Overview
Spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide, about 6.5% of the world’s GDP is produced in Spanish-speaking countries, which makes Spanish the third language most commonly used for business. With more than 41 million speakers, the United States has recently become the country with the second-largest Spanish-speaking population after Mexico, and it is predicted to be the first by 2050 if current demographic trends continue.
The Spanish program at Georgia Tech is designed to develop the 21st-century skills student will need to succeed in today’s world economy. Applicable to almost any career choice, our interdisciplinary curriculum will provide students with the linguistic, content areas and research skills they will need to achieve their professional goals.
The Spanish Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in three areas, Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (ALIS), International Affairs and Modern Language (IAML), and Global Economics and Modern Language (GEML). In addition, a minor and certificate in Spanish are available to all Georgia Tech students, and we have a number of study abroad programs available in Spanish-speaking countries.
We offer introductory and high-beginner courses online; however, due to the intensive nature of our programs and our desire to help students maximize their language proficiency and cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world, we strongly encourage students intending to study Spanish at Georgia Tech to complete at least four years of high-school study of Spanish prior to enrolling and to attempt the AP Spanish test if possible.
This preparation will allow students to begin at least in SPAN 2001, the intermediate-level; students who received a 4 or higher on the AP test in Spanish automatically receive six credit hours for SPAN 2001 and 2002, thus allowing them to begin in SPAN 3000- or 4000-level classes immediately during their freshman year.
Quick Links
Spanish Main Contact
- Cecilia Montes-Alcalá
Director of the Spanish Program and Associate Professor of Spanish & Linguistics
cecilia@gatech.edu
Spanish Academics
Spanish Study Abroad
subsections
Programs of Study
Graduate Degrees in Spanish
Undergraduate Degrees in Spanish
- B.S. in Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies (ALIS)
- B.S. in International Affairs and Modern Languages (IAML)
- B.S. in Global Economics and Modern Languages (GEML)
Minors and Certificates in Spanish
To earn a minor in Spanish, students must complete 15 credits of upper-division (3000- & 4000-level) coursework; to earn a certificate in Spanish students must complete 12 credits of coursework at the level of SPAN 2002 or higher. Taking part in two six-credit Spanish Language for Business and Technology (LBAT) programs over the course of one summer is a great way to complete nearly all of the minor coursework during the summer through study abroad. Upon completion of two LBATs, students only need to complete 3 credit hours (one course) to complete the SPAN minor; completing two LBATs will fulfill all requirements of the certificate.
Spanish courses are also available as part of the minor in international business, language, and culture and minor in linguistics.
Study Abroad
Our Language for Business and Technology (LBAT) programs offer immersive experiences in Spanish language and culture for students with intermediate proficiency. Conducted entirely in Spanish, these programs advance language skills and cultural understanding.
LBAT Argentina
The five-week LBAT Argentina program offers 6 credits in Buenos Aires, focusing on "Culture, Democracy, and Technology" with visits to Uruguay and Iguazu Falls, and full immersion through living with an Argentine family.
LBAT Cadiz
The LBAT Cádiz: Smart Cities program is a five-week, 6-credit experience exploring technological innovation and sustainability in Cádiz, Málaga, and beyond, with cultural excursions and Andalusian cuisine classes.
LBAT Spain (Madrid)
The LBAT Madrid program offers 6 credits of coursework on politics, socio-economics, and culture in Spain, with full immersion in Madrid's vibrant cultural scene.
Salud in Spain
The Salud in Spain program offers a unique and virtual approach to summer study abroad. By combining language immersion methods, conversation exchanges, guest speakers, interview projects, and cultural activities, this Global at Home program promises to take your Spanish skills and intercultural competence to new levels.