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Spanish Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a Spanish major, you’ll gain the global perspective needed to communicate with Christ-like compassion to people from a variety of other contexts.

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Spanish majors build foundational skills by studying language, culture, history, and literature. They also develop meaningful, lasting relationships with people from other cultures through experience in the local Latinx community along with a semester abroad in Spain or elsewhere.

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Why should I study Spanish at Bethel?

Spanish isn’t just a foreign language anymore—it’s currently the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S and the national language in 21 countries in Latin America and Europe. Spanish is a high-demand language in many fields, including education, business, healthcare, communication and marketing, and psychology. By developing a deeper understanding of culture and identity, you’ll be equipped to engage with Spanish-speaking people from all over the world. At Bethel, you'll also experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you study governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior, you’ll integrate your Christian faith and explore the intersection of faith and politics.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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A student thoughtfully listens, wearing a colorful headwrap, during a language class.
A professor passionately delivers a lecture with a devotional thought displayed on the screen.
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Contact us

Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's B.A. in Spanish program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in Spanish, you’ll gain fluency in the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S. and the national language in 21 countries in Latin America and Europe. And you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student.

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Strong language skills

You’ll gain Spanish language skills that will help you in numerous careers.

Cultural awareness

Through service-learning projects, classroom interactions, and study abroad opportunities, you’ll be equipped to engage with Spanish-speaking people from all over the world.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

You’ll have the opportunity to study outside the U.S. over a full semester, January, spring break, or summer. Many graduates spend a semester studying in Spain and call it a highlight of the program.

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Hands-on experiences

Volunteer and learn through Bethel’s unique partnerships with Urban Ventures, One Reason Dance Studio, La Puerta Abierta Church, and Open Door in Minneapolis. Or student teach in bilingual and immersion schools or community programs with immigrants.

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Faculty partnerships

As a tutor or teaching assistant (TA), you can work closely with and learn from experienced professors. Also, sharpen your language conversation skills and make friends through “Charlas y cenas”—monthly conversations and dinner with professors, native speakers, TAs, and upper-level Spanish students. 

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a Spanish degree?

By majoring in Spanish, you’ll learn a high-demand language that will set you apart in many fields, including education, business, healthcare, communication and marketing, and psychology. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

International relations and advocacy

With a deeper understanding of culture and identity, you’ll be equipped to engage with Spanish-speaking people around the world.

Business

You’ll be able to apply your language and cultural skills in fields like marketing, recruiting, financial services, sales, and human resources.

Education

You can pair a Spanish major with an education degree. You can also pursue a graduate degree in teaching or doctoral programs to become a principal or administrator.

Government

If you’re interested in political science or international relations, you can apply these language skills and cultural knowledge to work in a variety of jobs related to politics.

Skills for any field

Apply your cultural and language skills to almost any field, including healthcare and counseling, journalism, consulting, missions, communications, community development, and more.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the department suite.

Department of Languages and Cultures


Location

Clausen Center (CC) 432

Contact

Graciela Perez

Graciela Perez

Graciela Perez

Professor of Languages and Cultures

Bio >

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Lisa Bekemeyer

Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures

Bio >

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Laura Elias

Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures

Bio >

Gina Maltese-Preciado

Gina Maltese-Preciado

Adjunct Instructor of Spanish Language

Bio >

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Sarah Steil

Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures

Bio >

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Becki Tate

Adjunct Instructor of American Sign Language

Bio >

98%

of seniors participate in internships, research projects, and other culminating senior experiences

Top 3

human resources management program in Minnesota

- collegefactual.com

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements