Program Objectives

The Graduate Certificate in Spanish offers proficiency in the Spanish language as well as exposure to various forms of cultural production of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. It is valuable for professionals seeking additional language training in Spanish for whom language proficiency and cultural knowledge are crucial for successful communication and cultural/diversity understanding in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.  Spanish teachers can earn PDPs through this graduate certificate.

This 15-credit hour certificate program has as its goals:

1. To raise the level of communicative competence of native and non-native speakers of Spanish;
2. To provide critical and practical skills necessary for analyzing, assessing and addressing academic and societal issues related to the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world;
3. To provide knowledge and advanced skills in Spanish language and Hispanic cultures necessary for higher-level graduate work;
4. To increase, improve and promote cultural understanding and awareness of regional, national and international Spanish-speaking communities.

Admissions Requirements

Students applying for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). If the undergraduate degree is not in Spanish, students must have completed the appropriate advanced-level conversation, composition or advanced language course, or equivalent. Equivalency is determined in consultation with the faculty advisor, or through an oral and written exam.

Applicants who want to be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish for the Professions must submit to the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education:

1. An application for admissions;
2. Undergraduate transcripts;
3. Two letters of recommendation describing the individual’s potential to complete the

Program Requirements

The graduate certificate in Spanish requires 15 credit hours at the graduate level, some of which may be applicable to other graduate programs at Westfield State University.  With the exception of LSPA 0516: Intensive Spanish Conversation, all other courses will be offered online. 

Students must complete the five courses (15 credit hours) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to earn the certificate.  A student who receives a grade of F or two grades below B- may be barred from further enrollment in graduate courses.

Students must complete the Graduate Certificate Program within six years; certificate students may move toward completion at their own pace within this time period.  In order to remain a certificate student, the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.

It is strongly recommended that students consult with the advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish.