Spanish Degree Program
Our world languages staff recognizes the vital need for our students to become world citizens and fulfill the biblical mandate to welcome the foreigners among us.
Study Spanish Abroad
Spanish Major and Minor Requirements
A knowledge of the Spanish language is a valuable asset in today's job market. It is the third most spoken language in the world, with more than 346 million speakers in 26 countries on five continents. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the United States, with more than 20 million speakers across the nation. The numbers make it clear that learning Spanish now is a solid investment for the future, whatever your career aspirations may be.
Award-Winning Spanish Faculty
Professor Viki Defferding- Ray Verzasconi Pacific Northwest Postsecondary Teacher of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Council of Foreign Language Teachers, 2005
- Outstanding Teacher at the College Level by the Confederation in Oregon for Foreign Language Teaching, 2004
- Winner of the Northwest Nazarene University Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award, 2003.
Major in Spanish
The Spanish major is designed to help students gain proficiency in Spanish for their chosen field of work, at home or overseas. The program emphasizes the unique relationship between culture and language; the acquisition of analytical skills; familiarity with historically important works of literature; and a four-skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) approach to language proficiency.
To complete the course of study, students will spend a minimum of one semester abroad. In class, the student will get individual attention and be able to use Bible listening tapes, do journal reflections, etc. They also will have the opportunity to participate in a "café y conversación" program. This allows the student to interact and practice their Spanish with another more advanced or native speaker. Students also complete a capstone course their senior year, which includes proficiency evaluation and a service project with the local Hispanic community. To see the list of required courses go to the course descriptions page.
Prospective students can get info about our spanish major on our undergraduate admissions site.