Spanish (AA)
Program Overview:
Get the Competitive Edge in Life and Any Career
Help physicians find a cure for their patients by accurately transcribing and translating medical office visit notes. Plan trips around the United States as a bilingual travel agent. As a legal assistant, translate government documents for your client to understand when to show up at a hearing. Help your family get to the hotel while traveling in Mexico. Create a business deal with clients in Panama to export their coffee beans for your coffee shop.
Today, being able to write and speak Spanish has never been more valuable in business, education, and everyday communication. Spanish is the world’s second in terms of native speakers, and nearly 30% of households in California speak Spanish. And, learning another language improves your memory and your attention span, as well as helps you think more logically.
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the Spanish language and culture, and open the door to communicating with the Spanish-speaking world.
Careers in Spanish
The ability to write and speak Spanish will put you far ahead in today’s job market. The number of native Spanish-speakers in the United States continues to grow, especially in California, so being able to communicate with all clients, coworkers, students, and fellow Angelenos is essential.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a background in Spanish:
Career information below taken from bls.gov February 2020. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips in both English and Spanish.
Data for all travel agents in Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $47,260/year | $22.72/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 10% increase (much faster than average) | 4,660 |
Listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make to convert them to written reports.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary nondegree award | $34,050/year | $16.37/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 2,260 |
Perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including investigating and gathering the facts of a case.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $50,520/year | $24.29/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 15,960 |
Interpret oral or sign language or translate written text from one language into another.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $54,850 /year | $26.37/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 2,980 |
Provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $39,440/year | $18.96/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 7% increase (faster than average) | 19,070 |
Teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Data for all high school teachers in Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $83,610/year | N/A |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 5% increase (as fast as average) | 41,490 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Spanish
You can get Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degrees through LASC’s Spanish program where you will build your Spanish vocabulary and reading comprehension skills and learn how to converse with increased proficiency to launch your career.
- Master the fundamentals of pronunciation and structure of the Spanish language. You’ll be able to understand, speak, read, and write simple Spanish using basic vocabulary and be introduced to Hispanic culture through simple readings and visual aids to help you communicate clearly.
- Learn a new culture and understand how to interact and communicate with the diverse population in your community. You’ll become more aware and knowledgeable of diversity and be more sensitive to the differences in your community to prepare you for any job.
- Continue to build your knowledge of Spanish grammar with an emphasis on idiomatic usage. You’ll develop a stronger understanding of the Hispanic culture by reading short stories by well-known writers from both Spain and Latin America.
- Study literature, customs, geography, and the history of Spanish-speaking areas to learn how to hold discussions in Spanish and give interpretations of stories, explain their symbolism, and defend your view.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? Check out our Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degree in Spanish and save money on your first two years of college learning from fluent, professional faculty. You can graduate with guaranteed admission into a CSU, and some UCs! See your academic counselor for more information.
Degrees & Courses You Will Tak
Review LASC’s Associate in Arts in Spanish (AA) and Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AAT) degrees below along with our required course of study for these programs. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1105.00
Total Units Required: 60
Upon successfully completing this program, you should be able to:
- Read a short story or article in Spanish and answer questions based on the reading.
- Write an essay in Spanish of at least two pages using correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| SPANISH 1 Elementary Spanish I | 5 |
| SPANISH 2 Elementary Spanish II | 5 |
| SPANISH 3 Intermediate Spanish I | 5 |
| SPANISH 4 Intermediate Spanish II | 5 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 20 |
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU or UC, then an Associate in Arts in Spanish is for you! You can complete an Associate in Arts in for Transfer Degree (ATT) in Spanish if you are planning to transfer to a Spanish bachelor’s program, and by successfully completing this degree, you are guaranteed admission to a CSU upon completion of this program!
The Transfer Degree is designed to provide you with a Transfer Model Curriculum offers classes for students who are interested in learning Spanish for use on their jobs or for vocational purposes. Native Spanish speakers can also take courses to improve their writing, reading, and speaking abilities.
The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer Degree requirements include:
- completion of 60 CSU transferable units, including the minimum 37-39 units in the major and the completion of either IGETC or CSU GE;
- a minimum GPA of 2.0.
If you are interested in completing an Associate Degree for Transfer, you must:
- Complete 60 semester units of 90-quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: *
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. 2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
*As required by Senate Bill 1440 & California Education Code section 66746. - ADTs also require that you must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in the major.
You should meet with a counselor to determine the necessary course work to complete the general education requirements.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| SPANISH 1 Elementary Spanish I | 5 |
| SPANISH 2 Elementary Spanish II | 5 |
| SPANISH 3 Intermediate Spanish I | 5 |
| SPANISH 4 Intermediate Spanish II | 5 |
| FRENCH 1 Elementary French I | 5 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 25 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in learning Spanish? Before your first class starts at LASC, you can begin preparing for your career:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, develop your Student Education Plan (SEP), and make sure to discuss your academic and career goals so they can direct you to all LASC has to offer you!
- Still in high school? If available, enroll in Spanish courses to build your foundation of the language. Look for free phone apps to help you learn vocabulary and pronunciation. Watch Spanish-speaking films and telenovas, and listen to Spanish-language music to develop your ear.
- Once you’re at LASC, get involved with off- and on-campus clubs and organizations such as the Dream Resource Center and Toastmasters, become a student ambassador, or run for student body government. Joining organizations and getting involved on campus shows potential employers your commitment to building writing, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, once you successfully complete the program, you should be able to:
- Read a short story or article in Spanish and answer questions based on the reading.
- Write an essay in Spanish of at least two pages using correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary.