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Portuguese BA

Portuguese is the official language of more than 200 million people in eight countries on four continents. After English and Spanish, it is the third most widely spoken European language, and the sixth most spoken language in the world.

Situated in the heart of the region that boasts the largest concentration of Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and Portuguese immigrants in the U.S., UMass Dartmouth provides a unique environment to learn Portuguese in a richly varied immersion setting. As a Portuguese major, you’ll study and explore the language, literatures, and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.

A degree in Portuguese offers access to careers in education, foreign service, immigration, international business, international relations, journalism, linguistics, politics, print and visual media, social and non-profit/non-governmental organizations, translation, and other fields.

We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching Portuguese at the middle or high school level. Learn more about teacher preparation.

Our curriculum provides a solid foundation in Portuguese language and culture. 
You’ll explore topics in civilization, linguistics, theater, and cinema—and will learn to:

  • Communicate effectively through spoken and written word
  • Apply critical reading and analytical skills to texts from the literary periods of Portugal, Brazil, and Lusophone Africa
  • Develop an in-depth awareness of the historical and contemporary cultural realities of the Portuguese-speaking world

For the major, you’ll complete 33 credit hours in courses related to your major, and 120 credit hours overall.

Increase your career opportunities by choosing a minor in Portuguese. The minor can supplement your degree in another field, adding a cultural and linguistic component to your academic experience. For the minor, you’ll complete 18 credit hours.

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.
  • Study abroad: immerse yourself in Portuguese language and culture with a semester of study at a Portuguese or Brazilian university
  • Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture: participate in cultural events such as lectures, exhibitions, colloquia, and concerts
  • Community: join the Portuguese Language Club or Phi Lambda Beta, our chapter of the National Portuguese Honor Society
  • Honors College: take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars
  • Study Abroad: earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field
  • Undergraduate Research: faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects
  • University Studies: gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills

Portuguese Faculty

Anna Klobucka
Carlos Almeida
Dario Borim
Gina Reis
Glaucia Silva
Victor Mendes