Mercy College

What you'll study

This degree strengthens spoken and written Spanish while providing in-depth study of Latin America through history, literature, political economy and cultural studies. Core work develops language proficiency and linguistic accuracy; area studies modules explore colonial and modern histories, social movements, urban and popular cultures, and contemporary politics.

• Advanced Spanish language – intensive courses in grammar, composition, conversation and oral presentation to bring students to advanced levels of proficiency.
• Latin American history and politics – surveys and specialised modules covering colonial legacies, independence movements, 20th-century political change, human rights and development.
• Literature and cultural studies – study of major authors, film, visual culture and popular media from across Latin America, often including postcolonial and transnational perspectives.
• Area-specific topics – options such as Indigenous movements, migration and diaspora, gender and sexuality in Latin America, and environmental politics.
• Research methods – training in archival research, critical reading and qualitative methods appropriate for humanities and social science enquiry.
• Capstone or honours project – an extended research project or thesis integrating language skills with regional analysis.
• Practical experience – opportunities for community-engaged learning, internships with local Latin American organisations, and study-abroad placements in Spanish-speaking countries.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have completed secondary education with evidence of academic achievement. Prior study of Spanish is usually recommended; applicants without Spanish can sometimes enter at a beginning level but should expect an extended language pathway. Typical requirements include:

• A completed secondary school qualification recognised by Mercy College.
• Demonstrable proficiency in English (for non-native speakers) through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.
• Evidence of previous study in modern languages or a strong statement of purpose explaining interest in language and Latin American studies, especially for applicants with little Spanish background.
• Some applicants may be asked to take a placement test in Spanish to determine starting level and appropriate course sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with advanced language skills and regional expertise valued across public, private and third-sector roles. Common career paths include:

• Education – teaching Spanish in schools or community settings, or progressing to postgraduate teacher training.
• International organisations and NGOs – roles in programme delivery, advocacy, community outreach and project coordination focused on Latin America or Spanish-speaking communities.
• Government, diplomacy and public service – policy work, consular services, and analysis related to Latin American affairs.
• Media, publishing and communications – translation, editing, journalism and cultural programming that require strong Spanish and cultural literacy.
• Business and international trade – roles in companies with Latin American markets, including marketing, customer relations and logistics.
• Further study and research – MA and PhD programmes in Hispanic studies, Latin American studies, international development and related fields.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College provides a student-centred learning environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty who work in Hispanic and Latin American fields. Its campus proximity to a diverse urban community and to New York City offers plentiful opportunities for internships, community engagement and cultural immersion with Latin American organisations and events.

The programme emphasises practical language use combined with interdisciplinary regional study, supported by language labs, conversation programmes and study-abroad partnerships that allow students to practise Spanish in-country. Faculty bring applied and research expertise, and students benefit from personalised advising to shape academic and career pathways aligned with their interests in Latin America and the Spanish language.