Minor in Spanish
Hours: 25 On-Campus Online
About
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish program is ideal for developing your Spanish language skills and deepening your cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries. This program complements any major and can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Our coursework covers the essentials of the Spanish language while offering flexibility for your individual goals. You'll take required courses to build core language proficiency alongside electives in areas like Business Spanish, Medical Spanish, Translating & Interpreting, or Hispanic Studies (literature, film, culture, and more).
Why pursue a Minor in Spanish at Fort Hays State University?
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish program offers a unique and accessible path to language proficiency. Unlike some programs with deceptively low listed credit hours, we provide fully online courses and transparent minor requirements. The flexible format and clear expectations make it easy to complete your Minor in Spanish alongside your major degree.
Who is this program for?
The Minor in Spanish at Fort Hays State University is designed for a wide variety of students who want to expand their language skills and cultural understanding. Here are just a few types of people who might find this program especially beneficial:
- Students seeking careers where Spanish fluency is a significant asset
- Individuals passionate about travel and exploring new cultures
- Those interested in global affairs and international relations
- Students who want to complement their major with valuable language skills
Learning Outcomes
The Minor in Spanish at Fort Hays State University provides a strong foundation for careers where Spanish skills are essential and for deeper exploration of Hispanic cultures. Here's what you can expect to achieve upon completing the required classes for the Minor in Spanish:
Construct Comprehensible Speech to Communicate
You'll build a solid base of conversational Spanish, allowing you to interact with native speakers with growing confidence. This includes discussing daily life and personal experiences, expressing your opinions, and sharing stories or jokes.
Interpret Oral Communication Verbally and Non-Verbally
Understanding spoken Spanish extends beyond just vocabulary and grammar. This outcome focuses on developing your ability to pick up on subtle cues in conversation, like tone of voice, gestures, and cultural references, leading to more meaningful interactions. You'll even begin to understand the nuances of different regional accents.
Compose Writing to Communicate
You'll gain the ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in written Spanish. This encompasses a variety of writing styles, from informal emails and letters to more structured essays or reports. Your written Spanish will develop a more natural and fluid style with practice.
Formulate Appropriate Writing or Speech for Specialized Application
This outcome is tailored toward boosting your career prospects. You'll learn to use Spanish effectively and professionally within a specific field, developing specialized vocabulary, communication styles, and cultural sensitivity relevant to your chosen area. This translates directly into valuable skills for the workplace.
Real-World Applications
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish program emphasizes real-world language skills. Throughout your coursework, you'll participate in activities simulating the kinds of speaking, writing, translating, and interpreting situations you'll encounter in your career. We also strongly recommend study abroad opportunities in Latin America for our Minor in Spanish, offering unparalleled immersion in the language and culture.
Whether you choose a Minor in Spanish, you'll gain practical Spanish language skills that apply to numerous fields. Our program's focus on communication and cultural understanding will help you achieve fluency, complete coursework with better grades, and prepare for a dynamic global workforce.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish program offers a dynamic and up-to-date curriculum. Whether you pursue a Minor in Spanish or a certificate, you'll benefit from our commitment to integrating the latest advancements in the field.
Our courses are continuously updated, and our instructors actively pursue professional development to stay current on teaching methodologies, Latin American culture, and new developments in Spanish linguistics. We also recognize the unique needs of heritage speakers, offering tailored coursework.
Hands-on Activities
While the initial courses in the Minor in Spanish focus on foundational skills, Fort Hays State University provides opportunities for hands-on learning. Join the Spanish Club for activities like Hispanic dance, Spanish conversation, and cultural immersion.
The Beginning Spanish I course features an intercultural competence project that lets you apply your Spanish skills and interact with diverse communities.
What You’ll Learn:
- Real-world Spanish communication skills
- Practical applications for various careers
- Translating and interpreting techniques
- Fluency in speaking and writing
- Deep cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world
How You’ll Learn:
- Diverse courses to improve your Spanish
- Focus on core language proficiency
- Flexible electives for individual goals
- Fully online courses available
- Transparent program requirements
Our program provides a solid foundation in the Spanish language and explores the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. You'll begin with introductory and intermediate courses covering essential grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. Electives and advanced courses in conversation, grammar, and composition will boost your proficiency and cultural fluency, helping you achieve a Minor in Spanish.
MLNG 451: Medical Spanish I
This course is an introductory course presenting the medical expressions and terminology related to the relationship between patients and health professionals in Spanish.
MLNG 461: Translating and Interpreting I
This course is an introductory course in translation for students of Spanish that accommodates students with an advanced level of Spanish.
MLNG 471: Business Spanish I
This advanced Business Spanish course, the first in a three-course series, focuses on business terminology and scenarios relevant to Spanish-speaking countries and the U.S. Taught in Spanish, it enhances students' communication skills and intercultural competency through exploration of sociocultural and sociolinguistic issues.
Discover the full Minor in Spanish course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
A Minor in Spanish from Fort Hays State University opens diverse career opportunities. While your primary area of study will be a significant factor, here are some exciting career fields where your Spanish language skills can give you an advantage
Translation and Interpretation
Work as a freelance or in-house translator and interpreter across multiple industries. Facilitate communication between Spanish and English speakers in legal, medical, business, or technical settings.
Education
Combine your passion for Spanish with teaching. Positions range from Spanish language instructors in schools to developing educational materials or working with language-learning software companies.
International Business
Businesses in Spanish-speaking countries always need employees with cultural awareness and language skills. This can involve sales, marketing, customer service, or international logistics.
Government and Nonprofit Work
Serve with foreign aid organizations, international nonprofits, or government roles such as diplomacy or foreign service. Your Spanish skills will be essential for building relationships and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Law and Law Enforcement
Spanish language skills are increasingly sought-after in the legal field, especially in areas like immigration law. Law enforcement agencies also value bilingual officers for community outreach and investigations.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online graduate tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers complementary programs to enrich language skills and broaden career opportunities. You may also be interested in exploring related programs that align with your career goals. You might want to consider the following options:
- Certificate in Spanish
- B.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish for Specific Purposes)
- B.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish and Teacher Education)
A Minor in Spanish from Fort Hays State University opens doors to exciting career paths like translation and interpretation, education, international business, government and nonprofit work, and law and law enforcement. The program emphasizes practical language skills, real-world applications, and cultural understanding. You'll build a strong foundation in Spanish through core courses, personalize your studies with electives, and gain hands-on experience through activities like the Spanish Club.
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish program is entirely online, offering flexibility for anyone developing their Spanish language skills and cultural understanding. The program emphasizes real-world applications, with courses focused on speaking, writing, translation, and interpretation for various careers.
The Minor in Spanish at FHSU is a great way to develop practical Spanish communication skills, deepen your understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, and open doors to exciting career opportunities. Our program emphasizes real-world language use, offers flexible course options to fit your goals, and provides a transparent path to completion. You'll learn to speak, understand, write, and apply Spanish professionally while gaining valuable cultural insights. Whether you're interested in international business, education, translation, or government work or want to broaden your horizons, a Minor in Spanish from FHSU can give you a significant advantage.
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Spanish is designed to enhance your language skills and cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking countries. There are no specific admission requirements. The program offers flexible online courses, a focus on real-world language usage, and opportunities for study abroad.
If you have prior Spanish experience but no official coursework, Fort Hays State University offers a placement test to determine your appropriate starting level. Contact the Department of English and Modern Languages for information on scheduling the test and getting personalized course recommendations based on your results. Taking the placement test helps you avoid repetitive material, maximize your learning potential, and save time and money by ensuring you start at the right level for your current Spanish skills.
Department Information
The Department of English and Modern Languages at FHSU offers students a robust education that blends critical thinking, writing versatility, and foreign language proficiency. With degrees in English and Modern Languages, students can choose concentrations in teaching, writing, literature, or foreign languages. The department's programs are designed to equip students with the adaptability, creativity, and leadership skills necessary to excel in various career fields. Whether you aim to pursue a career in education, business, or international relations, the combination of literary knowledge and language fluency will enhance your marketability in an increasingly globalized world.
Students in this department have the opportunity to engage in unique extracurricular activities, including service-learning projects, working on award-winning publications, and participating in language and cultural events. The department's dual-degree options, such as Nursing/Spanish and Business/Spanish, provide additional flexibility and broaden career opportunities. With dedicated faculty and a supportive learning environment, students will gain the essential skills to thrive in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Sigma Tau Delta: The English student society at FHSU, promoting interest in literature and writing, with opportunities for leadership, academic recognition, and attending national conventions.
- Lines from the Middle of Nowhere: An award-winning literary and arts journal showcasing our students' talents. Get involved as part of the editorial board or submit your work for consideration.
- Hispanic Dance Sessions: Sponsored by the Spanish Club, these sessions promote Hispanic culture through dance, open to all students and the community.
- Tertulia: An opportunity for students to practice Spanish in a relaxed environment with peers, faculty, and community members.
- Hispanic Film Festival: Experience Hispanic culture through film, with events that showcase issues relevant to the Hispanic world.
- Spanish Club: Organizes cultural events, fundraisers, and activities related to Hispanic culture, such as salsa parties and dance sessions.
- Certificate
- Minor
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- On-Campus
- Online
