Spanish
The study of Spanish at the University of Memphis is designed to develop communicative proficiency in the language while fostering a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures. After completing foundational requirements, students may choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with their academic interests and career goals, including cinema, composition and conversation, culture, literature, and Spanish for specific purposes (such as business, hospitality, legal, medical, translation and interpretation, and service learning). The Spanish faculty consists of specialists across the major areas of Hispanic Studies—including literature, linguistics, language pedagogy, civic engagement, film, and cultural studies—who integrate language instruction with broader cultural, social, and professional contexts. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the Spanish advising team (spanish@memphis.edu) or the Graduate Coordinator in Spanish, Dr. Pilar Alcalde (palcalde@memphis.edu).
Why Study Spanish?
Learning Spanish offers a powerful advantage in today’s global and multilingual society. With over 500 million speakers worldwide and nearly 60 million in the United States—the second-largest Spanish-speaking population after Mexico—Spanish opens doors to extensive professional, economic, and cultural opportunities. Proficiency in Spanish enhances employability across a wide range of fields, including civil service, diplomacy, education, healthcare, law enforcement, journalism, translation and interpretation, social work, and international business. Spanish speakers are in demand in numerous sectors such as government agencies (e.g., FBI, CIA, Department of State), hospitals, schools, universities, nonprofit and religious organizations, media and entertainment industries, financial institutions, and global corporations. In fields like media, arts, and communication, Spanish supports careers in advertising, publishing, broadcasting, and public relations, while in industry and commerce it facilitates roles in finance, consulting, engineering, sales, and international trade. In travel and tourism, Spanish is essential for careers in airlines, hotels, restaurants, and global travel services.
