Through the Spanish Language and Culture undergraduate certificate program, you will develop Spanish linguistic and cultural fluency, preparing you to become an informed global citizen and adaptable professional ready to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Why Study Spanish at UWF?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, with approximately 43.4 million people aged five and older speaking it at home as of 2023—representing about 13.7% of the population. When including native speakers, heritage speakers, and second-language learners, the total number of Spanish speakers rises to an estimated 58.9 million.
In today’s globalized society, the ability to communicate across cultures and demonstrate language proficiency is a highly valuable asset. Spanish plays a central role not only in international business and the global economy but also within key sectors of the U.S. workforce, including law enforcement, the military, healthcare, and government. Moreover, Spanish-speaking cultures have had a profound influence on Western art, politics, music, philosophy, and history.
The Spanish Language and Culture undergraduate certificate is designed to strengthen your skills in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while deepening your understanding of the language’s structure and the diverse cultures it represents. Through coursework that blends linguistic proficiency with cultural literacy, you will gain a broader and more nuanced perspective of the Spanish-speaking world.
This program encourages you to critically engage with and foster a deeper understanding of the connections between American and Hispanophone cultures.
What You Will Learn
In the Spanish Language and Culture certificate program, you will develop practical language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the rich histories, traditions, and contemporary issues shaping Spanish-speaking communities both in the U.S. and around the world.
You will strengthen your Spanish proficiency through immersive courses in reading, writing, translation, and conversation, while exploring Hispanic literature, Latin American culture, and critical analysis—all taught in Spanish and designed to build both practical communication skills and cultural insight.
If you have completed Spanish I and Spanish II to fulfill the University's foreign language requirement, you only need to take one additional course from the program’s curriculum to earn this certificate.
UWF offers classes through various delivery methods, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Though UWF makes every effort to provide on-campus classes in face-to-face programs, there is a possibility that some classes will have limited availability and may be offered online only. For more information, review the modes of delivery and instructional methods.
