World Languages and Cultures
Spanish
Everything you need to know about the Spanish Program at CWU
The Spanish program at CWU conceptualizes Spanish as a colonialist language to the Americas that is nowadays also a subordinated language in the US, despite being the country with the second-largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. The instructors in this program are committed to create and protect a safe-space and anti-racist space in which all materials and activities embrace our diversity (gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture) and actively promote social justice within and beyond the classroom walls.
Why study Spanish at CWU?
The Spanish program at CWU offers a major and minor in Spanish. Classes are small and student-centered. The program offers students the opportunity to perfect their language skills to communicate effectively in both written and spoken Spanish, while also imparting the analytical skills necessary for broader academic study in culture, literature, and linguistics. A solid background in Spanish language and culture is an asset to students who seek post-grad careers in education, international business, translation and interpretation, hospitality and tourism, and any other field that requires human contact and transcultural communication.
Students in the Spanish program experience small classes and receive individualized advising and study plans, have the opportunity to participate in internships, independent studies and to study Abroad! Our students can travel to Spain to take intensive langue classes through the University of León with the Centro de idiomas de la Universidad de León, Spain. Additionally, the Spanish Program at CWU as endorses the unique experience to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture by completing the Camino de Santiago with Spanish professor Eric Mayer! Grab your backpack and your best hiking shoes and join them in an experience que te cambiará la vida (a life-changing experience!). For more information on your Study Abroad opportunities at Central, please visit Study Abroad for available programs--Spanish Study Abroad is offered in the Summer!
Degree Options
- Spanish Major BA, Applied Linguistics Specialization
- Spanish Major BA, Spanish Teaching Specialization
- Spanish Major BA, Translation and Interpretation Specialization
- Spanish Major, BA
- Spanish Minor
New to the Language?
If you've never studied Spanish before, just sign up for SPAN 151 starting in the Fall quarter so you can begin your first-year Spanish language sequence.
Already know some Spanish?
Spanish runs in my family…
If you grew up in a Spanish-speaking household, we provide an alternate set of courses for Heritage Language Learners of Spanish (Heritage Spanish). Heritage learners are students who have been exposed to Spanish in their homes or communities from a young age. As a consequence, they have developed a personal connection to Spanish and understand and/or speak the language with varying degrees of proficiency. The Heritage Spanish program at Central Washington University offers classes for every level, from beginning to advanced.
If you have questions about placement or about where to begin, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrea Herrera-Dulcet (andrea.herrera-dulcet@cwu.edu).
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