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.
At PLNU, our Spanish program is oriented toward two outcomes:
- Preparing students to participate effectively in the second most common global language
- Proficiency in advanced Spanish grammar and composition
Job outlook for Spanish careers
Employment in careers related to a degree in Spanish are projected to drastically increase. For interpreters and translators (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), employment is projected to grow 20% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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.
Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:
Interpreters and Translators
2020 Median annual salary: $52,330
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. They must be able to read and write fluently in their languages in order to render an accurate and meaningful interpretation or translation of the original message. Interpreters and translators work with a variety of clients (company or business, individual organizations, or private clients).
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Speak, read, and write fluently
- Compile information and technical terms into glossaries and terminology databases
- Relay the style and tone of the original language
- Understand and respect cultural taboos or differences
Instructional Coordinators
2020 Median annual salary: $66,970
Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They help create and develop instructional material. Additionally, these coordinators implement changes and assess their effectiveness. With a Spanish degree, instructional coordinators have the opportunity to better incorporate and demonstrate the value in bilingual education and programs.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Ability to plan, organize, and conduct teacher training, conferences, or workshops
- Assess and discuss curriculum standards with staff
- Retain a broad knowledge of educational materials and a willingness to review and suggest textbooks
- Ingenuity to create procedures for teachers to implement a curriculum
- Master's degree preferred and related work experience
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
2020 Median annual salary: $60,820
Librarians and media collections specialists help individuals gather information and conduct research for personal and professional use. They utilize their Spanish degrees not only in communication with people, but also in sharing and dispersing media and books pertinent to certain research topics. They work for local governments, schools, and other organizations.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Create and use databases of library materials
- Organize library materials so they’re easy to find
- Help library patrons conduct research to evaluate search results and reference materials
- Research new books and materials by reading reviews, publishers’ announcements, and catalogs
- Maintain existing collections
- Plan programs for different audiences such as non-English speaking audiences
- Teach classes about information resources
High School Teacher
2020 Median annual salary: $62,870
High school teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. Specifically, Spanish teachers must be well-versed and fluent in the language they teach in order to effectively support students as they learn the language as well. Teachers plan courses and curriculum based on the area of study they’re teaching. Additionally, they assess students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Engaging conversationalist and speaker
- Fluent or extremely proficient in Spanish
- Ability to evaluate papers and projects
- Thorough expertise and knowledge of specified department and subject
- One to two years of teaching experience
- Potentially pursue a master’s or doctoral degree
- Time management skills
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!
