn from Distinguished, Award-Winning Educators

Our faculty members have a diverse range of specialties and areas of interest. Collectively, they are deeply dedicated to the education and development of students and serve as mentors for them on their academic journey. Meet some of our faculty members below, or view all Spanish faculty members >

Ivette Romero

Dr. Romero is a Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Her interests include Women’s Studies, Cultural Studies, and Latin American Literature and Cinema. Dr. Romero is a previous honored recipient for the Faculty Recognition Award for Scholarly Work.

Kevin M. Gaugler

Dr. Gaugler serves as the Assistant Dean for the School of Liberal Arts, Professor of Spanish and Director of the Weiss Language Center. His approach to teaching has been featured in The Language Educator and National Public Radio’s The Best of Our Knowledge, and is a recipient of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ Award for Excellence in Teaching with Technology.

Laura M. Quijano

As a Lecturer of Spanish, Dr. Quijano has a special interest in student-centered and equity-based practices. She is affiliated with serval institutions including the Modern Languages Association and the the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Some of her areas of interest include Women of Color Feminisms and Chicana Literature and Culture.

Study Abroad Develops Fluency and Negotiating Cultural Differences

The Spanish program works closely with Marist Abroad to provide global experiences that help students develop linguistic fluency and gain experience negotiating cultural differences. Ranked #1 nationally for Study Abroad, Marist students are encouraged to take advantage of more than 75 program offerings. While abroad, students have the chance to immerse themselves in Spanish, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and expand both professionally and personally development.

Learn More About Marist Abroad

The Weiss Language Center

The Weiss Language Center is an integral part of our World Languages and Cultures department, directly supporting students in the research and development of language. It serves as a place for students to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve. The Center is directed by Dr. Kevin Gaugler and is staffed by talented students who are trained in instructional technologies for the language arts. Students of the World Languages and Cultures Department can utilize the Weiss Language Center as a resource to support their academic studies throughout their collegiate journey. 

 

Discover the Weiss Language Center

Marist's Unique Method to Academic Success

Marist’s liberal arts curriculum is so unique because of our academic triangle approach: We encourage students to complement their major with an additional major, minor, or supplementary coursework, as well as internship and research experience to round out their educational career. This trifecta enhances students' academics, opening up a wide range of career opportunities after they graduate. Here are some examples of how Marist students have been successful with this method:

  • Spanish major + Political Science = Political Activist
  • Spanish major + Environmental Science Major = Environmental Community Organizer
  • Spanish minor + Psychology/Special Education major = Education Specialist
Learn More: Academic Triangle Approach
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The Value of a Marist Education

At Marist, we pride ourselves on our dedication to providing our students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that prepares them for practical experience and profound success in their field. But don't just take our word for it - the numbers speak for themselves.

95%

Employed or attending grad school 6 months after graduation

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Of Marist Graduates Participated in one or more internships

82%

Graduation rate, higher than the average for public and private colleges

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Best Undergraduate Teaching

*As reported by U.S. News and World Report.

U.S. News & World Report

Top 10 Regional Universities-North

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Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

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