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What is Italian Language and Literature?

Italian Language and Literature is an interdisciplinary field of study focused on the culture, politics, and history of Italians and Italian Americans.  A broader definition of Italian Language and Literature includes all cultures of Italian American diaspora not just people of Italian descent living in the United States.

Accredited universities around the country have invested substantial time and resources to create a robust Italian language degree.  Italian majors sustain academic momentum as a result of perpetual faculty support and student interest.  Learning Italian can be accomplished in various modalities through various coursework.  Formal Italian language training include intensive studies in meta-domains such as Italian: history, literature, politics, religion, social sciences, humanities, athletics, sociology, art, and psychology.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$73,750

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

49.74%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,720

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Italian Language and Literature Degree

Harvard University is a world-renowned educational institution devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The university spans 5,457 acres, home to over 20,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and over 2,400 dedicated faculty members.  

Harvard offers an undergraduate program that features the past and present significant periods and authors of Italian Literature, including its contributions to prevalent modern culture, philosophy, theater, film, sophisticated art industrial design, and the growing field of cultural economics. The Special Field of Italian Studies introduces courses that tackle immigrant populations' Literature and cultures within Italy and Italian-speaking communities worldwide. Students are encouraged to extend their coursework with interdisciplinary studies and participate in individual projects under faculty supervision.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The name Yale is widely recognized around the world as a large private "Ivy League" university. For more than 300 years, Yale University has been steadfast in inspiring innovation, increasing and imparting knowledge, and conserving cultural and scientific information for upcoming generations.

Studying Italian Major and appreciating a foreign language, Literature, and culture offers students a beneficial and stimulating option in their university education. Also, it serves as a preparation for careers in international business, translation, tourism, journalism, economics, fashion, design, art, media, film, and education. Italian makes a superb double major as a counterpart to several extra-departmental disciplines. At Yale, students select various Italian study options such as the Combined BA/MA Program in Italian and Italian Studies Ph.D. for graduates who meet the program requirements. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

A private and a top Ivy League institution, Columbia University in the City of New York, students benefit from outstanding and comprehensive academic opportunities and study in one of the world's most beautiful cities. 

The university has a dedicated Italian Department where individuals can study Italian Language and Literature with its undergraduate, graduate, and summer programs.  At least 30 points in Italian courses totaled over the intermediate level is required to apply for a major in Italian Literature. M.A. in Italian at Columbia graduates may apply for a Ph.D. upon submitting a Ph.D. application; it may only be taken full time. Currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students may apply for Columbia's Summer Program is a six-week summer program located at Ca' Foscari University in Venice.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania was created in 1740, making it America's first university; the plan was to construct a Philadelphia charity school that would also function as a house of worship. Today, UPenn boasts cutting-edge facilities, a list of award-winning faculties, and unparalleled education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

Inspired by the vision of the university's forefather, Benjamin Franklin, UPenn's Italian Studies embraces research and teaching featuring relationships with the Italian language, its dialects, and the Latinate tradition, from past to present times. The Italian Studies major has concentrations in Italian Literature and Italian Culture—both with a foundation in the Italian language. Students are taught to master all four areas of communication: speaking, listening, reading, writing. The minor in Italian Studies consists of six courses, and students can choose from Italian Literature or Italian culture. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Dartmouth College's identity is built upon its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education, priming students for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. It was founded in 1769 and is a four-year private liberal arts "Ivy League" university with roughly 6,500 students. 

Under the Department of French and Italian, individuals can study for a major in Italian. Students can study medieval and Renaissance Literatures and Cultures, 17th-18th Century Literature and Cultures, 19th-20th Century Literature and Cultures, French and Italian Cultural Studies, Francophone Literature, and Italophone Literature. To enroll, they must first complete a specific course on campus or in a study abroad program. The major requires eight courses and a culminating activity for seniors. The Italian minor has the same prerequisites as the major; however, only six courses would be taken instead of eight. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Home to a diverse and bright community of over 16,426 students and an outstanding 2,219 faculty member, Stanford University is truly a leading figure in the field of research and education. It opened its gates in 1891 as a loving tribute of Senator Leland Stanford and his wife in memory of their only child, Leland Jr. 

Italian: the language of poetry, opera, and cinema. Stanford offers a Bachelor of Arts in Italian program where students are encouraged to engage in the course of study personalized to their individual needs and interests. The degree program opens many opportunities to enter the international translation, business, law, teaching, or graduate studies in Italian history or comparative literature. Students declare the major in Italian through Axess and must meet with faculty members to plan their course of study. A minimum of 60 units of coursework is required to complete this major. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Throughout the years, the university went through various transformations, and in 1924, it was designated as Duke University by James Buchanan Duke in honor of his father, Washington Duke. Comprising ten reputable schools and colleges and a body of over 15,551 students, Duke stands as a top-ranking private research university renowned in the nation and around the world. 

The Department of Romance Studies is a multilingual, multidisciplinary, and authentically global department exploring the cultures and practices of communities where romance languages—Italian, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish and Portuguese—were once spoken. All Duke students must establish intermediate or advanced level proficiency in a foreign language, such as in the undergraduate Italian Language Studies program. Depending on the student's proficiency, they must complete either one of the following: take three full courses in that language if they start language study at Duke in an elementary language course, or complete a 300-level Foreign Language-designated course if they start at the intermediate level or above.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University is a private research and Ivy League university committed to preserving, discovering, and disseminating knowledge, teaching the next generation of global citizens, and promoting a culture of comprehensive inquiry all over and beyond the university's walls. 

More than just the mastery of the Italian language, Students who desire to major or minor in Italian gain an understanding of the cultural, artistic, political, and social movements within the interdisciplinary field as well as a consciousness of the ethical effects of one's work within the academic community and society. They develop Critical inquiry, analytical writing, and the ability to conduct independent and or collaborative research with the knowledge required to identify, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate cultural theories. The Italian major requires the completion of eight courses, while the minor requires five.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Initiated by a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1842, The University of Notre Dame is a top-ranking private research institution characterized by its Catholic values, leading undergraduate, research, and scholarship programs. 

Italian language, literature, and culture is the center of Western civilization's spiritual and cultural heritage. Under the Department of Romance Languages and Literature, individuals can apply for an Italian undergraduate or graduate degree. Italian Studies is an area of remarkable strength and is one of Notre Dame's top-studied languages. Italian program offers a major, a supplementary major, a minor, and an honors track, as well as various forms of specialization in conjunction with other fields of study. Program students have multiple opportunities to travel, study, and work in Italy. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Northwestern University is a comprehensive private research university comprising three campuses, twelve schools and colleges, 3,334 faculty members, and 21,000 enrolled students. It is shaped by its dedication to excellence in teaching, innovative research, and its people's personal and intellectual development. 

All Northwestern students are welcomed to apply for Italian Studies Major and the Minor degree programs. The curriculum is flexible; students can start language study as a First-Year Student and incorporate their interest in Italian with a second major. NU has various affiliated study abroad and summer programs students can apply to deepen their understanding, create connections, and acquire first-hand skills and experience. Students are encouraged to study abroad in Italy, either during the summer or the academic year. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Georgetown University is an international research university embodying a Catholic Jesuit heritage. It comprises nine schools, numerous highly ranked academic programs, five campuses, an affiliated hospital, and over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Georgetown's Italian Department Offering various undergraduate academic programs and its majors and minors program paves the way for students of different career paths— Academia, Journalism, Law, International Trade, Real Estate, Fashion, Public Relations, Art, Finance, Education, and Medicine. Italian Majors must complete between ten and twelve courses, while Minors must complete five to six courses.  Additionally, Georgetown's Master of Arts in Italian Studies program possesses an innovative curriculum that combines rigorous academic training with the flexibility necessary for individuals to pursue their different intellectual and professional ambitions.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

"Per Veritatem Vis," which translates as "Strength Through Truth," is Washington University's motto—an institution dedicated to learning, exploration, discovery, and impact. Its faculty is composed of Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize awardees. 

Washington's Italian program boasts an exceptional faculty, cutting-edge subjects, as well as an interactive small class size with proficiency-based language courses and popular culture courses. Program students attain a high level of proficiency in the Italian language, rigorous training in Italian Literature, film, culture, and opportunities to study and travel abroad.  A total of 27 units are required for the Italian major, three of which may be taken outside while the rest must be taken in residence. The Italian minor requires 18 units and must maintain a B or better in Italian.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Established in 1852, Tufts University is a premier private research university with over 11,878 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The university possesses impressive campuses in Medford/ Somerville, Boston, Grafton, and Talloires. 

Tufts School of Arts and Sciences offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in French, Spanish, Latin American, and Italian Studies. The Italian Studies major requires ten courses taught in Italian: Two courses in Composition and Conversation, Two survey courses of Literature, one 100-level course of Advanced Italian Language, two 100-level Literature or culture courses, and three elective courses in Italian Literature, Culture, or related fields. Consecutively, the minor in Italian requires five courses. Tufts also offers a five-and-a-half-week summer program in Pavia, Italy.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Desiring to have a self-sustaining liberal arts college for women, A group of NYC women, led by Annie Nathan Meyer, petitioned Columbia University for two years. In 1889, Barnard became the first college in the City of New York to present degrees to women.

Barnard offers 50 fields of study in the sciences, humanities, and arts, with critical thinking as the core of its interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum. Students who aspire to develop proficiency in all the language skills and present Italy's literary and cultural traditions are welcome to apply for Barnard's Italian program. Before admission, an Italian Language Placement Exam must be taken at the Columbia Italian Department in 509 Hamilton Hall, Columbia Campus. Ten courses are required for the major, and five courses are required for the minor. 

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

A world-leading private research institution located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is a global base for technology, arts, and international business. It is home to 46,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with 21 exceptional academic schools and units.

The ability to perform in more than one language and culture is an invaluable asset in today's global market. With Italian being one of the most spoken languages in the United States, A Major in Italian Language  can lead to a selection of careers in business, international relations, social media, and technology, international marketing, journalism, food and drink industry, fashion industry, design, and museum curating. USC offers an Italian Basic Language program, B.A. in Italian with Honors Program, a connection to the Gamma Kappa Alpha, the National Italian Honor Society, and the opportunity to study abroad in Rome.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Since its formation in 1927, The University of California has been continuously growing and transforming into a top public university that offers innovative academic programs taught by award-winning and dedicated faculty members.

Designing an exceptional undergraduate and graduate program unique blend of linguistic, literary, and cultural experience, the Department of Italian at UCLA offers one of the most esteemed programs for Italian Studies in North America. The major in Italian program consists of two points: language preparation and the study of literature and culture. Ten upper-division Italian courses, a senior capstone project, one medieval to 18th-century course, one Enlightenment to contemporary course, and six elective courses are required for the major. Students can also apply for the M.A and Ph.D. programs provided that they meet specific requirements. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Initiated by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia continues to uphold its vision— breaking barriers and pursuing the greater good. It was ranked fourth-best public university by U.S. News & World Report and the number one Best Value College in Virginia by Forbes last year.

The Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese extend a whole range of Italian language, literature, and culture courses. The Italian program employs an interdisciplinary approach to introductory and intermediate language courses to advanced language instruction and introduction to cultural and literary studies. Lessons are taught in small, seminar-style settings that encourage student participation and allow students to develop their language proficiency. Students can major in Italian requiring 30 credits, minor in Italian for 18 credits, or apply for the study abroad programs in Florence and Siena.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Middlebury College is a private educational institution committed to educating students in the liberal arts, offering various nationally acclaimed undergraduate and graduate programs for local and international students. 

Middlebury College Italian degree program allows students achieve a high competence in written and spoken Italian while gaining an in-depth perception of Italian literature and culture. Students must complete nine credits for a full or double major in Italian at least one semester at the C.V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Italy or the Universities of Firenze, Ferrara, or Rome. Upon their return, students take an Italian course each semester and complete a major with courses at the Italian School in the summer. The minor in Italian consists of six courses at Middlebury Italian School or at one of Italy's related programs.

Acceptance Rate

15.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Rich in culture and history as the first land-grant university of the state, the University of California Berkeley has a reputation of academic brilliance. For five consecutive years, Berkeley tops public universities' list in global rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Under the College of Letters and Science, the Department of Italian Studies offers an interdisciplinary study course in Italian language, literature, history, cultural studies, film, and folklore both in Italian and in English. Italian Studies at UC Berkeley offers a variety of study options—major, minors, and double majors— to suit a student's personal learning goals. Students can apply for a summer study at Berkeley and abroad in Florence, as well as academic year programs in Bologna, Milan, and Rome. The undergraduate major requires 50 units (Lower Division Language of 18 units and Upper-Division of 32 units) while the minor requires 38 (Lower Division Language of 18 units and Upper-Division of 20 units). 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Michigan ranks third in the National Undergraduate Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report last year, offering more than 275 pioneering degree programs. U.M. houses 19 schools and colleges and is considered a top Best values in public colleges, according to Kiplinger recently.

UM's Italian studies' end goal is to foster skilled speakers and readers knowledgeable in both past and present Italian culture. Studying Italian will give graduates the edge in the industry of business and finance, art and design, fashion, education, health, telecommunication, tourism, and government. The Italian major is flexible with a strong emphasis on language-learning and accommodates study abroad programs. At least 15 of the required 30 credits must be taken either in residence or over a study abroad program affiliated with the University of Michigan. Eligible students may be admitted to an advanced program that leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Italian.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The first establishment of higher education to function in Boston, Boston College is a private research university proudly embracing its Catholic Jesuit heritage. Boston has a total enrollment of 14,000 students, eight percent of which are international students. 

Offering undergraduate and graduate French, Italian, and Spanish languages and their corresponding literature and cultures, The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures design their programs that guide students in attaining a comprehensive multidisciplinary insight into other literature and culture countries. Students wanting to major in Italian gain exceptional competence in the language, excellent ability to analyze texts and contexts, conceive, articulate, and defend an original idea. However, minors reap similar benefits to a lesser degree by achieving linguistic proficiency and studying at least two advanced courses.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Formerly known as the Medical College of Louisiana, Tulane University has thrived for more than 180 years, becoming a nationally-respected private educational and research institution. Tulane is a vibrant and engaged community of outstanding faculty and students ranking number one in Most Engaged in Community by Princeton Review.

The Italian program at Tulane University offers major and minor options for students to gain a solid understanding and expertise in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Italian. The department is equipped with the latest technology, and the community of Italian-Americans in New Orleans bestows several cultural activities students can participate in. Classes are small in size and are taught by senior faculty or native speakers. Students can also participate in internships on and off-campus as well as participate in several Study Abroad programs (Bologna, Rome, and Milan) for a semester or a year. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, residential liberal arts college established in 1861. It is considered one of the best liberal arts colleges in America devoted to pursuing knowledge, freedom of inquiry, and robust, informed, and inclusive debate.

The Italian Department at Vassar College believes that studying another language is essential to the intercultural understanding required in an increasingly globalized world. Hence, they offer a wide range of courses in Italian language, Literature, general culture, and cinema. Italian program courses help students achieve fluency in spoken and written Italian explore the discussions that have shaped Italy over the years. Studying abroad in one or two semesters in Italy is a fundamental component of the Italian curriculum. During their junior year, students take classes at Centro Studi or the University of Bologna.

Acceptance Rate

23.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Founded in 1833, Haverford college was built to be an institution that provides holistic higher education to the people. Today, more than just an establishment but a hub of groundbreaking research, a vibrant community of students, and internationally renowned faculty.

Employing Haverford's holistic approach towards education, The Italian Studies department at Bryn Mawr offers an interdisciplinary course of study that combines topics in the works of the great Italian authors and history, politics, philosophy, gender and sexuality, film, and the visual arts. Students may study Italian as a major in Italian Language/Literature (ILL), a minor in Italian Studies, a romance language major combining Italian with French and Spanish, a major in Italian Cultural Studies (ICS), a major in Comparative Literature with Italian as the primary or secondary language, as a minor or major in International Studies, as part of the Medieval Studies program, or as a double major.

Acceptance Rate

16.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Villanova University was instituted in 1842 as a private research university and continues to be the only Augustinian Catholic university in America today. Villanova comprises six schools and colleges and offers a wide range of online, bachelors, masters, doctoral, and certificate programs.

Individuals study Italian for cultural reasons, for travel and study plans in Italy, or for career-related opportunities—whatever the reason, enrolling for the Italian Studies Program in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures is one of the best ways to go. The curriculum offers elementary, advanced level, and interdisciplinary courses that develop students' language proficiency and understanding of the Italian culture.  Villanova's unique Italian Club (Circolo Italiano) sponsors various cultural activities, such as field trips, scholarly lectures, and conversation tables. Italian Students enjoy a Summer program in Perugia and Milan. 

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Italian Degrees

Italian degrees may be available to students in a number of learning modalities. For example, you may be able to choose to earn an Italian degree online or in a traditional classroom. College programs may also exist for hybrid learning program fusing both online Italian classes and on-campus degree programs. These learning modalities provide undergraduate and graduate students with the unique opportunity to learn the Italian culture and language via technology to earn a specific type of degree given your scheduling needs. Typical degree programs offered by universities and colleges include an Associates of Arts (AA) or a Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Italian literature or graduate programs.

Graduate degrees are for often conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) and the Doctorate degree as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). From associates degrees through graduate-level degree paths, students will discover varying levels of courses with challenging, rigorous curricula focus on Italian literature and language. More specifically, an undergraduate student enrolled in an AA degree program will experience different classes with a unique set of expectations compared to a graduate student working on their thesis project.

Italian College Classes

Courses you may enroll in will not be identically from college to college but will have many similarities nonetheless. As an example, you will likely discover the following classes in Italian studies that include the following:

  • Introduction to Italy
  • Methods and Theories of Italian Art
  • Modern Italy
  • History of Italy
  • Economic Analysis
  • Social & Cultural Change
  • Globalization and Gender Studies
  • Contemporary Italian Literature & Language
  • Anthropology
  • Italian Poetry
  • Urbanism in Italy
  • Italian Culture & History
  • Italian Music and Art

Educational Requirements in Italian Language

The educational requirements for Italian majors will flex from university to university. However, research reveals a common set of core classes you can expect to take while earning your degree in Italian. College courses you will take include:

Skills & Abilities Required for Language Students

  1. Oral Comprehension of the Italian Language
  2. Italian Speech Recognition
  3. Speaking Italian
  4. Instructing others in English and Italian
  5. Reading Italian Text and Publications
  6. Active Listening Skills
  7. Writing in Italian and English
  8. Speech Clarity
  9. Effective Oral Expression
  10. Written Comprehension in English and Italian
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Italian Careers

Undergraduate students earning earn a college degree in Italian Language will have a number of paths to consider after graduation. Italian majors can research a range of specializations that leverage the core skills learned in Italian classes. Career options range from middle school teachers, interpreter, high school teachers, translator, postsecondary teachers, historian, researcher, linguist, curriculum designer, poet, artist, and author. Within each domain you will discover various levels of challenges, leadership growth, and rewards.

Italian Language Job Growth

The job growth for Italian Language majors are quite steady based on research performed by the BLS and U.S. Department of Labor.  In fact, the job growth for college professors is poised to rise 13% and interpreters a hefty 18% in the coming decade.  Compared to the U.S. national average for all jobs of six percent, both career tracks look very promising for college graduates.  Organizations employing the most Italian interpreters include private schools, surgical hospitals, junior colleges, technical service firms, and local government agencies.

Additional Resources in Italian Language & Literature

Italy and its culture provide students with the opportunity to focus on a number of sub-categories or earn a degree around general topics.  Likewise, you may find it important to connect with local, regional, or national Italian organizations to learn about additional aspects of the culture.  The top ranked organizations and associations to consider include:

  • Italian American Associations – Ciao America
  • Italian Language Teachers Association (ILTA)
  • American Counsel on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

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