Bakersfield College offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Spanish. This program
is designed to provide students with a foundation in the Spanish language, as well
as an understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The program includes
courses in grammar, composition, conversation, literature, and culture. Students will
also have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities that will enhance
their language skills and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. This degree
prepares students for further study in Spanish or for entry-level careers that require
proficiency in the language.
What is Spanish?
Spanish is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula and is now
spoken as a first language by over 460 million people worldwide. It is the official
language of Spain, most Latin American countries, Equatorial Guinea, and the Philippines.
Spanish is known for its musicality, and it has contributed significantly to the fields
of literature, art, and culture. It uses the Latin alphabet and is written from left
to right. Spanish has many dialects, which can vary significantly in vocabulary, pronunciation,
and grammar, but the standard form of Spanish is based on the dialect spoken in the
region around Madrid, known as Castilian Spanish.
Is Studying Spanish Right for Me?
An Associate of Arts degree in Spanish can benefit a wide range of individuals who
have an interest in the Spanish language and culture. For instance, individuals who
are planning to pursue a career in fields such as international business, healthcare,
education, social work, or law enforcement may benefit from this degree as it can
enhance their communication skills and cultural competence in Spanish-speaking contexts.
Additionally, individuals who plan to travel, study abroad, or engage in cross-cultural
experiences may find the degree useful in developing their language proficiency and
understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Overall, anyone who wants to improve
their Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge can benefit from an Associate
of Arts degree in Spanish.
There are several key traits and skills that can make someone a good fit for studying
Spanish, including:
An interest in language learning and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Strong communication skills
Good memory and attention to detail
Curiosity and open-mindedness
Dedication and persistence
Creativity and flexibility
Patience and empathy
Overall, a combination of linguistic, cognitive, and socio-cultural skills and traits
can make someone a successful Spanish learner and a culturally competent global citizen.
The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer degree provides a linguistic study of
the language and an in-depth look into the culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish Tracks
Students should register in the Spanish course according to the following scenarios:
Spanish B1
The student has never taken Spanish before.
The student has taken two years of high school Spanish.
Spanish is not spoken at home.
Spanish B2
The student successfully completed Spanish B1 at Bakersfield College and received
a grade of 'C' or better.
The student successfully completed the first semester of Spanish at a college or university.
The student has taken at least four years of high school Spanish and passed with a
grade of 'C' or better.
Spanish B3
The student successfully completed Spanish B2 at Bakersfield College and received
a grade of 'C' or better.
The student has taken four years of high school Spanish and passed with a grade of
'C' or Better.
The student has successfully completed one year of Spanish at a college or university.
Spanish B4
The student successfully completed Spanish B3 at Bakersfield College and received
a grade of 'C' or better.
The student has taken three semesters of Spanish at a college or university.
The student took the A.P. Spanish Language Exam and received a score of 3, 4 or 5.
The student lived in a Spanish speaking country and studied at a high school level
in that country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test out of a lower level Spanish class or classes?
The students who feel they don't need to take Spanish B1 and B2 but want the units
for those courses are encouraged to take the CLEP test in the Assessment Office at
Bakersfield College.
How does the CLEP test show on the student's transcripts?
CLEP looks like an additional transcript for the student. It lists the subjects/courses
on the transcript and how many units the student will receive for the specific CLEP
test the student took.
Please note, when transferring to colleges/universities, they may not grant the same
credits that BC granted for the CLEP.
When can I take the CLEP test?
CLEP exams are given on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. It is recommended
that you register one week in advance. Seating is limited.
The CLEP exams are 1½ hour and by appointment only.
Cost for the CLEP: Fees for each exam:
$25.00 payable to Bakersfield College at the time of registration by check or money order.
$85.00 payable to CLEP the day of the exam by check, money order or credit card
CLEP set a fee of $10.00 to cover the processing and handling of the optional essays
for: Freshman College Composition, English Literature, Analyzing and Interpreting
Literature, and American Literature. This fee must be paid in advance.
Additional Requirement
The unit total for the required Spanish Language ADT portion of the degree is 16 units.
An additional 3 unit course must be taken from the following courses:
Course #
Course Name
Units
ENGL B24
Latino/a Literature
3.0
HIST B30A
Early Chicano History
3.0
HIST B30B
History of Chicanos in the Southwest
3.0
HIST B33
Latin American History
3.0
SOCI B36
Sociology of the Chicano
3.0
SOCI B45
Minority Relations
3.0
The Department of Foreign Languages now offers tracks for heritage speakers. The following
guidelines should help students to be placed in the right course. These guidelines
will allow students to take the course that best suit them.
Spanish B35 (4 units)
Spanish is the language predominantly spoken at home.
The student understands spoken Spanish.
The student speaks Spanish most of the time or sometimes. Sometimes Spanish and English
are blended.
The student can read enough in Spanish to get the main ideas and meaning in the reading.
The student needs to learn grammar and spelling and develop vocabulary.
The student attended some years of elementary or secondary education in a Spanish
speaking country.
The student has the consent of the instructor or counselor.
Spanish B36 (4 units)
The student has taken Spanish B35 and received a grade of 'C' or better.
The student passed an exam containing the material covered in Spanish B35, or took
Spanish B1 and B2 and passed with a grade of 'C' or better.
The student has the consent of the instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test out of a lower level Spanish class or classes?
Students who feel they don't need to take Spanish B1 and B2 but want the units for
those courses are encouraged to take the CLEP test in the Assessment Office at Bakersfield
College. Students can take the CLEP and receive 8 credits of Spanish that will cover
SpanB1 and Span B2. HOWEVER, the CLEP must be taken and passed before completion of any higher level course to
receive credit.
How does the CLEP test show in the student's records?
CLEP looks like an additional transcript for the student. It lists the subjects/courses
on the transcript and how many units the student will receive for the specific CLEP
test the student took.
Please note, when transferring to colleges/universities, they may not grant the same credits
that BC granted for the CLEP.
When can I take the CLEP test?
CLEP exams are given on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. It is recommended
that you register one week in advance. Seating is limited.
The CLEP exams are 1½ hour and by appointment only.
Cost for the CLEP: Fees for each exam:
$25.00 payable to Bakersfield College at the time of registration by check or money
order.
$85.00 payable to CLEP the day of the exam by check, money order or credit card
A fee of $10.00 has been set by CLEP to cover the processing and handling of the optional
essays for: Freshman College Composition, English Literature, Analyzing and Interpreting
Literature, and American Literature. This fee must be paid in advance.
Spanish Associate of Arts for Transfer (AAT) - Heritage Speaker Track
Placement: Spanish for Heritage Speakers Span35
Students can take the CLEP and receive 8 credits of Spanish that will cover Span B1
and SpanB2. HOWEVER, the CLEP must be taken and passed before completion of any higher level course to
receive credit.
Suggested PATH
Take and Pass the CLEP test for Spanish before taking a higher level Spanish course.
Enroll in Spanish for Heritage Speakers B35 and pass with a C or better.
Enroll in Spanish for Heritage Speakers B36 and pass with a C or better.
Additional Requirement
The unit total for the required Spanish Language ADT portion of the degree is 16 units.
An additional 3 unit course must be taken from the following courses:
Course #
Course Name
Units
ENGL B24
Latino/a Literature
3.0
HIST B30A
Early Chicano History
3.0
HIST B30B
History of Chicanos in the Southwest
3.0
HIST B33
Latin American History
3.0
SOCI B36
Sociology of the Chicano
3.0
SOCI B45
Minority Relations
3.0
Paying For Education
You CAN Afford BC
Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs
like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options
to help you reach your educational and career goals.
An Associate in Arts in Spanish can open a variety of career paths in which Spanish
language skills and cultural knowledge are valued. Some examples of careers that may
be available to graduates with an associate degree in Spanish include:
Bilingual customer service representative
Interpreter or translator
Language teacher or tutor
International business or trade specialist
Cultural ambassador or program coordinator
Social worker or community outreach coordinator
Healthcare professional, such as a nurse or medical assistant
Law enforcement officer or legal assistant
Travel or tourism industry professional
Freelance writer or journalist.
In addition, an Associate of Arts degree in Spanish can serve as a foundation for
further studies in Spanish or related fields, such as literature, linguistics, cultural
studies, or education, which can lead to more advanced career opportunities in academia,
research, or specialized fields. Overall, the skills and knowledge gained through
an associate degree in Spanish can be valuable in a variety of industries and contexts,
where intercultural communication and global awareness are essential.
Transfer Pathways
Graduates with an Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer from Bakersfield College
may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. Students
with an Associate in Arts for Transfer degree “are guaranteed admission with junior
standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to
their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community major”
(Bakersfield College Catalog, Educational Options). See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.
Take the right classes to meet your education and career goals. Create your Comprehensive
Student Education Plan (CSEP) with your Counselor or Ed. Advisor. Call (661) 395-4421.
What is Spanish?
Spanish Careers