The Spanish program at Illinois State University takes pride in offering small classes where students receive individualized attention and training in all aspects of language proficiency. Just as important, our undergraduates develop critical thinking skills and appreciation for diversity as they take courses in Hispanic cultures and literatures, as well as Spanish linguistics.
Our slate of offerings includes a sturdy base of fundamentals, on which students build their own program from a selection of electives of most interest to them. We also provide community-based service learning experiences and opportunities to participate in award-winning student organizations like our Spanish Club and Sigma Delta Pi, Illinois State's chapter of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.
Finally, our flexible study-abroad programs in Latin America and Spain—students can participate for as little as a week over spring break or for a full year—supply great opportunities for language development, cultural immersion, broadening perspectives, and friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime.
Everyone is speaking Spanish, across the country and around the world. Hispanics are already 17 percent of the U.S. population, and that's projected to grow to nearly 30 percent by 2060. Not only is Spanish the second most widely spoken native language in the world after Chinese, it is the third most commonly used language online.
A major in Spanish develops valuable skills, such as analytical reasoning, organized communication, and problem solving. These proficiencies position graduates to compete in an array of careers. Employers in all fields recognize that the experience, discipline, and motivation acquired through language study, along with the ability to work individually and in teams, are signs of future success. In fact, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2014 that the best-paid liberal arts majors are graduates in foreign languages and literature with an average starting salary of $46,900.
Speaking, listening to, reading, and writing Spanish is simply enjoyable. It enriches our lives by giving us the gift of exchanging informed ideas about books, movies, customs, and so much more, while connecting us with people everywhere.
Approximately 100,000 people in this country work in the field of foreign language teaching. Over two-thirds teach in Jr. & Sr. High Schools, and the rest in colleges and universities, elementary schools and commercial and government- operated language schools with the greatest number teaching Spanish. In addition, a substantial number teach English to those who speak other languages as their native tongue. The teaching of English to speakers of other languages also offers expanding opportunities for employment abroad in government, academic & volunteer programs.
Name | Office | Phone | |
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Megan Ruffin | 223 Bone Student Center | mhruffi@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Name | Office | Phone | |
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Roger Thomas | 233E Stevenson Hall | rkthoma@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7982 |
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
2.00
2.96 - 3.67
None
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
Name | Office | Phone | |
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Laura Edwards | Stevenson Hall 231B | lcedwar@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3279 |
2.00
2.96 - 3.67
Applications are always accepted.
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Laura Edwards | Stevenson Hall 231B | lcedwar@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3279 |