Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
Spanish, Italian & Portuguese

Introduction to the Major

To study Spanish at UVA is to engage deeply with the voices, stories and cultural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world, from medieval Iberia to the contemporary Caribbean, from the Asia Pacific to Latin America and the United States. Our Spanish majors explore how language shapes identity, power and imagination through the study of literature, film, linguistics and culture, while developing the critical thinking skills and global mindsets essential to adapt and excel in an increasingly interconnected world. The major invites students to read closely, listen attentively and communicate thoughtfully, cultivating intellectual curiosity and a global perspective grounded in human experience. Come learn how to see the world through a variety of lenses and discover new ways of understanding, connecting and imagining across borders.

Which Program is Right for Me?

Languages, Literatures and Cultures of the Spanish-Speaking World combines language courses with linguistics, literature and cultural studies — the most flexible track.

Literatures and Cultures of the Spanish-Speaking World is for students with particularly strong language skills who focus exclusively on literature and cultural studies.

Literature and Linguistics is tailored for students eager to specialize in Hispanic linguistics. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Study abroad in Spain or Latin America.
  • Live in Casa Bolívar — an immersive on-Grounds Spanish-speaking community.
  • Write for LaUVa, our digital magazine, or join the Spanish Theater Group.
  • Conduct original research with a faculty mentor in our Distinguished Major Program.
  • Publish your first professional translation with a US publishing house. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Director of Sports Marketing, Hampton University
  • Legislative Assistant, US House of Representatives
  • Senior Development Officer, Levine Children’s Hospital
  • Medical Director, CrossOver Healthcare
  • Professor, Boston College
  • Talent Acquisition Manager, PWC
  • Regional Program Officer, Fulbright Program 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • University of Texas Austin, Spanish
  • University of Virginia, Education
  • Boston University, Social Work
  • Tulane University, Law
  • California Institute of the Arts, Fine Arts
  • Princeton University, Public Policy 

“The Spanish major allowed me to form meaningful relationships with professors in small, discussion-based classes, creating lasting connections that profoundly shaped my experience at UVA.” 

Max Ritterband, Class of 2024 

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

Spanish BA
First Year
  • Advance
    • Take Spanish both semesters at the level into which you place. 
    • Take an Engagement Course or an SPTR course (Spanish in Translation) taught by a Spanish professor. 
    • Attend the Majors Fair to learn more about the Spanish major or minor. 
    • Take SPAN 3015 if you are a heritage speaker of Spanish. 
  • Explore
    • Learn about Casa Bolívar and consider living there in the future. 
    • Explore volunteer opportunities in the Latino community through community organizations and service programs. 
    • Attend a Spanish-sponsored lecture or event. 
  • Build
    • Attend the merienda at Casa Bolívar, or one of the conversation meet-ups. 
    • Sign up for the Spanish Department mailing list. 
    • Follow @uva_sip on Instagram. 
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • If you have finished SPAN 2020, declare your major or minor in a meeting with an advisor. 
    • Take core 3000-level courses like SPAN 3010 and SPAN 3300. 
    • Once you finish SPAN 3010, take other 3000-level courses in language and linguistics. 
  • Explore
    • Visit the International Studies Office to learn about study abroad opportunities. 
    • Plan to study abroad during a J-Term, summer, full semester or even a year. Learn about financial aid for study abroad — sometimes it is more affordable than staying on Grounds! 
    • Get involved with the Spanish Theater Group. 
    • Get involved with LaUVa, a collaborative digital magazine co-created by students, faculty and staff. 
    • Use your Spanish by participating in a community-engaged program. 
  • Build
    • Seek out volunteer opportunities at UVA hospital, with The Latino Health Initiative, The Center for Community Partnerships or local non-profits. 
    • Chat with a professor during refreshments at a Spanish lecture or event. 
    • Get involved with Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish Honor Society. 
  • Prepare
    • Explore the Office of Citizen Scholar Development and learn about fellowships — the Fulbright US Student Award may be of particular interest. 
    • Participate in an internship that allows you to apply the skills you’ve developed in the Spanish program. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Take the Survey courses (SPAN 3400–3430) and start on 4000-level courses. 
    • Meet with your major advisor at least once a semester to discuss progress and plans. 
  • Explore
    • Spend either the fall or spring semester — or both — in Spain or Latin America. 
    • Talk to a faculty mentor about applying to the Distinguished Majors Program. 
    • Take the DELE certification exam to obtain Spanish professional accreditation. 
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Apply to programs that allow you to spend a gap year in Spain or Latin America by teaching English. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your language skills and global experience. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Take remaining 4000-level courses. 
    • Talk with your advisor about post-graduation plans and ensure you are on track to complete all College and Spanish requirements. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Work with a Spanish faculty member on your Distinguished Major thesis. 
    • Participate in the yearly Distinguished Majors symposium. 
    • Present your research at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
  • Build
    • Contact recent graduates from your program to learn about their post-graduate experiences. 
    • Connect your LinkedIn profile with the Spanish, Italian & Portuguese department and alumni in fields that interest you. 
  • Prepare
    • Apply to jobs, graduate school and other opportunities. 
    • Consider public service opportunities that introduce you to new ways of thinking about your career. 
    • Explore Fulbright and other prestigious fellowships through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development. 
    • Use Handshake and other job boards to search for opportunities.