FAQs:
You should see your Adviser at least once a year, preferably once a semester. Concerns can also be addressed by e-mail; however, if you have more than one question, would like to do academic planning, or discuss study abroad options, you should make an appointment. Prior to meeting with the advisor, you should review the degree requirments as well as prerequistes required for each course.
What is the difference between an additional major and a dual-degree?
Additional Major in Spanish: In addition to their first degree requirements, students are required to complete the 36 credits for the Spanish Major and the Experiential Requirement. The Additional Major in Spanish classification will be listed on the student’s transcript below the first degree sought.
Dual-Degree in Spanish: In addition to their first degree requirements, students are required to complete the 36 credits for the Spanish Major and the Experiential Requirement. Students must also complete the College of Arts & Letters requirement of 2 cognates AND complete an additional 30 credits beyond the original degree requirements (ie, if the first degree is a BA in English requiring 120 credits, the BA in Spanish will require all of the above and a minimum of 150 total credits on the student’s transcript). The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish classification will appear on the student’s transcript below the first degree sought.
What is a cognate?
All College of Arts & Letters students must complete two cognates of 12 credits each, with at least 3 credits total in the upper division. Each cognate shall be in a single discipline or thematic area. At least one of the cognates must be in a field outside the College of Arts and Letters. Cognates will be discussed and decided upon by discussion between the student and academic advisor.
What is the Experiential Component?
Students majoring in Spanish are expected to study abroad for at least eight weeks, but should a student be unable to meet that expectation, one of the following options must be pre-approved:
• Residence for at least one semester in La Casa, a center for experiential learning and cultural activities, including participation in a 1-credit culture course
• Internship for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment (see guidelines)
• Service learning for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment (see guidelines)
Any student that cannot complete the required experiential component must enroll in SPN 492 Senior Writing Project for 1 credit (must be approved at least 1 semester before registers for course).
What if I want to teach?
Students interested in teaching at the elementary or high school levels have a variety of options. If you are interested in completing teaching certification in Michigan while you are an undergraduate student you will be required to apply to the College of Education. You should contact them to find out information regarding current program requirements and deadlines. http://www.coe.msu.edu/
What if I already speak Spanish?
If you are a native speaker of Spanish or a heritage speaker you may major in Spanish. Please make an appointment with the Academic Advisor in order to discuss your course options as they differ from those stated.
What are my university requirements?
Integrative Studies/General Education Requirements:
Students are required to take 4 writing credits in WRA and 24 credits in CIS/General Education. Integrative Studies (CIS) requires:
- 8 credits: Arts and Humanities (IAH), including one "A" course (numbered 201-209) and one "B" course (numbered 211 or higher with letter (ex. 211A, etc.))
- 8 credits: Social Sciences (ISS), including one 200-level and one 300-level course
- 8 credits: Biological and Physical Sciences (ISB/ISP), including one ISB course, one ISP course, and 2 lab credits
Math requirement:
Beginning with the freshman class that matriculated Fall 1995, students, including transfers, will meet the math requirement either with a designated math placement test score or by completing MTH 103 and 114; or 106; or 110; or 112; or 116; or 120; or 124; or 132; or 152H; or 201; or by completing STT 200 or 201. (Arts and Letters majors often prefer MTH 110 or STT 200 to other courses.) Only freshmen entering MSU in 93-94 or earlier may meet the math requirement through high school courses.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
The minimum number of credits necessary for a BA in Spanish is 120. Credits from MTH 1825 and WRA 1004 do not count toward this total.