Spanish and Iberian Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Spanish and Iberian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of the Iberian Peninsula and its surrounding regions, tracing the evolution of societies, political systems, cultural expressions, and economic developments from antiquity to the contemporary era. The program offers a rigorous, research-driven curriculum that examines the complex interplay of historical forces, linguistic diversity, and regional identities across Spain, Portugal, and adjacent territories.
- Historical Development of Iberian Societies: Analyzes key epochs—from ancient Iberian civilizations and Roman rule to medieval kingdoms, the Age of Exploration, and modern nation-state formation—emphasizing transformation and continuity.
- Political and Legal Systems: Investigates the evolution of governance structures, constitutional frameworks, and political movements within Spain, Portugal, and border regions, including the impact of colonialism and democratization.
- Cultural Production and Identity: Explores literature, visual arts, music, film, and performative traditions as vital expressions of national and regional identities, with attention to cross-cultural influences and diasporic narratives.
- Economic Transformations and Global Engagement: Studies the historical and contemporary dynamics of trade, labor, industrialization, and globalization, including the role of Iberian economies in European and transatlantic systems.
- Linguistic and Dialectal Diversity: Engages with the rich spectrum of languages and dialects across the region—including Castilian Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Galician, and Basque—examining their historical roots and sociolinguistic significance.
- Regional and Border Studies: Addresses the cultural and political intersections between Iberia and neighboring areas such as North Africa, the Canary Islands, and the Atlantic archipelagos, highlighting shared histories and geopolitical complexities.
Spanish and Iberian Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Spanish and Iberian Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Spanish and Iberian Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Spanish and Iberian Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Spanish and Iberian Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Spanish and Iberian Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Spanish and Iberian Studies is found at Wesleyan University (13 graduates), Dickinson College (13 graduates), Bowdoin College (9 graduates), Brandeis University (4 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 46 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| Dickinson College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Carlisle, Pennsylvania | Private | dickinson.edu |
| Bowdoin College |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Brunswick, Maine | Private | bowdoin.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Other Award
|
3 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of La Verne |
Bachelor's
|
2 | La Verne, California | Private | laverne.edu |
| Emory & Henry University (E&H) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Emory, Virginia | Private | ehc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Spanish and Iberian Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Spanish and Iberian Studies degree?
Salaries for Spanish and Iberian Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Spanish and Iberian Studies programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Spanish and Iberian Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Wesleyan University (13 graduates), Dickinson College (13 graduates), and Bowdoin College (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Spanish and Iberian Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 13 in 2010 to a peak of 56 in 2020, before declining slightly to 46 in 2023-24. This represents a 254% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Spanish and Iberian Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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