<p>I am currently a sophomore at a community college in South Carolina. I plan to transfer to the University of South Carolina next year in Fall 2014, after I complete my AA. I am interested in 3 different majors: Social Work, Spanish, and African American studies. At first I was considering majoring in both Social Work and Spanish with a minor in African American studies, but I am not 100% sure about that. I love Spanish and hope to become fluent, and I want to become a social worker one day. I just don't know if I can get into a Master's social work program with a BA in African American studies. How can I decide between these three majors? Should I do one major and minor in the other two subjects? How did you all decide between college majors?</p>
<p>Even if you major in Spanish, you will not likely be “fluent” after graduating. It would take time immersed in the culture and language to really get to that point. However, you would be able to communicate reasonably.</p>
<p>Sounds like social work is your desired career path - a minor in African American studies would be helpful if you’re looking at working with that population and their specific challenges. </p>
<p>Many graduate programs have prerequisite courses - topics they want you to be familiar with before they’ll admit you. Some will accept you on the basis that you fulfill those requirements within the first year, if you haven’t already fulfilled them in undergraduate school. Take a peak at a few MSW programs to see what their general admission requirements are. You may be able to minor in sociology or psychology to fulfill them, and major in Spanish and/or African American studies. </p>
<p>I think being bilingual is very important in many social service positions, even if you are not 100% fluent. You will open more opportunities for jobs, increase your value, and possibly even your salary, so I do support learning Spanish. However, you could do that on your own if you are a very disciplined individual. If not, then stick to the classroom and consider studying abroad to immerse yourself in the language.</p>
<p>African American studies is a major? Now I’ve heard everything.</p>
<p>Double major by keeping Spanish in the mix with social work will make you more marketable and not just in the field of social work.</p>