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Italian Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies

Immerse yourself in the Italian-speaking world with the Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's College of Liberal Arts. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program is tailored for students with intermediate proficiency of the Italian language and a strong interest in Italian culture.Ìý

Italian Studies BA students move beyond the language requirements of the Italian BA and primarily focus on understanding Italian society across multiple areas of study and topics. Interdisciplinary by design, the Italian Studies BA curriculum integrates courses within other departments to provide a broad scope of ideas and perspectives.

The Italian Studies degree program emphasizes the discovery and study of Italy’s cultural, global and national identity. You’ll collaborate with students across degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts to study Italy’s role in art, film, history, literature, media and music. As a result, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the country, as well as its people and practices.Ìý

Students gain the communication and critical thinking skills that are invaluable to employers in today’s global marketplace. Graduates with foreign language skills and intercultural perspectives can pursue international career opportunities across a variety of industries.Ìý  

A professor and student with cameras around their necks observe their surroundings in an Italian piazza.

Classes & Curriculum

Coursework emphasizes multiple fields of study, including anthropology, art history, history and literature. Students can complete up to four high-level Italian courses in English.Ìý

Examples of courses in the Italian Studies Major include

  • Popular Culture in Modern Italy,
  • The Mafia in Modern Italy,
  • Renaissance and Baroque Architecture in Italy, and
  • Topics in Italian Cinema and Literature.

Learn more about Italian Studies BA courses.Ìý

Related Graduate Degrees

* Tyler School of Art and Architecture

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Italian Studies Major, contact the following staff member.

TJ Cusack is the senior manager of administration.
Email: 

The following staff member leads the Italian program.

Patricia Melzer is chair. 
Phone: 215-204-8249 
Email:  

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

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Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by immersing yourself in Italian culture at the university’s campus in . A top destination for college students studying abroad, the country is a world hub for art and architecture, culture, food, and more.Ìý

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information