B.A. in Italian

Overview

The ability to communicate in Italian is an important asset in global business, the travel industry, fashion and design, scientific communities, and international aid organizations. When you graduate, you want to be confident in your ability to speak and understand Italian. At URI, our department places a high value on helping you become proficient, so that you will be able to use your language skills in whatever professional field you choose.

Knowledge of the Italian language gives you access to many of the West’s most celebrated cultural achievements and connects you to a vital contemporary society. Italian is a primary language for art history, fashion, design, music, cinema, philosophy, literature, and archaeology. Italy is on the forefront of technological innovation in the field of infrastructure design, naval and aerospace engineering, and pharmaceutical and biomedical research.

The Italian program at URI is the largest undergraduate program in the U.S. in terms of the number of majors.

URI’s Signature International Programs are unique because they combine Italian language proficiency with superior preparation in these fields.

Why Italian at URI?

Personal Attention

The Italian program at URI is the largest undergrduate program in the U.S. by the number of majors. As an Italian student at URI, you’ll work with talented faculty who are truly interested in your success. Whether you choose an Italian major, minor, or dual degree program, you’ll receive personal advising to make sure you get the most out of your time here. And we can’t wait to share our passion for the Italian language and culture with you.

Experience That Will Get You Hired

We offer internships at global companies in Italy for students of International Engineering, Business, and Pharmacy programs. We have affiliated study abroad programs in Rome, Venice, Florence, Ferrara, and Syracuse; an exchange program with the University of Calabria; a Summer Program in Calabria; and teaching internships in secondary schools in Lombardy, Italy.


A Renaissance Country

...on the Forefront of New Technology

International Engineering Program

Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan

Photograph by Massimiliano Donghi

Careers

In today’s global society, there is an increasing demand for bilingual students in the job market. Since Italy is one of the top four economic powers of Europe and a member of the influential G8 nations, an Italian major allows students to compete successfully in today’s economy and secure excellent positions with Italian, American, or international business, government, or educational groups.

  • Fashion and Design
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Automotive Industry
  • Computer and Software Firms
  • Communications and Media
  • Engineering Firms
  • Food and wine industries
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Public Relations Firms
  • Restaurants and Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Teaching