Applied Spanish for the Professions

  • Certificate
Presentor speaking in Spanish Career Night.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Spanish for the Professions is designed for students who wish to develop advanced Spanish language skills and apply them in professional settings. The program prepares students to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking communities while gaining cultural competency and specialized vocabulary relevant to their career goals. This is a 12-credit program, with 9 credits in course work and 3 credits in an internship with local partners organization or partners abroad. Students can complete these credits alongside their major and it offers an excellent opportunity to expand career opportunities by serving the Spanish speaking communities.

Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students enhance their linguistic proficiency and professional readiness in an increasingly multilingual workforce.

Students choose from one of three specialized tracks

This track prepares students for careers in healthcare and related fields by developing the language and cultural skills needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients, families, and communities. Students learn medical terminology, culturally responsive communication strategies, and practical language skills for healthcare settings.

Designed for students interested in business, marketing, management, international trade, and entrepreneurship, this track focuses on professional communication in Spanish-speaking business environments. Students develop specialized vocabulary and intercultural competencies that prepare them to work effectively in global and multicultural markets.

This track equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge needed for careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal services, social services, and community advocacy. Students learn terminology and communication strategies relevant to legal and justice-related contexts while developing a deeper understanding of the diverse communities they may serve.

Student Support and Professional Development

To support student success, the Center for Latino Studies and Spanish language Excellence (CLaSE) provides a variety of academic and professional development resources throughout the program, including:

  • A Spanish Writing Center staffed by trained tutors who offer individualized assistance with writing assignments, grammar, and language development.
  • Monthly online Spanish grammar workshops designed to strengthen students’ linguistic proficiency and confidence.
  • Bi-weekly Spanish Conversation Meet-Ups - HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL - to help with communication skills.
  • Cultural and professional enrichment initiatives, including conversations with professionals from various fields, networking opportunities, career fairs, guest speaker events, and conferences.
  • Community engagement activities that connect students with Spanish-speaking communities and real-world professional experiences.

Together, these resources help students strengthen their Spanish-language skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare for successful careers in diverse and multilingual environments.
 

Questions? Find the right contact below.