BA in Italian
Murano, Italy
Cultivate expression. Discover heritage. Broaden your perspective.
Italian is one of the world’s most studied languages and a gateway to centuries of artistic, intellectual and cultural achievement. In the BA in Italian at the University at Buffalo, you will build advanced language skills while exploring literature, history and cultural traditions that continue to shape global design, architecture, philosophy and the arts.
This flexible degree supports careers that connect language, culture and global creativity.
The BA in Italian combines language mastery with cultural and intellectual exploration. Students strengthen communication skills while studying literature, history and cultural traditions that have influenced global art, architecture, philosophy and design.
Students choose this degree because it offers:
- Advanced language training that builds confidence in speaking, reading and writing
- Exploration of literature from Dante and Petrarch to contemporary writers
- Engagement with Renaissance and modern intellectual history
- Small, discussion-based classes that support close mentorship
- Flexibility to combine Italian with majors such as architecture, art history or business
Italian is especially valuable for students interested in the humanities, design, architecture, cultural work and international engagement.
The BA in Italian offers a flexible pathway that allows students to build strong language skills while exploring Italian culture across time and disciplines.
Highlights of the program include:
- Upper-level coursework in literature, linguistics and cultural studies
- Opportunities to explore Italian cinema, philosophy and intellectual history
- Advising support for students entering at different proficiency levels
- Study abroad opportunities that deepen language proficiency and cultural understanding
- Flexible degree planning that works well with double majors or minors
Global Pathway: Language and Culture
Nine credit hours in French can fulfill the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track. These courses can also count toward an Italian major or minor.
Students in the BA in Italian develop advanced language proficiency while building strong analytical and research skills.
You will learn to:
- Demonstrate advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Italian
- Conduct research using primary and secondary sources
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to cultural analysis
- Critically evaluate literary and cultural materials
- Communicate ideas clearly through written and oral work
These skills prepare students for careers that require cultural awareness, communication and critical thinking.
Curriculum overview
The Italian major builds gradually from language development into advanced cultural and literary study. Students begin at the level that matches their experience and progress toward more specialized coursework.
Students typically explore areas such as:
- Italian literature across historical periods
- Cultural and intellectual history
- Italian society and global cultural influence
- Film and cultural production
- Advanced communication and research
As students move into upper-level courses, they deepen their ability to interpret texts, analyze cultural contexts and conduct independent research.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in departmentally approved study abroad programs. Living and studying in Italy allows students to strengthen language proficiency while experiencing Italian culture firsthand.
In addition to study abroad, students may pursue:
- internships
- independent study
- research projects
- interdisciplinary coursework
These experiences help students apply language skills in real-world contexts.
The BA in Italian works especially well for students who want to combine language study with another field.
Double Majors
Love two subjects? You can major in both (like Italian and Classics) and graduate with one degree by completing the requirements for both programs.
Joint Majors
Want something more streamlined? A joint major lets you blend coursework from two programs without doubling up on everything. It's a smart choice.
Double Degrees
If you're up for a challenge, you can pursue two separate types of degrees—like a BA in Italian and a BS in Chemistry—and graduate with both and on time!
A BA in Italian prepares graduates for careers in fields where language and cultural knowledge matter.
Graduates pursue roles in:
- arts and cultural management
- architecture and design
- international business
- education
- translation and interpretation
- public service
Many students also continue their studies in graduate programs in humanities, law, education and international studies.
The BA in Italian combines linguistic precision with cultural depth. Whether your interests lie in art, history, design or global engagement, Italian strengthens your academic and professional path.
