The undergraduate program in Hispanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh is designed to be flexible and diverse in order to meet the needs of students with varying interests and career goals. The major offers a balanced combination of courses designed to strengthen oral and written Spanish language skills and courses that introduce students to the study of Spanish and Latin American literatures and cultures. Majors also have the opportunity to enroll in the minor in Portuguese Language and Luso-Brazilian Culture, thereby opening channels of communication with millions of people around the world, including Brazil, Latin America’s largest and most heavily populated country. Students with an interest in Latin American languages and cultures can chose to minor in Spanish. In all cases, we encourage students to include at least one semester of study abroad in a Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking country. Students interested in going to graduate school should consider the honors major; those who want to teach Spanish can obtain a teacher certification through the School of Education. The department offers courses taught in English for non-majors interested in Hispanic, Latin American, Luso-Brazilian, or U.S. Latino cultures. Finally, students can take advantage of the non-curricular activities organized by the department, which include conversation clubs and films series.
Speak to an advisor to learn more about academic requirements, research opportunities, career paths, studying abroad, and more.
The undergraduate program in Hispanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh is designed to be flexible and diverse in order to meet the needs of our students. Learn more about our Spanish major, Spanish minor, and Hispanic Language and Culture minor.
Studying Portuguese is becoming increasingly important in the international community. Learn more about how students can obtain a 15-credit Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian Culture minor to complement their undergraduate Spanish major.
HLL's course offerings prioritize access to required courses, with the flexibility and diversity to help our students maximize their academic experience.
Students interested in graduate work often pursue the Honors major and have the option to spend at least one semester studying abroad.
To decide your language placement at Pitt, please read and follow our Language Placement Guidelines for Portuguese and Spanish.
The Department of Hispanic Languages & Literatures strongly encourages its students to join us in one of our life-changing study abroad experiences!
From Brazilian dancing to Bate Papo, the Department's Portuguese club, student opportunities to join and participate in HLL clubs and activities are plentiful.
Students studying for a language major and minor can immerse themselves in intellectual debate in a formal academic setting at HLL's Undergrad Research Symposium.
Spanish majors interested in a rewarding career as a teacher have the opportunity to apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in World and Heritage Language Education.