Spanish Minor: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Minor Requirements: View Requirements

Department: World Languages and Literatures

In our Spanish minor, students develop language proficiency and critical thinking skills that are indispensable for a variety of career paths: linguistic proficiency to communicate effectively in informal and formal situations in a global environment, cultural awareness and intercultural competence, and appreciation of diversity both in the context of their home culture and globally. Our Spanish minors frequently do majors in Biology, Communications Studies, Criminal Justice, International Business, and Psychology. Additionally, the Spanish program and the World Languages and Literatures Department offer many international cultural experiences on campus and in the community throughout the school year that immerse students in the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.

Program Contacts

Dr. Caryn Connelly
Department Chair
connellyc1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Kevin Díaz-Ortega

Graduating Year: Sophomore (current student)

Education: Double Major in Global Supply Chain Management & International Business with Minors in Spanish and Business

"I chose to minor in Spanish because I want to fully understand my first language and know everything I can about my culture. I love learning new words and certain patterns of speaking because when I go back home it's easiest to keep everything in Spanish instead of speaking Spanglish with my parents who are from Cuba (dad) and Peru (mom). I think that it is very important to understand another cultures and languages for many reasons. The main reason would be that we all want peace and to help one another when needed. "

View All Stories

Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Study Abroad: Our Spanish majors and minors benefit from the partnerships that NKU has with the Universidad de León in Spain and the Universidad de San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, as well as NKU’s participation in KIIS (Kentucky Institute for International Study), a non-profit faculty-led study abroad consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. We offer funding for study abroad through the Foreign Language Award for International Study (FLAIS). Since it was established in 2005, FLAIS has awarded nearly $40,000 to over 100 language majors and minors to support study abroad experiences. FLAIS is entirely funded by donations from faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

Internships & Career Explorations: Our Spanish majors and minors regularly do internships or volunteer with local non-profit agencies including the Esperanza Latino Center, Su Casa, Santa Maria Community Services, the Read Ready Covington Program, and the Brighton Center. They gain practical skills and knowledge in our professions-oriented classes that include Introduction to Translation, Business Spanish, Legal Spanish and Medical Spanish. We also invite our alumni and working professionals in various careers to speak with current students about job opportunities for language majors.

Career Opportunities: Our students go on to careers in the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area as Spanish teachers in local public and private schools, as nurses or medical support staff in local hospitals and medical offices, as translators and interpreters in medical or legal settings, as legal staff in law firms, and as staff in non-profit agencies. Specific employers include: Affordable Language Services, American Red Cross Kentucky Region, Hamilton County Job and Family Services, McKinney and Namei, LPA, Santa Maria Community Services, and Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.