Portuguese (Minor)




At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

Did you know that worldwide, Portuguese is the fastest growing European language after English, is the most spoken language in South America, and is rapidly growing in southern Africa? Studying Portuguese can open the door for you to a world of new career paths and opportunities for growth and exploration.

Program Description

Students pursuing the minor in Portuguese gain an understanding of the language, literature and cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Macau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. It is also an official language of both the African Union and the European Union. It's the sixth most spoken language in the world, and the second most spoken Romance language (second to Spanish).


Program Requirements

The Portuguese minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be upper division. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher can be used to fulfill minor requirements.
Portuguese Language -- 6 credit hours
Electives (choose four) -- 12 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: 2.00

Incompatible Majors: None

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.


Career Outlook

A minor enables students to enhance marketable skills and knowledge they acquire in their major program and also to develop additional competencies. Because of the growing economies of many of the countries in which Portuguese is spoken, a minor in this language can prove a valuable addition to students' resumes.

More specifically, a minor in Portuguese can help students with communication and cultural competency skills as they pursue career fields such as these:

  • diplomacy
  • education
  • entertainment
  • international business
  • interpretation and translation
  • marketing
  • political analysis
  • sociology
  • science and technology
  • tourism and hospitality

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Community Health Workers


  • Growth: 14.1%
  • Median Salary*: 46190
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Customs Brokers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Historians


  • Growth: 3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64540

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Sociologists


  • Growth: 4.5%
  • Median Salary*: 98590
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76030

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Students in the minor have the opportunity to attend the following summer study abroad program through the Global Education Office and approved by the School of International Letters and Cultures to give them a global experience studying the language and culture of Brazil.

UA: Arizona Summer in Brazil

  • This is an ASU-authorized summer program.
  • Students can advance their Portuguese language skills during this summer program to the vibrant coastal city of Fortaleza, in northeastern Brazil.
  • In addition to courses taught by local Brazilian faculty, students will live with a host family to experience Brazilian culture firsthand and to further develop their Portuguese skills.
  • Common excursions on this program include trips to Jericoacoara and Canoa Quebrada, two beautiful beach towns located in the state of Ceará.
  • This program is open to students of any major; based on course offerings, it is ideal for students seeking courses in Portuguese language.
  • POR 102 credit is a prerequisite to participate in this program.


Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.