Spanish for Non-Heritage Speakers: AA Degree

The purpose of this program is for students to learn Spanish as a first or second language so they can communicate successfully with the Spanish-speaking world, and understand and appreciate the Hispanic cultures. The student is highly encouraged to meet with a full-time member of the Spanish Department to determine the appropriate emphasis for this degree.

Career Opportunities

Bilingual: Teacher, Professor, Transcriber, Sales Representative, Customer Service Representative, Online Web Publisher, Medical/Health Worker, Realtor, IRS/Franchise Tax Board, Social Services-Caseworker, Community Outreach Services, Human Resource Specialist. In Business: International Relations Consultant, International Business Personnel, Foreign Exchange Trader, Publishing Specialist, Foreign Correspondent, Foreign Publications/Textbook Editor, Research Assistant, Importer/Exporter, Translator/Interpreter, International Account Manager, International Banking Officer, Airlines Personnel, Public Relations. In Culture/Tourism: Cultural Events Coordinator, Travel Agent, Translator/Interpreter, Guide. In Government: National Security Agent, Immigration Officer, Court Interpreter, UNESCO Official, Peace Corps, Translator/Interpreter, FBI Agent, Foreign Diplomat Missionary, Foreign Service Officer.

Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Communicate orally and in writing in Spanish in real life situations.
  2. Read and comprehend Spanish at levels commensurate with those of students seeking a degree in Spanish
  3. Understand the Hispanic cultures, through the study of their history, literature, arts, contributions of prominent figures, and foreign travel.

Degree Requirements 
Required Core Courses (20-21 units)
SPAN-120Elementary Spanish I5-6
or SPAN-110
SPAN-111
Elementary Spanish I (Part A)
and Elementary Spanish I (Part B)
SPAN-121Elementary Spanish II5
SPAN-240Intermediate Spanish I5
SPAN-241Intermediate Spanish II5
Required Electives (3 units)
Complete 1 course from the following:3-5
First Semester Spoken Spanish
Second Semester Spoken Spanish
Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Occupational Spanish
First Semester American Sign Language
Second-Semester American Sign Language
First Semester French
Second Semester French
First Semester Italian
Second Semester Italian
Elementary Japanese I
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Mesoamerican Archaeology
Linguistic Anthropology
Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking About Literature
History of Modern Latin America
Total Units23-26

To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.