Italian (BA, Minor)

The Italian major provides students the opportunity to study the rich language, vast history, and intriguing culture of the beautiful country of Italy. The mastery of spoken and written Italian is developed through the study of an evolving artistic tradition: Medieval literature and culture, Renaissance philosophy, modern Italian poetry and prose, contemporary cinema, and new media.

Students who choose this major often choose to double major within a different discipline such as humanities or social/natural science to build a holistic degree plan.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

Students seeking internships should consider the many opportunities offered abroad, such as through the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute, where internships are offered in a wide variety of fields.

Students can also hold internships in the Romance Languages department. Our internship program allows Italian majors to work with us as events planners and coordinators, creating opportunities for all students to practice the language they're studying and to learn more about the culture of the regions in which it is spoken.

Our Undergraduate Teaching Assistant program (UGTA) allows our majors to develop important skills by being in front of the classroom and getting a strong hands-on experience of what effective teaching and communication entail. We support our students' applications to teach abroad for a year and many have been chosen to teach in foreign countries where their language proficiency is valued.

We take advantage of opportunities the university provides for recognition of excellence by nominating students for awards, scholarships, and fellowships that can make a significant difference when they apply to graduate programs or for jobs. Because of our commitment, our students have won the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, Fulbright Scholarships, and numerous Foundation Awards at graduation.

Italian majors who wish to further their training and advance their career prospects can pursue an accelerated degree program to earn their BA in Italian and their MA or MPA in five years.

Many Italian majors choose to study abroad to immerse themselves in the target culture and language.

The faculty of the Italian program are outstanding educators and recognized scholars in their research fields, which include:

• Italian linguistics and rhetoric
• Italian and European history from 1800 through the present
• Italian lyric poetry
• Medieval science and magic
• Modern and contemporary film, literature, and culture
• The literature and historical influence of Dante Alighieri

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

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On campus, there’s always something to do, with 21 NCAA Division I teams and 450+ student-led clubs and organizations. Binghamton University is nestled in picturesque rolling hills just minutes from a vibrant downtown area where students can explore the arts, local restaurants, and professional sports. We are just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Toronto, and our award-winning career center connects students to opportunities around the country and around the world.

Binghamton offers countless resources to support students learning and excelling both within and outside of the classroom. Combined with an affordable price, Binghamton University consistently earns a best value ranking among US universities.