Spanish Studies at Â鶹ŮÀÉ is about building bridges—across cultures, time periods, and borders. You’ll explore the Spanish language, literature, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, gaining skills that connect you to communities locally and globally. The program empowers you to communicate confidently, understand diverse perspectives, and engage with the rich histories and contemporary realities of Spanish-speaking societies.

About Spanish Studies at Â鶹ŮÀÉ

At Florida Atlantic, Spanish Studies stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and strong faculty expertise. You’ll benefit from courses that cover language, literature, culture, linguistics, and translation, with opportunities to study abroad and participate in research. The program is designed to serve both heritage and non-heritage learners, offering tailored tracks and personalized advising. Faculty are active in interdisciplinary programs, ensuring your education is broad, relevant, and connected to real-world opportunities.

Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic

Undergraduate

  • Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature (Concentration in Spanish)
  • Minor in Spanish (with tracks for heritage and non-heritage learners)

Graduate

  • Master of Arts in Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature (Spanish concentration)
  • Graduate Certificate options (see department for details)

Explore Degree Programs in Spanish Studies

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The Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature with a Concentration in Spanish requires 36 credits (12 courses) in Spanish and related disciplines (in addition to fulfilling College and University requirements). All courses must be completed with a grade of  ‘C’ or better. Students interested in advanced study of the language, culture, and literature, should acquire the Spanish major, which is a universally recognized credential that certifies professional-level proficiency in the language and advanced cultural competency in relations with Spanish speaking peoples and countries.

Requirements for the major in LLCL: Spanish (36 credits /12 courses)

The following requirements pertain to the Fall 2025 term and beyond. For requirements for prior catalog years, email Dr. Michael Hamilton.

LLCL Core Courses (6 credits)

  • LIN 3010 Introduction to Linguistics (3 credits)
  • LIT 3060 Introduction to Comparative Literature (3 credits)
Language, Literature and Culture Courses (30 credits)

There are multiple ways to complete the Language, Literature and Culture requirement:

  • A minimum of ten upper-division courses with prefixes SPN, SPW, or SPT; or
  • Nine upper-division courses with prefixes SPN, SPW, or SPT and LAS 2000 Introduction to Latin American Studies or SPT 2530 Hispanic Culture and Civilization 

In either of the above options, at least one of the upper-division courses must be SPN 4740 Spanish Sociolinguistics, SPN 4790 Spanish Phonetics and Phonology, or SPN 4850 Structure of Modern Spanish.

At least seven of the upper-division courses must have a prefix of SPN or SPW.

Here are the courses we currently offer that may be applied to the LLCL: Spanish major. All courses confer three credits.

  • LAS 2000 Introduction to Latin American Studies*
  • SPT 2530 Hispanic Culture and Civilization*
  • SPN 3400 Advanced Spanish
  • SPN 3440 Commercial Spanish
  • SPN 3500 Cultures of Spain
  • SPN 3501 Cultures of Latin America
  • SPN 4740 Spanish Sociolinguistics
  • SPN 4790 Spanish Phonetics and Phonology
  • SPN 4850 Structure of Modern Spanish
  • SPW 3012 Introduction to Peninsular Spanish Literature
  • SPW 3030 Introduction to Hispanic Literature
  • SPW 4583 Género Policiaco en el Mundo Hispano
  • SPW 4930 Special Topics in Spanish or Latin American Literature
    • A special topics course is offered most semesters. See our list of upcoming courses to find out what's being offered next.
  • SPT 4800 Spanish Translation (3 credits)

* Course taught in English.

Study Abroad courses may also be applied to the Language, Literature and Culture requirement. Explore Florida Atlantic's Study Abroad programs or ask the LLCL Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr. Michael Hamilton) about study abroad options

 

In order to be admitted to the graduate program in French, Linguistics, Spanish or Comparative Literature, you must submit two applications. Please read the instructions below and follow each step.

    1. The first application dossier is submitted to the Â鶹ŮÀÉ Office of Graduate Admissions and Studies. You can download application forms and learn more details about graduate studies at this website: /apply/graduate/. This dossier must include the following: 

      1. Fill out and submit the electronic application to Graduate Admissions.

      2. Submit an official transcript of undergraduate and graduate work completed. If you studied at a non-U.S. institution, you can request for your foreign credentials to be evaluated internally or you can use a NACES member company ()

    2. A second application dossier must be submitted to the Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature for consideration by our departmental admissions committee for acceptance to the specific graduate program (e.g., French, Spanish, etc.). The following items should be delivered to the Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature, CU 232, Boca Raton campus, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. For more information on specific programs, visit our website's individual program pages.

      1. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from university professors who can attest to your academic ability and potential for graduate study.

      2. A "statement of purpose," which is a brief essay (220-440 words) that outlines your interest and goals in pursuing graduate study. This should be written in English.

      3. A "writing sample," preferably a scholarly paper written during your undergraduate career. If you are planning to study in one of the languages, it is recommended that the sample be written in that language.

      4. A "video clip" that demonstrates your skills in both English and language of intended study. For more information on this component, visit /artsandletters/areas-of-study/documents/video.pdf.

      5. A copy of the graduate application and a copy of your transcript. (Remember, you must submit these items to Graduate Admissions too.)

      6. Contact information (phone number and email) so that the Director of Graduate Studies can reach you in a timely manner.

 

There are a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships available for full-time students. These awards provide an annual stipend and tuition remission in exchange for teaching or assisting in the department. If you are interested in applying for this financial support, please be sure to indicate this on your application and in your statement of purpose.

 The Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature has a policy of "rolling admissions," which means we accept students for Fall, Summer and Spring enrollments. It is recommended, however, that students interest in full-time study and teaching assistantships apply as early as possible. The teaching assistantships are competitive, and a student stands a better chance of receiving one when applying early.

 It is recommended that international students begin this process as early as possible. In most cases, international students must obtain a student visa, which requires additional paperwork. More information for international students is available at /graduate/about/.

Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes

1. Develop advanced proficiency in Spanish language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
2. Gain deep understanding of the cultures, histories, and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world.
3. Build intercultural competence and the ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse communities.
4. Prepare for careers or further study in education, translation, international relations, business, and more.

1. Communicate effectively in Spanish in academic, professional, and social contexts.
2. Analyze and interpret texts and media from Spanish-speaking cultures.
3. Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in interactions across communities.
4. Apply critical thinking and research skills to issues relevant to the Spanish-speaking world.
5. Collaborate with peers and faculty on projects that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
Dr. Maria Aguilar Dornelles

María Alejandra Aguilar Dornelles, Ph.D, Prof.

Associate Professor | Director of the Americas Initiative

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | CU 286

Portrait of Mauricio Almonte

Mauricio J. Almonte, C.Phil., M.A.

Senior Instructor of Spanish | University Instructor

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building 97 271

arboleda

Leslie Arboleda, M.A.

Senior Instructor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building 97 274

conrod

Dr. Frédéric Conrod, Ph.D

Professor | CLL Committee

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus

dugand

Ana M. Suárez Dugand, M.A.

Instructor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building - 97 Room 241

Portrait of Dr. Yolanda Gamboa

Yolanda Gamboa, Ph.D.

Affiliate Faculty, Jewish Studies | Professor, Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature | Professor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Jewish Studies | Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus

Gosser-Esquilín

Mary Ann Gosser-Esquilín, Ph.D

Professor of Spanish and Caribbean Literature

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

French

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Boca Raton Campus

Portrait of Lina Henao

Lina Henao, M.A.

Senior Instructor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building - 97 Room 275

Michael J. Horswell

Michael J. Horswell, Ph.D.

Professor | Dean

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus

Julissa Mansilla-Bjalme, Ph.D.

Senior Instructor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

location_on

Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building - 97 239

Portrait of Dr. Martha Mendoza

Martha Mendoza, Ph.D

Professor

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Portrait of Ramona Rendón

Ramona Rendon, M.A.

University Instructor of Spanish

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

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Boca Raton Campus | CU 277

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Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

The College of Arts & Letters offers degree programs and certificates in the performing arts, fine arts, languages and social sciences.