2023 Best Online Degrees in Spanish
An online bachelor’s degree in Spanish is designed to train students to become experts in the Spanish language and culture. With the growing number of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S., job opportunities are expanding for those who are fluent in this popular language. Spanish speakers are needed in many fields — from the realms of education and business to scientific research.
Explore our list of the best online Spanish programs at the bachelor's level and continue reading to learn more about the major and potential job opportunities. You may also view our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
Arizona State University
- Annual Tuition: $29,438
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
Arizona State University (ASU), a large, public institution, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish totaling 120 credit hours. The program exposes students to Spanish culture through literature, film, and mass media. Coursework includes Spanish Conversation and Composition, Portuguese for Spanish Speakers, and Introduction to Hispanic Literature.
At ASU, online students complete coursework on Canvas in an asynchronous format. In addition, online students can remotely access career advising, tutoring, and counseling, among other resources. ASU’s admission requirements include a high school diploma, a minimum 3.0 GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and an online application.
Florida International University
- Annual Tuition: $18,963
- Locations: Miami (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Florida International University (FIU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. The program requires 120 credit hours until students can graduate. It helps prepare students to pursue graduate-level education and employment in Spanish. Some of the program’s courses include Introduction to Spanish American Literature, Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers, and Introduction to Peninsular Spanish Literature.
FIU’s online students access their coursework on Canvas, which can be completed asynchronously. Online student resources at FIU include success coaching, tutoring, and other development opportunities. Prospective students must submit an application, ACT or SAT scores, and transcripts.
Oregon State University
- Annual Tuition: $31,579
- Locations: Corvallis (OR)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Oregon State University (OSU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish that requires 180 credit hours. This program provides students with the skills needed to excel in a career requiring an understanding of the Spanish language. Sample coursework includes Spanish for Business, Spanish Conversation, and Cultures of Spain and Portugal.
At OSU, Canvas is the online learning management system for asynchronous and synchronous coursework. OSU’s online student support includes academic support and financial resources. To apply, the following are required: transcripts, college credits (if plausible), personal statements, and responses to an essay prompt.
University of Arizona
- Annual Tuition: $11,800
- Locations: Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other)
- Accreditation: HLC
University of Arizona (UA) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, totaling 120 credit hours to complete. The program helps students develop their Spanish language skills and become proficient in Portuguese. Some of the program’s courses include Readings in the Literary Genres, The Structure of Spanish, and Children’s Literature in Spanish.
Online UA students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the platform, D2L. UA’s online student resources include academic advising, tutoring, and disability support. To apply, students must submit their official transcripts and an application.
Fort Hays State University
- Annual Tuition: $15,870
- Locations: Hays (KS)
- Accreditation: HLC
At Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a medium, public institution, students interested in the Spanish language can pursue one of these two options: (1) Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language - Spanish (127 credit hours) or (2) Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language - Spanish for Specific Purposes (120 credit hours). The first online program is designed for students who aspire to become Spanish teachers. Meanwhile, the latter provides students with a basic understanding of the Spanish language to expand their career options in business, health, and other industries.
FHSU facilitates asynchronous online learning on the platform, Blackboard. Online students are offered a range of support, such as career services, tech assistance, tutoring, and writing. FHSU’s admission requirements include a minimum 2.25 GPA and ACT or SAT scores.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Annual Tuition: $18,957
- Locations: Little Rock (AR)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), a medium-sized, public institution, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Spanish. Totaling 120 credit hours, the Spanish concentration immerses students in the Spanish language and culture to develop the skills needed to become fluent and proficient. The Spanish degree includes four core courses and two electives.
UALR’s online learning platform is Blackboard, where students can complete coursework asynchronously. Online student support services are plentiful, including a writing center, disability resource center, IT services, and a mathematics assistance center. Admission requirements at UALR include the submission of official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.
Georgia Southern University
- Annual Tuition: $17,539
- Locations: Statesboro (GA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Georgia Southern University (GSU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Spanish that requires 124 credit hours. The program offers two concentrations: (1) Spanish Studies and (2) Spanish for the Professions. Sample coursework includes Elementary Spanish I and Intermediate Spanish I.
GSU’s online courses are delivered in a synchronous format on Folio. GSU’s online student support includes the academic success center, counseling, and disability services. To apply, prospective students must submit official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a list of senior-year courses.
Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus
- Annual Tuition: $8,688
- Locations: Portales (NM)
- Accreditation: HLC
Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus (ENMU) is a medium-sized, public institution offering a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish that requires 120 credit hours. This online program provides students with the skills and tools needed to become bilingual while gaining a better understanding of Spanish culture. In addition, graduates of the program can seek employment opportunities in government, health care, social services, and a variety of other industries.
At ENMU, online students complete coursework in a synchronous format on Canvas. Online student resources include a writing center and tutoring services. In terms of ENMU’s admission requirements, students must turn in their official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a FAFSA application.
Valdosta State University
- Annual Tuition: $17,638
- Locations: Valdosta (GA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
At Valdosta State University (VSU), a medium-sized, public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with two tracks: (1) Language and Culture and (2) World Languages and Cultures. Both tracks require 120 credit hours for graduation. The Language and Culture Track familiarizes students with the Spanish language through skills-based courses and cultural analyses. The World Languages and Cultures Track allows students to combine their major with another area of interest.
At VSU, students access online coursework delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L. In addition, online student resources at VSU include counseling, IT services, and disability support. Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and submit ACT or SAT scores.
University of North Alabama
- Annual Tuition: $20,220
- Locations: Florence (AL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is a public, four-year institution with a medium-sized student population. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, which has three options: (1) Language and Culture; (2) Literature; or (3) choosing a second major or minor, such as Business Spanish, Global Studies, or Latin American Studies. To help prepare students for language fluency, some of the major core classes include Advanced Spanish Grammar and Conversation and Composition.
At UNA, the Spanish program is available for all levels of Spanish speakers. They have a variety of clubs and societies to join for online students close to campus, and the program also offers Spanish tutoring and foreign language scholarships. They even have study abroad options for online learners.
List Of Accredited Online Spanish Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | ||
| Florida International University | 12,256 | $18,963 |
| Oregon State University | 8,907 | $31,579 |
| University of Arizona | 5,539 | $11,800 |
| Fort Hays State University | 4,138 | $15,870 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 2,723 | $18,957 |
| Georgia Southern University | 2,078 | $17,539 |
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | 1,916 | $8,688 |
| Valdosta State University | 1,749 | $17,638 |
| Mercy University | 1,349 | $20,734 |
| University of North Alabama | 1,177 | $20,220 |
| Northern State University | 1,069 | $11,947 |
| Wayland Baptist University | 763 | $22,004 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | 690 | $10,839 |
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Spanish
Earning a Spanish bachelor's degree online is an ideal way to prepare for careers in international business, journalism, education, public relations, marketing, and especially as interpreters and translators. This degree helps graduates develop the Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge that will aid them in Spanish-speaking workplaces, here and abroad.
Online Spanish programs usually lead to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish, which typically requires the completion of 120 credit hours. The coursework establishes a strong foundation in the language, culture, and literature of Spanish-speaking countries, giving learners a broader, interdisciplinary view of the Spanish-speaking world.
To aid students in developing proficiency in speaking and comprehending the language, most upper-level classes are in Spanish only. Graduates are expected to reach advanced levels of speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the Spanish language.
In addition to Spanish major courses and electives, degree requirements include a liberal arts core of writing, humanities, fine arts, social science, math, and physical sciences courses. Spanish majors may also be required to complete an internship or to study abroad through an approved partner program. These learning opportunities give students a chance to apply their knowledge of Spanish in real-world situations.
If you'd like to learn more about the most cost-effective online Spanish programs, review our guides to affordable Spanish bachelor's degrees and affordable Spanish master's degrees.
Spanish Courses
Spanish majors may take introductory and advanced Spanish language courses, as well as courses about Spanish and Latin American history and culture.
Business Spanish
Students taking Business Spanish learn how to use Spanish in the workplace. This may include unique vocabulary terms that may not otherwise be included in most intermediate Spanish classes. The course also covers business etiquette and communication skills, with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking and bilingual work environments.
Conversational Spanish
Conversational Spanish gives students the skills they need to hold conversations in Spanish. Students learn common terms and phrases while developing conversational skills that will enable them to speak with native Spanish speakers. This introductory-level class is designed for students who have no prior knowledge of Spanish.
Overview of Spanish Literature
Spanish majors often study not only the language of Spain but also the culture. This class introduces students to works of classic and modern Spanish literature, including novels, poetry, drama, and more. Students strive to gain a deeper understanding of trends and themes in Spanish literature while gaining greater facility with the Spanish language.
Spanish Grammar and Composition
Spanish Grammar and Composition provides students with in-depth instruction on grammar. Students learn how to speak Spanish in a way that is grammatically correct. They also gain written communication skills in this language, which can prepare them for careers that might require Spanish.
What Can You Do With a Spanish Degree?
People with Spanish online degrees may pursue careers as foreign language teachers, translators, and interpreters — all of which require a bachelor's degree, at minimum. Because variations of Spanish are so widely used throughout the U.S. and across Latin American countries, professionals find Spanish language skills valuable in almost any field, from business and tourism to healthcare and social work.
Completing a Spanish online program may qualify you for one of the following occupations:
Interpreters
Interpreters work to convert information from one language to another. Spanish majors who decide to pursue a career as an interpreter may work to translate English to Spanish or vice versa. This may include in-person and on-the-spot translation in environments like courtrooms, schools, and medical facilities. The demand for interpreters is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, as 20% is three times faster than the U.S. average.
Translators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lumps interpreters and translators into a single category, but the roles are distinct. Like interpreters, translators convert messages from one language to another, but instead of focusing on in-person communication, translators primarily focus on written texts and documents. This can include everything from translating poetry and novels to subtitles for videos to important government documents.
High School Teachers
High school Spanish teachers help high school students develop Spanish language skills and introduce them to Spanish culture and Hispanic literature. Spanish teachers may work in either public schools or private schools. Their duties include planning lessons, instructing students, and grading assignments and exams. Additional teaching certifications and licenses may be necessary, depending on the state and institution where the teacher works.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers
ESL teachers instruct students whose first language is not English. This can include students who have moved to the United States from other countries as well as students whose primary home language is not English. These teachers help students develop their speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing skills in English. A Spanish major can be helpful for prospective ESL instructors since it gives individuals the skills to communicate with Spanish-speaking students.
Benefits of an Online Spanish Degree
Pursuing a Spanish degree online has a wide variety of benefits. Perhaps the most important is that you'll develop fluency in the Spanish language. Not only is this a personally and intellectually enriching endeavor, but it can also help you improve your communication skills and even unlock new career opportunities.
A degree in Spanish qualifies you for jobs that require advanced knowledge of Spanish. For example, your degree may lead you to a career in translation and interpretation in the public or private sector. You could also apply your knowledge of Spanish in retail, business, and customer service occupations.
You may also enjoy the benefits of enrolling in a fully online program in Spanish. In general, distance education programs may be more affordable, and they typically offer more flexibility than traditional, on-campus programs. In online courses, you'll access lectures and coursework, participate in class discussions, and submit assignments at your convenience as long as you meet the instructor's deadlines.
However, online learning is not necessarily the best choice for every student. If you feel you require more structure or want more interaction with your instructors and classmates, you may prefer an on-campus program.
Not sure if an online Spanish degree is right for you? Consider some of your many other options, such as an affordable online English degree or an affordable online education degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Degrees
How Much Can I Expect To Earn With an Online Degree in Spanish?
Among the career options for graduates with degrees in Spanish are jobs as translators or interpreters, which have a median annual salary of $49,110 (as cited above). Depending on the degree curriculum, graduates may also become licensed high school teachers, who make a median yearly salary of $61,820.
How Is a Degree in a Foreign Language Like Spanish Different From a Degree in Linguistics?
Although both of these degrees may prepare graduates for some similar roles — such as in translation or foreign language teaching positions — a degree in linguistics involves the scientific study of language itself. Linguistics majors study the structure and components of language: sound, words, and sentence formation. Additionally, they delve into the purpose and evolution of language as a whole.
Students majoring in a foreign language, on the other hand, deep-dive into the language, literature, and culture of a country, with the goal of becoming a fluent speaker in that language.
What Can I Do With an Online Degree in Spanish?
People with online degrees in Spanish may pursue careers as foreign language teachers, translators, and interpreters — all of which require a bachelor's degree, at minimum. Because Spanish is so widely spoken, professionals find Spanish language skills useful in almost any occupation, from business and tourism to healthcare and social work.
Becoming a foreign language teacher may be the ambition of most Spanish majors. Those in this role work in elementary, middle, and high schools as well as at the university level and in the private sector. They must plan classes and exams, and employ language learning methodologies which they learn at the bachelor's and master's degree level. Additional teaching certifications and licenses may be necessary, depending on the state and institution where the teacher works.
What Are Next Steps?
After obtaining a bachelor's degree online, students can go on to pursue an online master's degree in Spanish. These degrees come in a variety of forms that build upon a student’s undergraduate education and train them to apply their skills in research and education. Some institutions offer online Master of Arts in Teaching of Languages, while others offer more focused Master of Arts in Spanish degrees, with concentrations in either linguistics or literature. Either online degree prepares a student for job opportunities teaching Spanish at all levels.