Spanish and Portuguese
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese at Rice University offers students an enriching and interdisciplinary journey through the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. The program emphasizes the development of advanced linguistic proficiency alongside the critical study of cultural expressions across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. Through literature, film, history, and sociolinguistics, students explore how language intersects with identity, politics, migration, and globalization.
This four-year, full-time program provides rigorous training in both Spanish and Portuguese, with flexible pathways that allow students to focus on one or explore both in parallel. Coursework is designed to foster intercultural competence and deepen students' understanding of historical legacies, colonial encounters, contemporary societies, and artistic movements. With small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and access to study abroad programs in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, students are immersed in both language and lived experience. The program also encourages interdisciplinary combinations with fields such as international studies, Latin American studies, or public health, depending on each student’s academic and professional goals.
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: 04 January 2026
- Location: Rice University, United States
- Field of Study: Iberian studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Language Foundations and Cultural Introduction
- Elementary Spanish or Portuguese I & II
- Introduction to Hispanic Cultures
- Reading and Listening Comprehension
- Writing for Language Learners
Year 2 – Intermediate Language and Regional Focus
- Intermediate Spanish and Portuguese
- Iberian and Latin American History through Texts
- Conversation and Composition
- Elective: Colonial Encounters or Portuguese for Spanish Speakers
Year 3 – Literary and Cultural Traditions
- Modern Latin American Literature
- Topics in Iberian Cinema or Cultural Studies
- Spanish and Portuguese Sociolinguistics
- Elective: Gender and Identity in the Lusophone World
Year 4 – Advanced Research and Thematic Study
- Senior Seminar in Iberian and Latin American Studies
- Independent Research Project or Capstone Thesis
- Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World
- Elective: Translation Studies or Border Literature
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Spanish and Portuguese program at Rice University are prepared for diverse career paths that demand multilingual communication, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Many find opportunities in international relations, translation and interpretation, language education, or cultural diplomacy, working in embassies, schools, or global nonprofits. Others pursue roles in media, journalism, global marketing, or community outreach, especially in bilingual or multicultural settings. Proficiency in both Spanish and Portuguese enhances access to professional roles in Latin America, Europe, and the United States, where these languages are in growing demand. Graduates often continue their education with advanced degrees in literature, linguistics, Latin American studies, or public policy, while some enter law, public health, or business, applying their linguistic and cultural competencies in dynamic and impactful ways. As communication and collaboration across borders become increasingly vital, Rice graduates stand out for their ability to engage authentically and effectively in global contexts.
Why Choose This Program
The Spanish and Portuguese program at Rice University delivers a rich, flexible, and globally engaged education that empowers students to become confident speakers, critical thinkers, and cultural interpreters. The program’s strength lies in its commitment to language mastery and its expansive view of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds—embracing Europe, the Americas, Africa, and beyond. With faculty who are active scholars and passionate teachers, students benefit from personalized guidance and access to vibrant research and community-based learning experiences. Rice’s location in Houston—one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the U.S.—provides real-world opportunities for internships, service learning, and cultural immersion. Whether your goals lie in education, diplomacy, the nonprofit sector, or the global marketplace, this program offers the academic rigor and cultural fluency to navigate multilingual environments and build meaningful connections across cultures.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 713-348-7423
Email: admission@rice.edu
Address: Office of Admission – MS 17, 109 Lovett Hall, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
