Undergraduate Major

Spanish Major (BA)

Engage with the unfamiliar in an immersive Spanish program at Widener. Small, interactive classes focus on linguistic fluency and multicultural competence, introducing you to new cultures on campus and abroad.

Student abroad

Program Overview

Learning a new language requires more than good study habits; it requires taking risks as you engage with foreign cultures and ideas.

At Widener, you'll be supported in this risk-taking when you major in Spanish. With language classes capped at 18 students, you'll receive one-on-one mentorship from faculty who hold the highest degrees in their fields. Paired with cultural studies emphasizing social and historical contexts, you'll gain fresh perspectives and meet interesting people that will open doors to a wide range of careers in today’s competitive global economy.

Faculty-led trips to Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are just the beginning of international experiences. With options to study abroad for a semester and attend cultural immersion trips right in Philadelphia, you'll constantly be building meaningful language skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Program Options

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Students majoring in Spanish can obtain a teaching certification in Spanish by completing the education track. This certification will qualify you to teach pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Students must also follow the instructions and requirements in the Center for Education section. Students may seek certification in more than one field; however, this usually requires more than eight semesters. Students who wish to become certified in more than one area should work closely with their faculty advisor when planning course schedules.

View the Loading... requirements for the Spanish education certification.

Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career. 

Spanish majors can participate in the following pathways:

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for a Spanish minor.

Digital humanities is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field that incorporates new tools and methodologies for pursuing modes of inquiry and producing forms of scholarship and engagement in the humanities. It seeks to apply humanistic reasoning and research to important questions related to technology, such as social sustainability, big data, and privacy. Work in digital humanities includes public humanities, data mining/visualization, web design, textual analysis, educational technology, and ethics and technology. The concentration in digital humanities is open to all humanities majors.

View Loading... requirements for the digital humanities concentration.

Admissions Information

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student

Program Highlights

Students in Spanish Class

Innovative Learning Experiences

Practice makes perfect! You'll sharpen your language skills through online video conversations with native speakers and have the chance to conduct research in Spanish by your junior year. Enhanced with trips to museums and restaurants in Philadelphia, you'll experience the rich diversity of Spanish language and culture firsthand.

Students in Costa Rica

International Education

Flexible programs mean that in many cases, students can fulfill graduation and/or major requirements while studying in another country. Whether you want to study abroad for a week or a year, faculty work with you to find an international program that best suits your needs (and budget).

Individualized Attention

Language classes at Widener are capped at 18 students, though many courses run with less. Small class sizes mean you'll learn at your own pace while building lasting relationships with your professors. Plus, options for independent study, senior seminar projects, and double majors/minors help you explore your unique interests.

Clubs & Organizations

Spanish majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Alpha Mu Gamma - International Modern Language Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and many more.

Faculty

Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback. Get to know our Spanish faculty.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Learning Spanish puts you on the inside track to nearly all careers, as bilingualism and cultural competency are highly-prized skills in today's global economy. With language skills plus international experiences, you'll prepare for a fast start and long-term career success.

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Diplomat
  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Nurse
  • Social Worker

Recent Employers

  • Cigna
  • Agilent
  • Beneficial
  • Educational Testing Services
  • Blaylock Robert Van Investment Banking

Take the Next Steps

Apply

Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.