Language online degree programs are still in their infancy. Online associate's degree Spanish programs are fewer in number than bachelor's programs, but they exist. Associate's programs emphasize basic Spanish language skills and involve a lot of vocabulary memorization and comprehension of grammatical structures. Beginner and intermediate Spanish, Latino culture and history and translation courses are typically offered under a 2-year degree. Course books and homework are usually managed online through Blackboard. Associate's programs involving Spanish are sometimes geared toward specific jobs (i.e. Harrison College offers the online degree "Medical Assisting with Functional Spanish"). Program entry minimally requires a high school diploma (or its equivalent).
Although full online associate's degree programs in Spanish are rarer than bachelor's programs, there are few bachelor's programs as well. Most universities with online Spanish classes still require students to take other (i.e. traditional) classes to complete a degree. The University of Nebraska offers a full online bachelor's degree in general studies, with a focus on Spanish. East Carolina University offers in-depth online Spanish coursework that goes toward a bachelor's degree, but on its own doesn't result in a degree. Their classes meet through video conferencing at scheduled times to duplicate traditional classroom structure; the materials are posted online. Not all online Spanish programs are language programs---Mercy College offers an online B.A. in Spanish geared toward Spanish culture; the program only has one language course in its curriculum. Most language programs require a high amount of face time with professors through video conferencing. Certain Spanish programs specify that like traditional students, online students must spend time studying abroad to immerse themselves in the language.
Most online language degrees allow students to work at their own pace, guided by deadlines. This can be a big advantage for a stay-at-home parents or full-time employees learning after hours. By the same token, learners who have a difficult time managing deadlines and tasks with little outside pressure might find an online language degree especially difficult. For some, videoconferencing is an efficient language-learning tool and very similar to classic classroom structure when held regularly. For others, certain aspects of learning a language are lost without the in-person interaction of the traditional classroom. Unfortunately, very few universities offer online Spanish degree programs. Of the ones that do, prospective students must take care to find out if the program results in a certificate, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Equally as important, students should know ahead of enrollment if credits earned in online language programs are transferable toward other degrees, should the need arise to transfer or continue the coursework elsewhere.