Spanish Language Proficiency Certificate

Spanish Proficiency

Program Number: 908021CERT

Your Degree: Certificate

Estimated Time to Complete: 10 Credits | Finish in 1 year

Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Education and Social Sciences

Estimated Program Cost: $2,352.60

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Program Overview
The Spanish Proficiency Certificate focuses on improving language communication skills and cultural understanding. Participants will be ready to actively engage in linguistically diverse communities as well as the workforce by attaining language proficiency in another language besides English.
Our courses develop language skills, enhance cultural awareness, and provide hands-on experience in the field using the language selected for the certificate. These classes and experiences challenge students to communicate in the language while at the same time increasing their appreciation for cultural differences. Such skills will allow students to gain a better understanding of their linguistically and culturally diverse community and workplace. In this way, students will broaden their own social and cultural perspectives as well as develop highly sought out skills in a globalized workforce.
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Basic Language
Conversational Language
Practical Language
Language Certificate (upon certificate requirements completion)
Program Details
Students earning the Spanish Proficiency Certificate can attend full or part-time.
University Transfer classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
Madison - Truax
Madison - Goodman South Campus
Reedsburg
Portage
Fort Atkinson
Watertown
For more information, please contact Carolina Bailey at CBailey@madisoncollege.edu.
Your Advantages at Madison College
Use the Spanish Proficiency Certificate credits to transfer to other colleges and universities. Many universities strongly encourage applicants to finish their language requirements prior to transferring.
Use the Spanish Proficiency Certificate credits as electives to earn a Universtiy Transfer Associate Degree since it incorporates courses from several disciplines.
Apply for employment in industries that require language competency in other languages in addition to English.
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Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Language Requirement
Completion of two courses in Spanish (at the Spanish 3 or higher level) is required. At least 3 credits must be enrolled in at Madison College.
20-802-213
Spanish 3
This intermediate Spanish course is for students who have successfully completed Spanish 2 (or the equivalent). The focus of the course is communication, while incorporating the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Course activities are aimed at developing proficiency in all areas. You will also learn about the various cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. By the end of the class, you should be able to participate in extended conversations on many topics.
4 credits
20-802-214
Spanish 4
This intermediate Spanish course is for students who have successfully completed Spanish 3 (or the equivalent). The focus of the course is communication, while incorporating the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Course activities are aimed at developing proficiency in all areas. You will also learn about the various cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. By the end of the class, you should be able to participate in extended conversations on many topics.
4 credits
20-802-215
Spanish 5
This course is for students who have successfully completed 4 semesters of college Spanish OR received a minimum score of 475 on the Spanish Language Placement Test. Spanish 5 focuses on developing advanced grammatical proficiency in both speaking and writing. Students will continue broadening vocabulary, enhancing reading skills, expanding cultural knowledge and understanding, and improving both oral and written communication skills through cultural, historical, social, and literary readings.
3 credits
20-802-218
Spanish 6
3 credits
Practicum Requirement
Completion of both practicum courses is required.
20-802-261
Intercultural Experience Practicum 1
The Intercultural Experience Practicum focuses on language field-related practice experience. Here, students can practice, advance and apply their target language skills to their field of interest and to a professional or community settings that are linguistically diverse. This provides language skills as well as non-academic practical experience necessary to successfully satisfy the demands of the workforce and the global market.
1 credit
20-802-262
Intercultural Experience Practicum 2
The Intercultural Experience Practicum focuses on language field-related practice experience. Here, students can practice, advance and apply their target language skills to their field of interest and to a professional or community settings that are linguistically diverse. This provides language skills as well as non-academic practical experience necessary to successfully satisfy the demands of the workforce and the global market.
1 credit
Additional Course Requirement
Completion of at least one of the listed courses is required.
10-809-172
Introduction to Diversity Studies
This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.
3 credits
20-801-207
World Indigenous Literatures
World Indigenous Literatures compares Native American Literature with the literatures of Indigenous peoples around the world (e.g. Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands). The selection of oral and written materials represents the culture and art of Indigenous groups that originally inhabited any geographical area prior to the arrival of settler-colonial peoples with a central focus on how these materials place US Ethnic issues within a global context.
3 credits
20-801-212
Ethnic Literature
Students will read dramas, essays, novels, poetry, or short stories through the lens of race, ethnicity, language, and identity in a multicultural society. Texts include authors identifying as African American, Arab American, Asian American, Jewish American, Latinx, Native American, or multiracial. Readings will represent multiple ethnic groups, but specific authors and genres will vary by instructor.
3 credits
20-801-213
Native American Literature
Introduces students to the rich, complex and varied literary traditions reflected in the works of contemporary Native American storytellers in fiction, poetry, drama, and film. Issues of language, cultural identity, historical witness, and current social and political experiences are reflected in these genres. The works are discussed in terms of specific cultural and universal themes, and their place in the emerging Native American literary canon.
3 credits
20-801-222
U.S. Latino Literature
Explores U.S. Latinx literature through reading and analysis of texts, including poetry, fiction, drama, and autobiography written by a variety of Latinx groups. Students analyze Latinx literature through the lens of genre, cultural identity, social and political experiences, as well as important historical events. Classes are conducted in English. All required texts were originally written in English or are offered in English translation.
3 credits
20-801-252
World Issues Journalism
World Issues Journalism students explore international journalism and its role in global themes such as environmental issues, public health, poverty, media freedom, gender inequality, religion, and conflict. At the same time, they develop essential skills in podcasting, blogging, news and profile writing, multimedia storytelling, and academic research and writing.
3 credits
20-803-204
Renaissance, Reformation, and Revolution
Early Modern European History surveys the major political, economic, social, and cultural transformations from the Renaissance to the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic era. The course examines the changes and conflicts that marked the transition from a medieval to a modern society and how this transformation affected individuals, groups, and institutions in Early Modern Europe.
3 credits
20-803-205
Europe and Modern World
This introductory course in European history studies European societies from the nineteenth century to the present by examining major social, economic, political, and intellectual change and how people and nations responded to profound often cataclysmic events.
3 credits
20-803-216
Immigrants in U.S. History
3 credits
20-803-225
World In 20th Century
This course studies the emergence of a global society in the twentieth century by examining the events and trends that helped make the world more integrated and interconnected. The course approaches twentieth century world history by studying globalization, the growth of mass culture, the impact of technological change, ideologies and religions, and how diverse cultures and polities responded to these pivotal developments.
3 credits
20-803-233
Gender and Women's History in Cultural Representations
3 credits
20-803-234
Gender and Women's Global History
Introduction to gender and women's history from the 19th century to the present with a global perspective. Students will be asked to think critically about the power relations that affect the lives of diverse women in the U.S.-diverse in terms of race, class, ability, sexuality and other markers of power-and will be asked to contemplate the positions of diverse women from around the world.
3 credits
20-803-238
US Latino History
US Latino history explores the histories of people who came from the Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas to the United States, including the people who suddenly became American through wars and colonization. The course also examines the diverse and unifying experiences of people who are classified as and define themselves as Latino/Latina/Latinx.
3 credits
20-805-207
World Music
This course surveys diverse musical traditions worldwide, examining how cultures create, perform, and value music. Students develop critical listening skills to identify regional styles and connect them to cultural contexts. Topics include music from Sub-Saharan Africa, Indigenous Americas, Latin America, India, China, and Indonesia, along with an independent research project on a chosen musical culture.
3 credits
20-809-214
International Economics
This course examines topics in international trade and international finance and the interconnectedness of the world’s economies. It examines economic arguments for trade, current trade policies and practices, the effects of trade restrictions, free and fair trade, foreign exchange markets, and the role of international institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization. Currency crises and free trade agreements will also be discussed.
3 credits
20-809-223
International Relations
International Relations examines nation-states and non-governmental organizations interactions within the global political system. Students (a) summarize international political history, (b) analyze international political institutions, and (c) evaluate international political and economic issues. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
20-809-252
Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.
Explores how social constructions of race and ethnicity shape U.S. society. Emphasis on sociohistorical origins of racial/ethnic inequities and common experiences of black, indigenous, and other racialized and marginalized groups. Assesses systemic racism and whiteness across social institutions. Examines structural inequalities, intersectionality, power relations, forms of racism, discrimination, privilege, and resistance. Discusses current policy debates and possible solutions to inequities.
3 credits
20-809-256
International Perspectives on Gender and Women
3 credits
20-809-263
East/West World View
East/West Worldviews examines worldviews and their underlying assumptions. The course introduces philosophical issues such as the relationship between science and religion, challenges raised from other perspectives, and contemporary perspectives in religious plurality. The course focuses on the religions originating in India, East Asia, and in the Middle East. It studies the ways in which philosophy and/or religion affects the concepts of nature, self, society, and ultimate reality.
3 credits
20-809-283
Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity
This course introduces the discipline of cultural anthropology and provides ideas and skills that can be used to understand the diversity of human cultural expression and practices. It examines both the historical particularism of unique cultures and commonalities shared by all human beings. Students develop and practice tools and methodologies for anthropological research and explore key topics of the field. This course will focus on the cultural complexity of modern urbanized societies such as that of the United States and how anthropology can help students understand their own culture.
3 credits
20-809-285
Anthropology of Myth, Magic, and Religion
An anthropological course designed to explore and examine the place of magic and religion in human culture. Students will look closely and critically at ‘world religions’ (Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, etc.) with analytical exploration of smaller-scale religious and magical practices (shamanism, Wicca, new Age, Cargo Cults, etc.). The forms that magic and religion have taken in human cultures, both past and present, will be covered.
3 credits
20-810-238
Cultural Diversity in Contemporary American Theater
Investigates the representation of gender, ageism, sexual identity and racial stereotypes in written and performance forms. Explores how popular images are created and reinforced by writers, directors, and performers. Students analyze performance, scripts, and video documentation, as well as develop an original work of theatrical expression.
3 credits
20-810-254
History Of World Cinema
History of World Cinema examines the history of the film medium, primarily as an art form but also as a form of communication, in the United States and internationally from its origin in the 1800s to the present, highlighting significant movements in its development. Students view domestic and foreign films as a basis for study.
3 credits
20-815-210
Art History: Renaissance to Modern
This course is a survey of the development of European and American art and architecture from the time of the early Renaissance in Italy through approximately 2000. Emphasis is given to the form and meaning of a select group of artworks and buildings, their stylistic tendencies, and respective movements in the history of art, and the socio-political, historical, and cultural contexts for these movements.
3 credits
Honors courses may be available. See the certificate advisor for details.
2-3 credits
Oral Competency Assessment Requirement
Completion of the World Language Oral Assessment with a minimum score of 6 within the last three years is required.
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:
Successful completion (C or better) of two years high school Spanish
OR
Successful completion (C or better) of two semesters college Spanish
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
If the language coursework is older than 3 years, it is recommended to take a language placement test to help you enroll in the correct language level after admission.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Spanish Proficiency career.
It's Free to Apply
Career Outcomes
After completing the Spanish Proficiency Certificate at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
Develop language skills through hands on experience in your field of interest or through volunteer opportunities using the language selected.
Develop and demonstrate high-level communicative proficiency (orally and in writing) equivalent to ACTFL Intermediate High and above in the target language
Interact in the language in an effective and precise manner
Network in the community and in the workplace with a better understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences
Interpret, value and promote cultural traditions of the target language speakers
Demonstrate awareness of regional differences among native language speakers while at the same time acknowledging individual differences
Recognize own culture, language and social norms as part of a global culture
Develop Madison College core abilities such as communication, critical thinking, global and cultural perspectives, self-management and social interaction to be ready for the workforce.