The TTU Spanish Program

The CMLL Spanish Program is ranked among the top U.S. programs by the National Research Council. In addition to great lower-level classes where students learn through a communication-based curriculum, we offer advanced language courses in conversation, composition and grammar. Other upper-level offerings include courses in business Spanish, theater, literature, and the cultures of Spain, Spanish America and the American Southwest, and Hispanic minorities in the United States. To complement their studies at the main campus in Lubbock, students are encouraged to study abroad in programs in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and Seville, Spain.

Why Study Spanish?

Many students study Spanish because they like the language and culture and would like to teach it, but there are many other very practical reasons for continuing what was begun in high school. There are numerous important personal and career enhancements (see our Career Opportunities page) that come with learning Spanish.

In these post-NAFTA days of international trade, a major or minor in Spanish definitely enhances the résumé‚ and can give the graduate a competitive edge when seeking employment. Because of the large number of Spanish speakers in Texas, the same is true for those students who plan to practice medicine or law or any profession where contact with the public is important.

Our graduates have gone on to become university professors, teachers, doctors, dentists, lawyers, social workers, missionaries, journalists, translators, entrepreneurs and marketers.

Undergraduate Spanish Major

The Spanish major consists of 30 hours of course work at the 2000 level and above with a minimum of 12 hours at the senior level. The department offers a free Placement Exam through which students may earn up to 16 hours of credit (first and second year courses). Courses are offered in language, culture, and literature. At least 9 upper level hours must be taken at TTU; 6 hours of advanced courses must be writing intensive. Each major is tailored to the student's individual needs

Undergraduate Spanish Minor

A Spanish minor consists of a minimum of 18 hours (20 hours if a student begins at Spanish 1502 or 1507). It includes 15 hours at the 2000 level and above, and requires at least 3 hours at the 4000 level. At least 3 upper level hours must be taken through TTU.

Students may also minor in Portuguese or in Latin American and Iberian Studies (LAIS), an interdisciplinary program which allows study of various aspects of Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries.

Dual BA/MA Program

Beginning fall 2004, selected students can get both a BA and an MA in Spanish in 5 years by "double-applying" 9 hours of upper-level course work to both degrees. The 5th year is normally funded; students participate in teaching beginning Spanish and are paid as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Part-Time Instructor. Some summer school required. Applications are competitive.

Sevilla, Spain Semester and Summer Program

Sevilla is a vibrant, dynamic city located in the province of Andalucía in southern Spain, and TTU offers a fantastic study abroad program there. There are a myriad of things to see and do. The campus is located in the downtown area close to where the students are housed with host families. The location of Sevilla provides convenient access for our numerous excursions including Granada, Córdoba, Madrid, Toledo and is within one hour of the beaches of Costa del Sol. Students may study during the fall and spring semester taking up to 15 hours of Spanish, or study during the summer to earn 6 hours of credit. See the CMLL Advising Center or the Program Director, Dr. Lorum Stratton, for additional details.

Sigma Delta Pi

The Alpha Phi Chapter of the national Spanish honorary society is open to advanced students of Spanish with outstanding academic records. The society sponsors cultural activities and a weekly "tertulia" where all Spanish students may gather to socialize and practice their Spanish.

Teatro Universitario en Español

Undergraduate and graduate students can participate in Teatro Universitario en Español every spring semester.

Master and Ph.D. Degrees in Spanish

The graduate program in Spanish offers the degrees of Master's in Romance Languages—Spanish, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish. More information on this dynamic graduate program can be found on the Graduate Program page.

Mexico Field Course

Since 1935, Texas Tech has operated a summer program in Mexico. Tech students, accompanied by our faculty, spend five weeks in the city of San Luis Potosí, taking classes and living with approved families. In addition, the program includes excursions to Guanajuato, San Miguel Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City, where the students visit the National Museums of History and Anthropology and the pyramids of Teotihuacán. See the CMLL Advising Center, or the Program Director, Dr. Steve Corbett for additional information.

Scholarships for Spanish Majors

CMLL offers scholarships for students in Spanish as well as for study abroad in Mexico. Deadline for applications is February 1st. Scholarships are competitive..

Options for Distance BGS Students

CMLL offers two courses for students pursuing the at-a-distance Bachelor of General Studies Degree ("xBGS"):

• Spanish 1607:270 provides a comprehensive first year course
• Spanish 2607:271 is the followup comprehensive second year course

The courses are available completely at-a-distance for xBGS students, do not require any residency and will satisfy the foreign language requirement of the degree. Students participate in the courses through the online virtual learning environment, WebCT.

Major examinations (mid-term and final) must be taken at an authorized testing center. The student must make arrangements well in advance with the center of their choice in their area. In Lubbock, the authorized center is the Language Learning Laboratory & Resource Center on the main academic campus. Other authorized centers include Kaplan Testing Centers, testing centers in recognized institutions of higher learning, and similar academic or professional entities. (Any third-party costs for these services are the responsibility of the student.) There are no additional costs for students who take their exams in the Language Laboratory on the main Lubbock campus. For more information about the above courses, please contact the CMLL Advising Center, indicated below.

Undergraduate Advising

For more information on advising or to visit with the undergraduate Spanish Advisor, please contact Liz Hildebrand, Senior Advisor, FL 200B, 806.742.4055, e-mail: liz.hildebrand@ttu.edu.