Spanish

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture through the Spanish program at Iowa State. Students have the option to study abroad for a summer in Valencia, Spain or spend an entire semester in Cáceres. You can choose between a “classic” or “LCP” Spanish major. WLC also offers a “classic” or “LCP” Spanish minor. Spanish is the most popular program within the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and with over 43 million speakers in the United States alone, it’s no surprise why a degree in Spanish is a professional advantage.

General requirements

In addition to general education course requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), students obtaining a Spanish emphasis for a bachelor’s degree in World Languages and Cultures must also complete at least 30 credits beyond the intermediate level (SPAN 2010 Intermediate Spanish I & SPAN 2020 Intermediate Spanish II).

LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000/4000 level.

Minor in Spanish

The minor in Spanish requires at least 15 credits, 12 of which must be at the 3000 level or higher. The department strongly recommends that all Spanish students participate in an approved study abroad program based in a Spanish-speaking country. Any student who chooses not to participate in a department-approved study abroad program will be required to take 3 additional elective credits of Spanish at the 3000 level or higher.

Minor in Spanish Translation and Interpretation Studies

The minor in Spanish Translation and Interpretation Studies also requires 15 credits, but from a definitive list of courses. Please see the ISU Course Catalog for specific courses.

Transfer credit accepted at ISU or credit earned on an ISU-approved study abroad program can apply toward the minor. The minor is intended for students pursuing or holding a baccalaureate degree at ISU and open to any student with proficiency in Spanish that would place them into the 3000-level.

Study abroad

The Spanish faculty offers or supports a variety of study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries across the globe. Whether you are interested in learning Spanish for the first time, perfecting your existing Spanish skills, taking innovative courses in English, interning abroad, or undertaking service learning projects, our faculty will work with you to find the best program to fit your needs. Biology lab work or fieldwork in Spain? Community service projects in Peru? Business and Engineering internships abroad? We can help you do that! And you can get Spanish credit!

Students can select programs that are administered by ISU faculty and staff, or choose from programs provided by third-party providers

NOTE: Study abroad is open to every student, regardless of field of study. Discuss your plans with your academic advisor as well as study abroad advisors on campus to plan your journey.

Student clubs and organizations

Students at Iowa State University can tailor their experience to make sure they gain valuable skills for the future.

WLC students can engage with other language and cultural studies students when they join one of our department-specific student clubs: Spanish Club, German Club, Anthropology Club, Classical Studies Club, and others.

A wide variety of campus-wide student organizations and clubs are available for students to join—including academic, honor societies, political and activism, and intramural sports. Gain leadership and service experience through the Student Activities Center, go to one of the many fun campus events like the Cyclone Carnival, or learn more about clubs and activities at the annual ClubFest to see the many ways you can get involved during your time at Iowa State.

Have an idea for the next big thing? The Start Something LAS Academy, part of the ISU Start Something network, provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Build community with other innovators as you explore innovation and entrepreneurship.