Welcome to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Our department awards the degrees of B.A. in Spanish, Portuguese or both, M.A and Ph.D., with specializations in the areas of Spanish Peninsular and Latin American Literatures and cultures, Brazilian and Portuguese Literatures and Cultures, and Iberian Linguistics, with optional emphases in various fields, such as Applied Linguistics, Feminist Studies, European Medieval Studies, and Translation Studies.
These programs are supported by an outstanding and internationally recognized faculty representing Peninsular and Latin American Studies, Brazilian and Portuguese Studies, Translation, Drama, Media Studies, Applied Linguistics and Language Pedagogy. Our students and faculty work jointly with other departments and programs, including Chicana and Chicano Studies, Comparative Literature, Feminist Studies, Film and Media Studies, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Latin American and Iberian Studies, Linguistics, and Theater and Dance.
The National Research Council has ranked our Graduate Program among the top ten in the country. Lower division courses offer undergraduates the opportunity to develop proficiency in the four language skills: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing in Spanish and/or Portuguese. To meet the needs of our diverse student population, we have an accelerated track for Spanish heritage speakers. The Department benefits from the resources of the Center for Portuguese Studies. Embracing Spain’s multilingual and multicultural landscape, our Department hosts the Miguel de Barandarián Chair of Basque Studies, and the Center for Catalan Studies.
Undergraduate Program
Our program offers in-depth study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. Students gain linguistic proficiency and cultural insight while exploring diverse global perspectives—preparing them for careers in education, international work, and beyond.
Graduate
Program
Our graduate program offers advanced study in Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American literatures, cultures, and linguistics.
With interdisciplinary opportunities and close faculty mentorship, students pursue original research while preparing
for careers in academia and related fields.
Education
Abroad
Bring your studies to life abroad! Through UCEAP, you can immerse yourself in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, earn UC credit, and add a global edge to your degree—all without delaying graduation.
Giving
Gifts from alumni, parents, and friends are vital to our teaching, research, and programs. Whether through annual support or designated funds like the Tim McGovern Fellowship and the Professor Harvey Sharrer Memorial Fund, your generosity helps us thrive
Featured News & Events
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese at UC Santa Barbara invites prospective graduate students to a Virtual Open House on November 7 at 10 am (Pacific Time) via Zoom. This session will feature current graduate students and alumni who will share their experiences and insights about academic life at UC Santa Barbara and beyond.
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is pleased to announce that dates for the 'Fall 2025 Graduate Admissions Webinar Series' are now available and open for registration.
Distinguished Professor Antonio Cortijo Ocaña and Professor Silvia Bermúdez are featured in 'The Current' in the article “Lifetime Achievements in Spanish and Portuguese Scholarship.” The piece highlights how their decades of research, teaching, and mentorship have made lasting contributions to the fields of Iberian, Mediterranean, and Feminist Studies, fostering cultural understanding and inspiring generations of students.
UC Santa Barbara’s Distinguished Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Sara Poot Herrera is featured in 'The Current' in the article “How to Build Global Community Through Mexican Literature.” The piece highlights how Poot Herrera’s scholarship and mentorship transcend the classroom, using literature as a bridge for cultural dialogue and community-building.