Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
Spanish, Italian & Portuguese

Introduction to the Major

Italy — birthplace of the Renaissance and a global reference point for fashion, cuisine and the arts — played a central role in shaping the modern world. Thomas Jefferson made Italian one of the first languages taught at UVA, a legacy the Department of Italian Studies proudly continues. Students majoring in Italian study the language and culture while developing critical tools to analyze Italy’s cultural, political and socio-economic position in a global context. Courses integrate ethical uses of AI and multimedia, with an emphasis on experiential learning. Study abroad programs in Florence and Siena, and UVA’s connection with its Tuscan sister city, Poggio a Caiano, open a world of opportunity. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Italian Studies is designed for students seeking in-depth knowledge of Italy’s language, culture and history. It is ideal for those entering professional fields such as diplomacy, engineering and fashion where there are many opportunities to work or study in Italy. Students should begin Italian language training in their first year.

The Minor in Italian Studies is ideal for students who wish to enhance their studies of another discipline with knowledge of Italian language and culture. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Prepare for study abroad with ITTR 1150: Living in Italy — a J-Term course on Grounds.
  • Live and breathe Italian at the Italian Corner at Shea House.
  • Write for La Vendemmia — the Italian Studies Program’s own student newsletter.
  • Gain teaching experience and course credit through the Peer Tutoring Clinic. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • CEO, Sabra Creative
  • Professor, UC Berkeley
  • Director of Admissions, Johns Hopkins University
  • Football Coach, SISSPORT
  • Director, Société Générale
  • Experiential Production Director, IRIS North America 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • Georgetown University, Law
  • George Washington University, International Affairs
  • Yale University, Comparative Literature
  • University of Southern California, Film & Television Production
  • University of Virginia, Education
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, Fine Arts 

“Choosing to major in Italian has been one of the most rewarding parts of my education at UVA. I have gained a deep understanding of Italian culture and language that has strengthened my critical thinking and world view.”

Clara Grimmelbein, Class of 2026

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

Italian BA
First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Begin the Italian language sequence — aim to complete it by the end of your second year. 
    • Explore ITTR courses or courses with a strong Italian focus that can count toward the major. 
    • Review Italian Studies major and College requirements with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
    • Attend Conversazione e Colazione — the Italian Studies Program’s weekly informal conversation hour. 
    • Attend talks and events hosted by the Italian Studies Program and Italian Honor Society. 
    • Meet with Italian Studies Peer Tutors to sharpen your language skills. 
  • Build
    • Sign up for the Italian Studies mailing list to stay connected with events and opportunities. 
    • Attend meetings and events with the Italian Honor Society. 
    • Visit an Italian Studies professor during office hours to learn about their research. 
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Complete your Italian language sequence and progress to coursework in Italian literature, film and culture. 
    • Visit the International Studies Office to explore study abroad options in Florence, Siena or Bocconi in Milan. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Join the Italian Honor Society and take on a more active role in the Italian Studies community. 
    • Write for or contribute to La Vendemmia — the Italian Studies Program’s newsletter. 
    • Apply for the Lola Pelliccia Undergraduate Essay Prize — open to students in 1000-2000 level courses. 
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Meet with Italian Studies faculty to discuss career and study opportunities in Italy, and begin building a resume. 
    • Become a member of the National Italian American Foundation to access scholarships and career resources. 
    • Explore student programs at the Fralin Museum of Art if your interests span Italian culture and the arts. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on 3000-level Italian language coursework — a core requirement of the major, with some courses available exclusively in Siena. 
    • Take upper-division electives taught in Italian or pursue an independent study. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
  • Explore
    • Discuss the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) with your advisor — a chance to produce original scholarship in Italian. 
    • Consider a semester or summer in Florence or Siena — apply for an IWL Study Abroad Scholarship to help fund your trip. 
    • Apply for the Lola Pelliccia Prize — open to students in 3000-4000 level courses. 
  • Build
    • Seek a leadership role in the Italian Honor Society. 
    • Apply to become a peer tutor in the Italian Language Program. 
    • Join the editorial board of La Vendemmia. 
    • Build close relationships with professors — they will write recommendation letters for post-graduate applications. 
  • Prepare
    • Research grants to study and teach in Italy through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development. 
    • Research the CELI or CILS Italian language certification as a professional qualification. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses. 
    • Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and Italian Studies requirements. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Apply for the Distinguished Undergraduate Award from the Institute of World Languages. 
    • Present your research at the World Languages Student Colloquium. 
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Line up letters of recommendation early — giving faculty necessary materials and sufficient notice. 
    • Apply for a Fulbright grant to study or teach in Italy after graduation through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development. 
    • Use Handshake and other job boards to search for opportunities. 
    • Meet employers at Career Info Sessions through the UVA Career Center.