licenciatura
/liθenθjaˈtuɾa/
The English phrase 'ba' (an undergraduate academic degree) is translated into Spanish as licenciatura.
This term is used to refer to an undergraduate academic degree awarded by a college or university.
How do you pronounce it?
/liθenθjaˈtuɾa/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term licenciatura refers to the degree itself, but the process of studying for it is called la carrera which literally means 'the race'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, someone with a licenciatura can technically use the title licenciado or licenciada as a formal prefix before their name, similar to how 'Doctor' is used in English.
- The word licenciatura shares a root with 'license', reflecting the historical idea that the degree granted the legal 'license' to practice a profession.
Examples in context
- Ella terminó su licenciatura el año pasado.She finished her bachelor's degree last year.
- Él estudia para obtener su licenciatura en derecho.He is studying to obtain his bachelor's degree in law.
- Necesito una licenciatura para este trabajo.I need a bachelor's degree for this job.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their career plans in a cafe.
- Daniel¿Ya tienes tu licenciatura?Do you already have your bachelor's degree?
- LucíaNo, todavía estoy cursando la licenciatura.No, I am still pursuing my bachelor's degree.
- DanielTe falta poco para graduarte, Lucía.You don't have much left until you graduate, Lucía.
- LucíaSí, espero terminar pronto.Yes, I hope to finish soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry licenciatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
