Languages and Cultures

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Communicate in another language and across cultures

You can choose from several different programs of study in languages, literatures and cultures: major programs in Spanish, minors in Italian, Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS), Spanish, and Spanish for Health Professions, ESL Programs and language instruction in four languages (Arabic, ASL, French, and Mandarin) all rooted in communication and the diversity of cultural contexts. Majoring in Spanish gives you the ability to communicate in another language, but also to communicate across cultures allowing you to meet the demand of today's global economy and interconnected world opening more doors to a wide range of career paths.

Majoring in Spanish can reap rewards in more intangible ways such as exposure to other cultures and disciplines, international exchange, greater understanding and empathy, and the ability to work cooperatively with diverse people. These are all key attributes that employers are increasingly looking for.

As a Spanish major you can also choose to pursue a double major that will give you excellent alternatives when deciding future careers. The BA program can easily be combined with other majors and allows you to complete two degrees in four years. The growing presence of Hispanics in the U.S. has generated a demand for professionals with linguistic and multicultural skills to serve a Spanish-speaking clientele in any field of study. 

Transfer students are welcome into this program. Learn more about transferring to Molloy, including transfer guidelines, articulation agreements and funding opportunities. 

Degree Options

  • BA in Language and Hispanic Literature & Cultures

    This degree prepares you to be a linguistically and culturally competent citizen of the world and will provide you with the essential skills needed to succeed in today's in-demand careers in any field that requires bilingual and bicultural employees.

  • Spanish Education Programs

    In partnership with the School of Education, we offer B.A. and B.S. degrees in Education that prepare you for teaching at the elementary or secondary level. The list of Education degree offerings is as follows: the Childhood Education 1-6/Early Childhood Birth-2, Childhood Education/Special Education, Five Year Combined Degree Childhood Education/Special Education, Five Year Combined Degree Childhood/TESOL, Adolescence Education, Adolescence Education/Special Education, Five Year Combined Degree Adolescence/Special Education or the Five Year Combined Degree Adolescence Education/TESOL program requirements, refer to "Spanish Education Program of Study" in the "School of Education and Human Services" section of the catalog.

  • Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Cultures Double Majors with Education Programs

    Adolescence Education programs in Spanish that may be combined with a Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Cultures—B.A. program are:

    • Adolescence Education - Spanish—B.A.
    • Adolescence Education - Spanish/Special Education—B.A.
    • Adolescence Education - Spanish/Special Education—B.A./M.S.
    • Adolescence Education - Social Studies/TESOL—B.A./M.S.

    Students doing two majors must complete all program requirements for both. For Adolescence Education Spanish majors, the Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Cultures—B.A. program of study requires:

    One SPA elective Language Elective may be used in place of SPA 4600 (Internship) under consultation with the Languages and Cultures Department chairperson.

Minors Offered

  • Italian Minor

    In today's globalized and interconnected world, being able to be competent in a foreign language and culture is a crucial asset. Graduates with foreign language skills and international understanding are better prepared to participate and succeed in the global community. Upon completing the Minor in Italian, students will have attained fluency in the language and competence in the Italian culture, as they become more globally engaged and cross-culturally aware citizens. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - Italian Minor

  • Latin American and Latino Studies Minor

    The Minor in Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) is an interdisciplinary program of study that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino cultures and societies, including history, language, economics, politics, literature, and arts. This interdisciplinary knowledge and cross-cultural skills can be applied in a wide array of fields such as community advocacy, business, education, public policy, health sciences, journalism, and the arts, among others. This minor is designed for students in any program of Major who want to complement their knowledge and skills with the study of LALS.

    The minor in Latin American and Latino Studies is a six-course minor (18 credit hours). Students have the opportunity to take courses on Latin American and Latino studies taught by faculty members from a wide range of departments at Molloy University.

    For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - Latin American and Latino Studies Minor

  • Spanish Minor

    In today's globalized and interconnected world, being able to be competent in a second language and culture is a crucial asset. Graduates with foreign language skills and international understanding are better prepared to participate and succeed in the global community. Upon completing the Minor in Spanish, students will have attained fluency in the language and competence in the Hispanic cultures, as they become more globally engaged and cross-culturally aware citizens. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - Spanish Minor

  • Spanish for the Health Professions Minor

    The minor in Spanish for Health Professions is designed specifically for healthcare students or those who aim at having a career in health-related fields. The growing presence of Hispanics in the United States has generated a demand for professionals with the linguistic skills to help a Spanish-speaking clientele. This minor is inestimably useful not only for Nursing students, but also for students in other departments, such as Allied Health, Biology, Music Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology. Students are able to complete this minor in its entirety at the Rockville Centre campus. They can also take either up to six or nine credits in Spain by enrolling in the Molloy Summer Study Abroad Program at the University of León to count towards this minor. However, students must take at last nine (9) credits at the Molloy campus for this minor (SPA 3150 and SPA 3240 among them). For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - Spanish for the Health Professions Minor 

san miguel
La Concha
Biboa Fuentes
Guggenheim

Study Abroad Programs

In addition to the numerous study abroad options open to you through Molloy global education, you will have the opportunity to travel abroad with the Department of Spanish Language & Hispanic Literatures & Cultures. The Department sponsors two Study Abroad Programs that will give you an immersive learning experience. Summer/Semester Study Abroad Program in Leon, Spain Summer/Semester Study Abroad Program in Siena, Italy

Learning Outcomes

The program in Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Cultures will provide you with the following learning outcomes:

  • Communicative competence in Spanish, proving a mastery of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Hispanic culture by identifying its diversity and contrasting it with other world cultures.
  • Interpret literary and nonliterary texts critically and analytically to discuss their linguistic, artistic, cultural and historical relevance and to support their preferences while applying the texts to their personal value system.
  • Reinforce and further your knowledge of other disciplines through the study of the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture.
  • Exhibit disposition towards becoming and engaged global citizen and life-long learner by participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world and by using your linguistic and cultural competence in your professional careers or for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
  • Achieve preparedness for graduate study, scholarly endeavors and/or pre-professional programs.

Department Chair

Dr. Enrique Martinez-Bogo

Kellenberg Hall
1000 Hempstead Ave.
Rockville Centre, New York 11570