Spanish is an official language in over 20 countries and is the second largest language in the United States. Students with foreign language proficiency are among the highest-paid liberal arts graduates. There are numerous study abroad opportunities available in Spain and Latin America. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals study Spanish in order to gain a competitive advantage in any field. Please note that all incoming students who enroll in a foreign language course and have prior experience in that language will need to take a placement exam to determine their starting level.