Spanish and Portuguese
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese is a four-year interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with fluency in two of the world’s most spoken Romance languages while also immersing them in the rich cultural, historical, and literary landscapes of Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula, and other Lusophone regions. Through an integrated curriculum that includes language proficiency, literature, film, translation, and socio-political studies, students gain both communicative competence and deep cultural insight. The program encourages a comparative approach, allowing learners to explore the parallels and distinctions between Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, enhancing their linguistic flexibility and global awareness.
Beyond language acquisition, students analyze important literary works, historical movements, and cultural phenomena that have shaped the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. The program also promotes critical thinking and analytical writing through coursework focused on colonial histories, postcolonial identities, migration, and gender studies. With opportunities for study abroad, service learning, and community engagement, students gain real-world exposure that strengthens both academic knowledge and intercultural competence.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Spanish and Portuguese
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Language Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations
• Elementary Spanish I & II
• Introduction to Portuguese
• Hispanic Culture and Civilization
• Fundamentals of Language and Linguistics
Year 2 – Intermediate Mastery
• Intermediate Spanish & Portuguese
• Latin American Literature
• Grammar and Composition in Spanish
• Introduction to Luso-Brazilian Culture
Year 3 – Advanced Topics
• Advanced Portuguese Conversation
• Spanish Literature from Golden Age to Modernism
• Afro-Lusophone Cultures
• Spanish Film and Visual Media
Year 4 – Integration and Application
• Seminar in Bilingual Literature
• Spanish and Portuguese Translation Studies
• Capstone Project or Senior Thesis
• Optional Study Abroad / Internship Credit
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Spanish and Portuguese program find themselves in high demand across diverse professional landscapes that require multilingual communication, cultural literacy, and critical analysis. Career paths include roles in international business, diplomacy, journalism, education, translation and interpretation, tourism, and nonprofit advocacy. In today’s globalized economy, fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese offers a competitive edge, particularly in regions such as Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, many graduates pursue advanced degrees in areas like international relations, linguistics, Latin American studies, or public policy. Employers value the ability to navigate multicultural environments and communicate across borders—skills that this dual-language program strongly develops through its integrated and immersive learning model.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with two influential world languages and their diverse cultures, opening doors to global understanding and professional success. Emory University’s emphasis on experiential learning, cultural immersion, and faculty-led mentorship ensures that students gain both academic depth and practical readiness. Whether through classroom discussions, study abroad in Brazil or Spain, or community-based language projects, learners are encouraged to connect language learning with real-world impact. The supportive academic environment fosters curiosity, intellectual growth, and cross-cultural dialogue, making this program ideal for students seeking a transformative education rooted in global engagement and multilingual excellence.
Contact Information
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
