Foreign Languages

UT Tyler Department of Literature and Languages

Although UT Tyler does not offer a foreign language degree or degrees in French, courses are offered as electives for students majoring in other disciplines.

• French
• Spanish

The department now offers online Certificates in Medical Spanish (Undergraduate & Graduate) and Conversational Spanish. 

Medical Spanish Certificate:

The Medical Spanish Certificate provides students with targeted training in Spanish for healthcare settings. This 6-credit certificate is designed for students and professionals who interact with Spanish-speaking patients and communities and wish to develop practical, culturally appropriate communication skills.

Designed for students pursuing careers in nursing, pharmacy, medicine, healthcare, public health, social services, and related fields, the certificate integrates language proficiency with an understanding of Hispanic cultural perspectives on health, illness, and care. Upon completion, students earn a certificate recognizing their ability to communicate at a functional level in medical contexts.

To enroll in a Spanish certificate program, students have four prerequisite options.

• Complete SPAN 1611 and SPAN 2611 or
• Complete 12 hours in lower-division SPAN at another institution or
• Pass the CLEP Exam with a 63 or higher or
• Pass a SPAN Proficiency Exam administered by UT Tyler SPAN professor

 

Undergraduate Medical Spanish Certificate students complete two online courses (6 hours) in Medical Spanish.

• SPAN 4301- Medical Spanish I
• SPAN 4302- Medical Spanish II

Graduate Medical Spanish Certificate students complete two online courses (6 hours) in Medical Spanish. 

• SPAN 5301- Medical Spanish I
• SPAN 5302- Medical Spanish II

Upon successful completion of the Medical Spanish Certificate, students will be able to: 

1. Communicate effectively in basic healthcare interactions
Use appropriate medical vocabulary and structures in Spanish to conduct routine patient exchanges, including greetings, intake questions, and follow-up instructions.
2. Elicit and describe patient information
Ask and respond to questions related to symptoms, medical history, pain, medications, and lifestyle factors using clear and respectful language.
3. Explain common medical procedures and instructions
Provide basic explanations of tests, treatments, and care instructions in Spanish using patient-friendly terminology.
4. Demonstrate cultural competence in healthcare contexts
Identify and apply culturally appropriate communication strategies when interacting with Spanish-speaking patients and families.

Conversational Spanish Certificate: The UT Tyler Conversational Spanish Certificate formally recognizes advanced coursework and demonstrated oral proficiency in Spanish. Open to all UT Tyler undergraduate students—regardless of major—this 9-credit, fully online program focuses on refining conversational skills for real-world contexts. Designed to prepare students for careers in which Spanish communication is essential, the certificate emphasizes practical speaking, listening, and cultural interaction. It addresses the growing demand for bilingual professionals in Texas providing a cost-effective certification that validates both academic achievement and workplace readiness.

To enroll in a Spanish certificate program, students have four prerequisite options.

• Complete SPAN 1611 and SPAN 2611 or
• Complete 12 hours in lower-division SPAN at another institution or
• Pass the CLEP Exam with a 63 or higher or
• Pass a SPAN Proficiency Exam administered by UT Tyler SPAN professor

 

Pick 3 online courses:

SPAN 4313 (Advanced Spanish Communication I)

SPAN 4314 (Advanced Spanish Communication II)

SPAN 4385 (Spanish for Oral Proficiency)

SPAN 4368 (Field Study in Spanish – Study Abroad)

SPAN 4360* (Special Studies in Spanish Literature & Language)

*When course treats oral communication topic