Introduction to the Major
The Spanish and Portuguese(link is external)major is designed to gain competence in written and spoken Spanish and/or Portuguese. This is accomplished through both the formal study of the linguistic structure and social history of one or both of these languages and a critical understanding of the development and achievements of their literatures in the Old World and in the New.
The major is ideal for students seeking preparation for:
- careers in international relations, law, journalism, business, social work, K-12 teaching, medicine, public service, and the arts and humanities
- graduate study in Spanish and Portuguese Literatures and Culture
- graduate study in Hispanic Linguistics or Linguistics
Getting Started
Students pursuing the major choose a concentration based on general area of interest:
- Concentration A: The Languages, Literatures, and Cultures of the Spanish-speaking World
- Concentration B: The Languages, Literatures, and Cultures of the Portuguese-speaking World
- Concentration C: Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- Concentration D: Hispanic Languages, Linguistics, and Bilingualism
Visit the Undergraduate Advisor if you are unsure about which concentration is the right fit for you.
Amplify Your Major
- Strengthen your language skills in Spanish or Portuguese by studying abroad(link is external).
- Do a deep dive into a research topic with the Spanish & Portuguese honors program(link is external).
Jobs and Employers
- Archaeology Intern, Presidio Trust
- Clinical Research Coordinator, UCSF Medical Center
- Community Affairs, Consulate General of Mexico in SF
- Community Engagement, Immigrants Rising
- Community Manager, Localwise
- Consultant, Triage Consulting Group
- Cyber Threat Analyst, Darktrace
- Fellow-Case Management, Americorps
- Health Educator, Public Health Institute
- Human Resources Assistant, UC Berkeley
- Office Manager, Oasis Legal Services
- Recruiter, Pinpoint Partners
- Researcher, Ceres Policy Research
- Spanish Interpreter/Translator, New Haven Unified School District
- Teacher, KIPP LA Schools
Graduate Programs
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Comparative Literature
- Education
- Elementary Education
- International Relations
- Law School
- Linguistics
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Romance Language & Literature
- Secondary Education
- Social Work
- Spanish Language & Literature
- Speech Pathology
Sampled from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit spanish-portuguese.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Students can email the undergraduate advisor with any questions, and/or set up an in-person or zoom advising appointment here: spanua@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
For general information about the Spanish & Portuguese major, visit spanish-portuguese.berkeley.edu/undergraduate(link is external).
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
