BA in Italian Studies

Declare your BA in Italian studies today!

Discover Italian Studies at the University of Minnesota

A BA in Italian Studies at the University of Minnesota opens the door to one of the world’s richest cultural traditions—while equipping you with the skills to thrive in today’s global society. Our interdisciplinary program explores Italian and Italian-American literature, film, culture, and history, connecting the past with the present and the classroom with the world.

From the Middle Ages to today, you’ll dive into topics such as:

  • The history of Italian food (with tastings included!)
  • Sports, economy, and society
  • Migration, identity, and belonging
  • Gender, politics, and cultural exchange
  • Representations of Italy and Italian America in film, literature, and the arts
  • Italian cinema and media and their influence on global visual culture
  • Afro-Italian literature, with a focus on writers of East African heritage (Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea)

Why Italian Studies?

Studying Italian goes beyond learning a language—it’s about building cultural fluency, sharpening critical thinking, and developing communication skills that translate across disciplines and professions. These strengths are invaluable in today’s job market and in the life of global citizens eager to explore the world and engage with diverse perspectives.

Our graduates have gone on to careers in:

  • Fashion, film, art, and design
  • International business, diplomacy, and NGOs
  • Tourism and culinary arts
  • Architecture, music, and art restoration
  • Education, research, and development

Italy’s global impact is unmatched—from Leonardo da Vinci to Armani, from opera to cinema, from Renaissance city-states to today’s global economy. With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, Italy also leads in international trade, sustainability, and cultural innovation. Rome itself hosts organizations addressing food security, conservation, climate change, cinema, and television.

Your Experience at UMN

At the University of Minnesota, your Italian journey begins with dynamic language study supported by cutting-edge technology—including collaborations with students in Italy—and expands into courses across literature, film, history, and cultural studies.

Our program combines wide horizons with a close-knit community. Small class sizes mean you’ll build lasting connections with professors, language specialists, and fellow students. We prioritize accessibility, student-centered learning, and a supportive atmosphere—so every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

The only requirement is curiosity and a desire to discover. What you’ll gain is the confidence to engage with the world in high spirits, with openness and resourcefulness, becoming a global citizen at home in any setting and ready to embrace whatever life brings. Whether your passion is food and fashion, cinema and the arts, or politics and global economy, Italian Studies offers an engaging pathway to broaden your perspective and strengthen your academic profile.

Sign up for Italian language classes, find your academic home, and embark on an exciting journey through Italy’s history, culture, and society.

Full Requirements