Students can major in one of two areas of study: Spanish or Romance Languages. Spanish majors study in depth the literature, history, and culture of Spain and Spanish America. Majors in the Romance Languages focus on Spanish studies, but also incorporate work in Italian or French (or both) into their preparation.

Graduates with a B.A. in either of these majors can pursue postgraduate work in the Humanities or Social Sciences, and they are prepared for diverse fields where good writing and general communication skills, and a knowledge of history, are paramount. Among the careers they might enter are law, translation, and trade and finance, as well as secondary education.

For the last career path, STAC offers a teacher certification program for students who wish to teach Spanish in grades 7-12. In addition, students who obtain certification in elementary education can choose the concentration in Romance Languages or Spanish.

The department encourages students to spend a summer or semester abroad, immersing themselves in the language of their choice. St. Thomas sponsors a program in Italy, in conjunction with St. John’s University.

General graduation requirements for all our students include six semester hours (two consecutive courses)  in one of the three languages offered, at the appropriate placement level.