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Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Department of Languages & Literatures

Spanish - Village in Spain

Programs of Study



Spanish in the World

  • Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language. It is estimated that nearly 500 million people speak Spanish as their native language.
  • Spanish is primarily spoken in Latin America, followed by the United States, and then Spain. In total, 70 countries have a measurable Spanish-speaking population.
  • Spanish is the third most commonly used language on the Internet.

Spanish in the United States

  • The United States holds the second largest population of Spanish speakers. It is projected that the U.S. will have even more Spanish-speakers than Mexico by 2050.
  • Spanish is the most popular second language of native speakers of English. This has made Spanish the most widely taught language in the United States.
  • About 52 million Americans can trace their ancestry to Spanish-speaking countries, with 40 million speaking Spanish as their native language.

Studying Language and Culture in Spanish

  • Speakers of Spanish represent a significant force of competition in areas such as international studies, communication, law, education, medicine, business and psychology. In an increasingly interconnected world, this can result in more career opportunities for Spanish-speakers.
  • Studying Spanish helps develop a critical understanding of the worldview of other cultural groups, which allows for meaningful intercultural communication, at home and abroad.
  • Knowing the Spanish language gives people access to a wealth of literature produced by world-renowned writers and thinkers.


Students of the Spanish program at the University of Denver can learn from literature specialists and experienced language teachers. In addition to becoming proficient in the language, students will develop an interdisciplinary and critical perspective of key topics in the intellectual and cultural history of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish language courses at DU focus on advancing and refining students' written and oral communication skills.

Upper-division courses are more specialized. These innovative courses discuss topics such as human rights, racial and ethnic identity, and gender and social change. Courses may be focused on literature, travel writing, film studies and creative writing, among others.

DU students can choose to focus on one or more areas of study: Latin America, Spain and Latino studies. Students can also participate in the Internship in Spanish program, as well as study abroad opportunities around the globe.

Graduates have found satisfying careers in education, public relations, social work, government service, international business, law, medicine and other fields.