Spanish is one of several major languages spoken on the Iberian Peninsula and throughout Latin America, as well as in various regions of the United States. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers undergraduate major and minor programs in Spanish designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the language. The programs introduce them to the study of literary works and helps them develop an informed awareness of the respective cultures. The Spanish Honors program offers an in-depth and particularly challenging curriculum.
One of the principal goals of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese is to help students attain the highest possible level of language proficiency. The department encourages students to take advantage of several study abroad programs sponsored by the department in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Spain. These programs provide opportunities to gain greater exposure to the languages, literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Why Study Spanish?
- There are 470 million native speakers of Spanish
- Spanish is the official language of 40 countries
- Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations
- Over 75% of Spanish majors also carry another major, such as Neuroscience, Public Health, Business, Nursing, Social Work, Biology, and International Studies
- Ohio State graduates with Spanish degrees have chosen a wide range of professions
Elementary Language Sequence for Spanish
All students wishing to major or minor in Spanish must demonstrate proficiency through the 1100-level General Education language sequence and Spanish 2202 or 2213. The pathways for completion are:
Spanish 1101 > 1102 > 1103 or 1113 > 2202 or 2213
Spanish 1155 > 1103 or 1113 > 2202 or 2213
Students with previous experience with Spanish language may be able to begin at a more advanced level through Departmental Placement, Testing and Transfer Credit options.
Spanish Major Program
The Spanish major consists of a minimum of 33 credit hours distributed into tracks as indicated below.
- A minimum grade of "C-" in all courses counting toward the major is required.
- Only 1 course taught in English at the 4000 or 5000-level may count toward the Spanish Major and Spanish Honors Major program.
- ASC Honors students must fulfill the requirements of the Spanish Honors Major. (H) and (E) denotes Honors and Embedded Honors versions available.
- Only 2 Honors embedded (E) courses may count toward the Major program.
- Non-Honors students must meet minimum GPA and pre-requisite requirements to be considered for enrollment in Honors or Embedded Honors sections.
Why Study Spanish?
- There are 470 million native speakers of Spanish
- Spanish is the official language of 40 countries
- Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations
- Over 75% of Spanish majors also carry another major, such as Neuroscience, Public Health, Business, Nursing, Social Work, Biology, and International Studies
- Ohio State graduates with Spanish degrees have chosen a wide range of professions
Elementary Language Sequence for Spanish
All students wishing to major or minor in Spanish must demonstrate proficiency through the 1100-level General Education language sequence and Spanish 2202 or 2213. The pathways for completion are:
Spanish 1101 > 1102 > 1103 or 1113 > 2202 or 2213
Spanish 1155 > 1103 or 1113 > 2202 or 2213
Students with previous experience with Spanish language may be able to begin at a more advanced level through Departmental Placement, Testing and Transfer Credit options.
Spanish Major Program
The Spanish major consists of a minimum of 33 credit hours distributed into tracks as indicated below.
- A minimum grade of "C-" in all courses counting toward the major is required.
- Only 1 course taught in English at the 4000 or 5000-level may count toward the Spanish Major and Spanish Honors Major program.
- ASC Honors students must fulfill the requirements of the Spanish Honors Major. (H) and (E) denotes Honors and Embedded Honors versions available.
- Only 2 Honors embedded (E) courses may count toward the Major program.
- Non-Honors students must meet minimum GPA and pre-requisite requirements to be considered for enrollment in Honors or Embedded Honors sections.
Spanish Course Descriptions and Pre-Requisites
Complete course descriptions and pre-requisites are listed in the official OSU Course Catalog. Students may also search specific term Spanish offerings through the Registrar's Schedule of Classes.
Concentration Requirements
Orientation Level
These four courses are required for all tracks: Term
3401 Advanced Grammar; and All Terms
3403(H) Intermediate Spanish Composition; or All Terms
3413 Spanish for Heritage Speakers; and Every AU Term
3450(H) Intro to the Study of Literature and Culture in Spanish: Reading Texts; and All Terms
3404 Spanish Pronunciation All Terms