Hispanic Studies

Enhance your study of Spanish language with a deeper look at the cultures, traditions, and issues that face a rapidly-growing Hispanic community. RMC’s Hispanic studies program pairs a hands-on, conversational approach to teaching Spanish language with cultural courses that explore the language’s influence in and beyond the borders of Spain and Latin America. Whether you’re mastering Spanish (also offered as a minor) to use in your future career, or celebrating your heritage, you’ll use your skills locally and abroad, and graduate with the depth and breadth necessary for second language proficiency and deep cultural understanding.

RMC’s Hispanic Studies program is a recent modification to the curriculum, replacing the Spanish major previously offered.

HISPANIC STUDIES up close In and Beyond the Classroom

Peyton Steele '24 in front of a cathedral during her semester abroad in Alicante, Spain

Global Education

The cultural understanding that comes from an experience abroad—whether traveling as a class or studying at another institution in a Spanish speaking country—can be transformative. Though not required, it’s a valued part of studying Spanish for many Hispanic Studies majors and Spanish minors. Faculty-led trips like HISP 372 The Two Spains and HISP 253 Spain as Cultural Crossroads are available for January term. And if you’re eager for a longer experience like a semester or summer abroad, consider gaining language proficiency like Peyton Steele ’24 did in vetted programs in locations like Alicante, San Sebastian, and Madrid, Spain; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Costa Rica.

Study Abroad

high-Impact Internships

At Randolph-Macon, Hispanic Studies majors use their language skills to make a difference in the community long before graduation. Ella Swager ’25 recently spent a semester at the Latin American News Digest, summarizing articles from Latin American media for the English-speaking publication which aims to expand the reach of the region’s news coverage and analysis. Other interns have been placed in a wide variety of fields that require Spanish skills and/or a knowledge perspective on Hispanic issues, including:

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Crossover Health Ministries
Hanover County Department of Health
Benedictine School
Fruitland Police Department

internships at rmc

certified biliteracy

Since 2020, the RMC Spanish program has awarded nearly 40 students the Global Seal of Biliteracy™, a credential that celebrates strong language skills and expands future career opportunities for Spanish majors. The Global Seal of Biliteracy enables recipients to showcase their language skills to any school or employer, across state lines and national borders, with a unique, serial-numbered certification earned based on high uniform language standards.

advising and mentorship

Our Hispanic Studies/Spanish faculty’s approach is designed to increase your understanding of realities other than your own in a fun and supportive learning environment. Hispanic studies majors are matched one-on-one with a faculty advisor, who supports them in class and more broadly as they connect their learning to their future career.

Hispanic Studies/spanish faculty

42 million

Spanish speakers live in North America
2nd

most spoken language in the world is Spanish
20

countries designate Spanish as the official language

A graduate in cap and gown stands with a man outdoors, celebrating her achievements in Hispanic Literature. She holds a decorated mortarboard adorned with flowers and butterflies, symbolizing the vibrant beauty of Hispanic culture.

HISPANIC STUDIES in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss

(A very small sample)

Examine the increasing influence of Hispanic language and culture in commercial markets, political life, and the labor market in the U.S., home to more Spanish speakers than Colombia, Spain or Argentina. Study the fundamental ideologies that promote these changes, including the impact of immigration, heritage identities, bilingual education, and movements such as Latinx. Learn about the demand for cultural and linguistic equity in the North American job market, and the need for, and presence of, Hispanic populations in fields such as healthcare, education, hospitality, business, and public safety, among others.

This faculty-led travel course, offered in alternate years, brings students face-to-face with the challenges of moderations in Spain. With visits to historical and cultural sites, students will explore the proud history of Spain and the many ways it is promoted and protected in the country. Together, we’ll explore the clash between the progressive efforts to modernize and traditionalist efforts to maintain Spain’s unique social and cultural identity.

Hone your reading and writing skills while exploring issues of social justice facing Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. Using Spanish-language periodicals and online resources, develop vocabulary pertinent to knowledge and discussion of relevant social justice issues.

All HISPANIC STUDIES/Spanish Courses

Opportunities Worth Grabbing

Popular activities and programs among Hispanic Studies majors

A person with glasses sings passionately into a microphone outdoors, showcasing their love for Hispanic Studies while wearing a black shirt with a white graphic. Surrounding them are lush trees and a building in the background.

Hispanic Heritage Club

Spanish Conversation Table

The Spanish Conversation Table is student-run and attended. Interested students may attend and/or pursue leadership opportunities by serving as Table Leaders.

Sigma Delta Pi

Top students are inducted for membership in the Spanish Honor Society.

Spanish club

Volunteering

From Here To What you can do with a Hispanic Studies/Spanish degree from RMC

Rowan Hierholzer ’19

Campaign Execution Manager
Cengage Group

“My experience at RMC prepared me for my career journey in a number of ways. The liberal arts education I received taught me how to apply what I learned in my college studies to a role that wasn’t necessarily related to either of my major(s), and also how to succeed in a challenging master’s degree program. The research and presentations I conducted as a political science student and the people skills I learned studying abroad as a Spanish major both translated well into my current role with Cengage. The relationships I formed with my professors and peers have continued to serve me well into my post-grad years! I believe that the rigorous academic environment, combined with the close-knit community at RMC, provided me with the support needed to reach for my dream goals, and pursue paths I otherwise wouldn’t have.”

micah Granai ’20

Clinical Laboratory
Virginia Endocrinology & Osteoporosis Center

Alexandra lugo ’21

Spanish Teacher
Hermitage High School

Kirsten Whittaker ’21

Medical Assistant
Virginia Women’s Center

Buzzworthy The latest from RMC Hispanic Studies

Randolph-Macon College recruited and hired 12 talented tenure-track teacher-scholars to join the faculty at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

RMC President Robert R. Lindgren is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees recently voted to approve the tenure and promotion status of several faculty members.

Randolph-Macon College Wash Frank building framed by blooming trees

The four-week period of coursework here on campus opened new doors with an intensive focus on unique topics that are often taught only in January term.

Popular Culture class with Heather Heckel

More to explore 55+ areas of study to discover at RMC

Randolph-Macon students greet real-world clients by shaking hands over conference room table

Randolph-Macon Lab instructor works with a student in a lab

Narrow alley with a staircase painted in the colors of the spanish flag, lined with potted plants and traditional european buildings.

All areas of study

Get Ready Discover Hispanic Studies at RMC.

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Major Hispanic Studies