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Overview
Spanish AA degree available fully online!
In today’s growing global economy and in the interconnected world community, language skills are in more demand than ever. A second language can open many doors in both your personal and professional life. Whether you’re seeking employment in a specific field such as government, international business, healthcare, law enforcement, or interpreting, or simply looking to make more personal connections with family and friends, the acquisition of a second language can be a great benefit. The Associate of Arts degree in Spanish at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) will help you accomplish your goals and can set you on the path to a bilingual and bicultural education.
Students in this program will complete the general education requirements of all Idaho public universities and begin specialization in the Spanish language and culture. The program is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree in Spanish. Students will have a strong foundation in basic language skills and be prepared to transfer to another institution with the goal of achieving a bachelor’s degree.
Mission
Our mission is to provide students with a multi-cultural language learning experience that will broaden their perception of the world and their place in it. We believe the study of Spanish provides skills for communicating and connecting in today’s global community, deepens cultural awareness and empathy, and inspires lifelong learning essential to personal and professional success.
Why This Program
The Spanish program is designed to help students to communicate in a second language in meaningful real world contexts. It offers a chance to develop cultural awareness and to connect with other disciplines through the second language. Students will have the opportunity to apply language skills and to continue developing these skills for personal enrichment.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Develop language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and be able to communicate effectively at the intermediate level
- Explain their own cultural perspective and make meaningful comparisons between it and other cultural perspectives
- Conduct research in the target language at the intermediate level
- Use critical thinking skills to compare the similarities and differences between the languages and cultures
Additional Opportunities
Semana Cultural
Each year in early October, College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Semana Cultural. As part of the National Hispanic Heritage month, Semana Cultural showcases the diversity of Latin American countries that are represented here in Idaho and recognizes the contributions made by Latinos in America. The activities at CWI highlight and celebrate the history, heritage, and culture through a series of on-campus events.
Activities include debates, speakers, documentaries, and educational opportunities for the community and students at the CWI Nampa Campus Academic Building. CWI kicks off the weeklong celebration with the Fiesta Cultural, which offers the community a chance to experience, engage, learn, and have fun attending a multi-cultural event. Numerous cultures are represented in music, dancing, games, art, food, and demonstrations.
Capstone and Connections Project
Graduates of CWI’s Spanish Program finish their degree with the Capstone Course. In this course, they select and explore an issue relevant for them and the Spanish-speaking community. In the past, students have worked in the community in the areas of education, law, and medicine. By researching, creating a community service project, and writing a paper based on their experience, students gain knowledge and a foundation for advancing their education and professional development. They then share their final work through a presentation at CWI’s Connections Project each spring.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Spanish - Associates of Arts Degree
2
YEARSAA
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The Admission Deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full Academic Calendar for more information.
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWI 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
2+2 with BSU
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Teachers
- Professors
- Medical/Court Interpreters
- International Business Professionals
- International Relations
- Ambassadors
- Military
- Translators
By pursuing advanced degrees, Spanish majors may enter a variety of professional fields. In many of these career paths, such as teaching and interpreting, Spanish will be the main focus. In other fields Spanish can supplement additional skills supporting careers in international business, international relations, or work with the federal government.
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Each year, students in Janel Holt's Elementary Spanish class celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or known as Day of the Dead.

Students look at how another country approaches death and the loss of loved ones by participating in Dia de los Muertos activities.

Amy Vassar has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for August 2018.
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