Spanish Concentration

Catalog Year: 2021-2022

The Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages prepares students for teaching, graduate study in languages and cultures, research, professional work, as well as service in government, nonprofits, or business. Our graduates are particularly valued for their multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge. Majors are encouraged to complete a minor or a second major in another field. Concentrations are offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish. Minors are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Latin, Russian and Spanish.

Double majors in foreign language and another subject should plan a program of study with advisors from both disciplines and follow the steps outlined in AP.5.3.3 Second Bachelor's Degree.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Concentrations in the Major

In addition to the other college and university requirements for a degree, provided in the tabs below, students pursuing this degree complete a 30-33 credit concentration.

Concentration in Spanish (SPN)

With more than 400 million people speaking Spanish worldwide - nearly 40 million in the US - and the growing influence of Hispanic cultures around the globe, knowledge of Spanish and the Spanish-speaking world has never been more important. The Spanish courses and degree programs provide students with the opportunity for language development and interdisciplinary study of the cultures, film, history, linguistics and literature of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries, including the United States. Students can also receive Spanish credit through participation in study-abroad programs.

Students pursuing the concentration in Spanish must complete a minimum of 33 credits in Spanish courses at the 300-level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Two courses taught in English (6 credits) may be applied toward the concentration, only one of which may be taught outside the department. FRLN topics courses and outside elective courses taught in English require pre-approval by the Spanish program coordinator.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in foreign language may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ARAB 331 Reading and Conversation II, CHIN 480 Fourth-Year Chinese I, FREN 309 Reading and Writing Skills Development, KORE 370 Advanced Korean Writing, or SPAN 370 Spanish Writing and Stylistics.

Upper Level Requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

College Level Requirements for the BA Degree

In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).

Philosophy or Religious Studies

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Foreign Language

Non-Western Culture

Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.