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¡Bienvenidos - Welcome to the Spanish Program!
Program Description
Studying Spanish at Sacramento State opens the door to meaningful communication, cultural understanding, and professional opportunities in a globally connected world. Whether you're pursuing a major, minor, or master's degree, our Spanish programs offer a dynamic and well-rounded curriculum that blends practical language skills with rich academic exploration.
You'll engage with the Spanish language, explore cultural traditions, and delve into the diverse literatures of Spain and Latin America—gaining tools that are valuable for careers in education, translation, public service, international relations, and more. Whether your goal is to teach, work in bilingual settings, or continue to doctoral studies, you'll find strong preparation and supportive faculty every step of the way.
Spanish BA Program
Units required for Major: 42
Total units required for BA: 120
All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in the Spanish program are welcome.
We are certain that your academic experience with us will enhance and broaden your interest in Hispanic Studies. Our Bachelor of Arts in Spanish is a balanced study program that covers the Spanish language, Peninsular, and Latin American Literature, as well as the many cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish, apply to the Master of Arts Program in Spanish or other disciplines, and enhance their employment possibilities in related fields such as government service, business, criminal justice, social work, nursing, and foreign affairs.
Placement
- Enroll in SPAN 1A if you are new to the Spanish language.
- Enroll in SPAN 1B if you successfully completed one year of high school Spanish or if you completed two years with a grade below C-.
- Enroll in SPAN 2A if you successfully completed two years of high school Spanish.
- Enroll in SPAN 2B if you successfully completed three years of high school Spanish.
- Enroll in SPAN 47 (Introduction to Composition and Grammar Review) if you successfully completed four years of high school Spanish or if Spanish is your native language.
You must complete high school coursework with a grade of "C-" or better to be eligible for any class higher than SPAN 1B.
Freshmen & Transfer Students
- Spanish 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B (or their equivalent) must be completed consecutively at the community college or university level before any advanced level (upper division) courses may be taken. For example, if you have taken two semesters of elementary Spanish at a community college, then you may continue at CSUS with the 3rd semester or SPAN 2A.
- Once students have completed SPAN 2B (or equivalent), students can begin taking the Spanish major requirements by enrolling in SPAN 47. Please keep in mind that SPAN 47 is a prerequisite for all Spanish upper-level courses (100 level and higher) and SPAN 100 is a prerequisite for all Spanish literature courses.
- CSUS Equivalence for High School Advanced Placement Exam in Spanish:
- A score of 3 = SPAN 2A
- A score of 4 = SPAN 2B
- A score of 5 = SPAN 42 & 47
Spanish Lower Division Equivalents for California Community Colleges
Advising Information
It is important for all Spanish majors to meet with their advisor each semester. The following is a list of Spanish faculty and their areas of specialization:
Find Your Advisor
Advisors are assigned according to the first letter of students' last name. Please contact your advisor by e-mail regarding any questions about the Spanish major or minor. Please note that most instructors are unavailable during the Summer and Winter break.
A-C - Dr. Edward Baranowski
D-H - Dr. Miguel Bota
I-M - Dr. Jonathan Fleck
N-R - Dr. Brenda Romero
S-Z - Dr. Euisuk Kim
Spanish BA Roadmaps
- Spanish BA Roadmap (as of Fall 2023)
- Spanish BA Roadmap (transfer students)
- Spanish BA Roadmap (starting Fall 2026) - coming soon!
Spanish Minor Program
Units Required: 15 (12 must be upper-division)
A Minor in Spanish equips students with strong linguistic, cultural, and analytical skills that foster effective communication and intercultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world. The program enhances students’ academic and professional profiles across disciplines, such as business, education, healthcare, social services, international relations, and the arts, while preparing them for meaningful engagement with Spanish-speaking communities both locally and abroad.
Spanish MA Program
The Spanish graduate program is open and available to all who are interested to apply and/or participate, regardless of race, sex, age, ethnicity or national origin
Program Highlights
- In-depth exploration of topics, geographic regions and time periods. Some of these courses are:
- SPAN 220D: Contemporary Spanish Literature “Black Women Writers in 21st c. Spain and Equatorial Guinea”
- SPAN 224C: Spanish-American Literature, 1880-1945 “Indigenismo and Social Justice”
- The faculty in the Spanish graduate program are active scholars with a wide range of publications and expertise in language and literature from Spain and Latin America. Their research spans diverse areas and employs various theoretical approaches within these fields
- Our graduates have a wide range of opportunities available for them post graduation. Some graduates from the Spanish M.A. program work at:
- Sierra College
- Wichita State University
- Santa Clara University
- Buffalo Point Elementary
- St. Hope Public Schools
- Others are pursuing doctoral degrees in:
- Yale University
- UC Davis
- The University of Texas at Austin
Program Description
- The Master of Arts in Spanish offers a dynamic and comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in a wide range of careers, including teaching, translation, interpretation, government service, international business, and beyond. It also provides an excellent foundation for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
- Designed for both recent B.A. graduates and experienced professionals—such as teachers, translators, and interpreters—this program deepens expertise in the Spanish language, Hispanic cultures, and literature, ensuring students stand out in their chosen fields.
- Graduates of the Spanish M.A. program experience enhanced career opportunities and are well-positioned for salary advancement, making this a transformative step for personal and professional growth.
Our four main areas of the discipline:
- Hispanic Culture & Civilization
- Spanish Linguistics
- Latin American Literature
- Spanish Peninsular Literature
Master of Arts in Spanish Program Admission Requirements
Prospective students must have the following:
- a Bachelor of Arts degree
- a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last 60 attempted semester units (90 quarter units)
- Completion of undergraduate courses in Hispanic culture, language, and literature.
Core Categories
- Latin American Literature courses (6 units)
- Spanish Literature courses (6 units)
- Culture and Civilization courses (6 units)
- Spanish Linguistics courses (6 units)
Other
- Elective courses (2-6 units)
- Culminating Experience (4 units)
Spanish MA Application
The Application Process
Fall 2026 Admission application is due March 1, 2026.
The Sacramento State admission process requires the formal application to be reviewed by both the Office of Graduate Studies and the Department of World Languages & Literatures.
Part I: Applying to the Office of Graduate Studies (Available Now)
Online graduate school application for admission
Note: There is a $70 fee to apply to the Office of Graduate Studies, and the application must be submitted online. Students should consult the Office of Graduate Studies website for more information on the application process. All fees are subject to change.
Part II: Applying to the Department
- Cover letter/Statement of Purpose: Briefly introduce yourself and provide contact information (phone number, mailing address, and email address), then include a one-page Statement of Purpose (discussing your interest in the program) written in English or Spanish.
- A five-page writing sample in Spanish from any previous coursework that an instructor graded.
- Two letters of recommendation from your former professors.
- A copy of your transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
For any questions or inquiries about a late application, please contact:
Dr. Brenda Romero
brenda.romero@csus.edu
Graduate Coordinator, Spanish Program
California State University, Sacramento
Department of World Languages & Literatures
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6087
