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Spanish Minor

Minor

With a Spanish minor, you’ll gain essential skills that can be applied to almost any career.

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By adding a minor in Spanish, you’ll develop language skills and cultural awareness that will complement almost any major you choose. As you study Spanish, you’ll become more fluent in the second most common language in the U.S., providing you with language skills that will set you apart. You’ll learn to thrive and establish lasting relationships in Spanish-speaking cultures. And you’ll engage meaningfully with other cultures while practicing empathy and openness in new places and situations—an experience that will prepare you for a variety of jobs.

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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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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?

As you explore the Spanish language, history, and literature, you’ll grow competent in communicating with and understanding other cultures.

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Spanish fluency

By developing language skills and a deeper understanding of culture and identity, you’ll be equipped to engage with Spanish-speaking people across the world.

Cultural awareness

You’ll gain cross-cultural competence and understanding through service-learning projects, classroom interactions, and opportunities to study abroad.

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 and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong.

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Study abroad

You’ll be able 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

Apply what you learn through strong internships or by student teaching in bilingual and immersion schools or community programs with immigrants. You’ll also have the chance to work for the department as a tutor or teaching assistant (TA).

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Service learning

Volunteer and learn through Bethel’s unique partnerships with Urban Ventures, One Reason Dance Studio, La Puerta Abierta Church, and Open Door in Minneapolis. You’ll can also work on 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.

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Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

With a Spanish minor, you’ll gain language skills that are in high demand with organizations and employers. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Stand out to employers

Gain Spanish-speaking skills and a deeper cultural understanding that can serve you in careers in education, business, healthcare, communication, marketing, psychology, and more.

Expand your cultural awareness

As you explore another language and culture, you’ll be equipped to engage with Spanish-speaking people from all over the world and different cultures.

Apply your faith to your career

As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to glorify God wherever your career takes you.

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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 >

79%

classes with 25 or fewer students

20%

department students double major

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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.

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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