Italian

  • BA
  • Major
  • Minor
professor speaking to students gathered around a table with projection screen in the background.

If you want an intellectually, professionally and personally enriching experience in a culture whose influence spans from antiquity to the present, consider studying Italian! Learn the language and explore Italian music, the figurative arts, literature, cinema, design, gastronomy, science and philosophy. 

In the Italian program, you will discover a wealth of language, literature, culture and pre-professional courses that can help you achieve your academic career goals. You will enhance your intercultural communication skills and creative expression through Italian language courses and choose elective courses that match your interests and goals. 

Take courses such as Contemporary Italian Cultural Studies; Italian Americans in Film; Italian Business and Commercial Translation; Italian Women Writers; or Translation for Tourism and Cultural Promotion. The Italian program is a pathway to graduate studies or professional opportunities in research, tourism, retail, and industries like wine, film, fashion, to name only a few. 

Knowing Italian opens up a world of job opportunities and offers real advantages in the multi-cultural world of the humanities, the arts, government, the sciences and business. The knowledge and skills you gain in the program can be the difference that sets you apart in the eyes of employers! 

See the curriculum.

Complement Your Degree

The minor in Italian is an 18-credit program available to undergraduate students from any major. In the program you will take language courses, Italian literature and civilization classes, and can engage in a large variety of extra-curricular activities. 

You also have the opportunity to join a Study Abroad program to experience firsthand the rich cultural and economic makeup of Italy. Spring break, summer and full-semester or full-year programs are offered through Study Abroad. 

Study the language and choose elective courses in Italian literature, Italian culture or pre-professional courses in advanced grammar or translation. Through the minor, you will enhance your marketable job skills that can help you be successful in a wide variety of fields such as business, civil service, translation, interpreting and public relations, among others. 

See the curriculum.

Teach Italian in Schools!

BA in Italian with Teacher Certification in Italian (Preschool-Grade 12) 

Students who wish to pursue P-12 teacher certification in Italian must apply to and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Once admitted, students will be matriculated into the BA in Secondary Education program as a second major. 

The Italian methods course required for the Teacher Education Professional Sequence is ITAL 419. In addition, students must pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) prior to the Student Teaching semester. Students should consult with the Italian Teacher Education Coordinator to prepare for this examination. 

A minimum of 120 credits of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Major GPA requirements differ depending on field of study. 

See the curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Fashion Designer
Marketing Professional
Psychologist

Retailer
Teacher
Translator

Sommelier
International Business

Related Programs

Featured Faculty

Teresa Fiore

  • Professor and Inserra Chair in Italian and Italian American Studies
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Questions? We're Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us.