The B.A. in Italian is designed for students eager to develop linguistic fluency and high levels of cultural proficiency in Italian while honing their critical and analytical thinking skills. Throughout the program, our students immerse themselves in Italian culture through the study of art, literature, film, music, popular culture, history, and regional culture.
The program cultivates students' ability to delve into Italy's vast cultural legacy while developing critical perspectives on global issues. Through rigorous study, students explore the interplay between language and community, the challenges of cultural preservation, and the evolving role of regional traditions in our increasingly interconnected world. This approach equips graduates with the tools to analyze and engage with complex cultural dynamics in local, national, and global contexts.
Students choosing to complete a B.A. in Italian have many personal and professional opportunities available to them, including careers in international business, fashion, translation and interpretation, tourism and hospitality, arts and entertainment, public relations, and government and non-government organizations, among others. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in various fields. Students seeking a career in education (grades 7-12) should select the B.S. in Italian.
Careers
Skills in linguistic and intercultural proficiency are valued in today's global marketplace and vital to fields such as tourism and hospitality, civil services, international business and finance, international education, advertising and marketing. From enhancing guest experiences to facilitating international trade, from crafting culturally sensitive campaigns to managing diverse workforces, proficiency in Italian language and culture can open doors to rewarding careers across various sectors, both locally and globally.
Typical Job Titles
- Translator/ Interpreter
- Localization Specialist
- Marketing Specialist for Italian Brands
- Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
- Tourism and Hospitality Manager
- Food and Wine Industry Specialist
- Cultural Events Coordinator
- Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
- Social Media Specialist for Italian markets
- International Student Services Coordinator
- Study Abroad Advisor
Scholarships
Several dedicated scholarships are available for students pursuing a B.A. or a B.S. in Italian, with additional scholarship possibilities for all students in World Languages.
- Paolo & Rosa Giordano Endowed Scholarship
- Dominick and Maria Barbiero Mastrianni Memorial Scholarship
- Italian American Historical Society Endowed Scholarship
- Michael Vena Endowed Scholarship
- Rita and Ubaldo Tamburri Endowed Scholarship for Italian Studies
Study Abroad in Italy
The Italian Program offers an immersive four-week Summer Study Abroad experience in the picturesque town of Montepulciano, Italy. This program provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their language skills, deepen their cultural understanding, and earn academic credits while living in the heart of Tuscany. Students engage in intensive language courses, explore Italian art and history, and experience daily life in a charming medieval town. This transformative journey combines classroom learning with cultural excursions, allowing students to fully embrace the Italian way of life.
Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian Honor Society
Membership in the SCSU chapter of Gamma Kappa Alpha, the National Italian Honor Society, encourages students to gain a deeper understanding of Italy's language and culture by recognizing academic excellence. Italianissimi, SCSU’s Italian club, offers a variety of extracurricular activities to engage with Italian culture, from film screenings and language tutoring to talks by internationally renowned scholars and trips to NYC, bocce matches, and scopa nights. Vi aspettiamo!
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
World Languages and Literatures
Contact
Dr. Miaowei Weng