

The Spanish and Linguistics program offers an interdisciplinary approach to language, combining the study of Spanish language, literature, and culture with a deep understanding of linguistic theory and analysis. This four-year undergraduate program develops students’ fluency in Spanish while equipping them with tools to understand how language functions at structural, cognitive, and social levels. Through immersive coursework, students explore topics such as phonetics, syntax, semantics, and language acquisition, alongside advanced studies in Spanish-speaking cultures and literatures.
Students gain a comprehensive foundation in both language skills and theoretical frameworks, engaging with issues such as bilingualism, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural literacy, and analytical reasoning, preparing students to examine language in diverse contexts. Additionally, opportunities for study abroad, service-learning, and community engagement allow students to experience Spanish linguistics in real-world settings, broadening their global perspective and enhancing cross-cultural communication abilities.
Year 1 – Language Foundation and Introduction to Linguistics
• Elementary Spanish I & II
• Introduction to Linguistics
• Phonetics and Phonology
• College Writing Seminar
Year 2 – Intermediate Skills and Theoretical Grounding
• Intermediate Spanish I & II
• Syntax and Morphology
• Spanish Composition and Conversation
• Introduction to Hispanic Cultures
Year 3 – Advanced Language and Cultural Studies
• Advanced Spanish Grammar
• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Spanish-American Literature
• Sociolinguistics
• Study Abroad or Spanish Fieldwork (Optional)
Year 4 – Specialization and Capstone
• Topics in Spanish Linguistics
• Bilingualism and Language Contact
• Spanish for Professional Contexts
• Senior Seminar or Capstone Project
• Language and Society
Graduates of the Spanish and Linguistics program are prepared for careers that demand language proficiency, cross-cultural communication, and analytical expertise. Many go on to work in fields such as education, translation and interpretation, international relations, publishing, speech-language pathology, and non-profit outreach. The program also provides a solid foundation for further graduate studies in linguistics, Spanish literature, or applied language sciences. Employers in both the public and private sectors value the ability to understand and analyze human language, making graduates of this program valuable assets in roles that span from government agencies to global corporations.
This program is ideal for students who wish to explore the power and complexity of language through both cultural immersion and scientific inquiry. Emory University’s integrated approach allows students to deepen their Spanish fluency while engaging critically with the mechanics of human language. With experienced faculty, small class sizes, and a vibrant community of language learners and researchers, the program offers an enriching academic journey. Students are encouraged to personalize their path through electives, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering them to build meaningful careers rooted in communication, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States