The Italian Bachelor of Science program at Columbia University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with advanced proficiency in the Italian language, literature, and culture. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic mastery, literary analysis, and cultural understanding, enabling students to engage deeply with Italian and Italian-American texts, history, and media. Students develop critical thinking, communication, and interpretive skills, preparing them to analyze and understand Italian culture in both historical and contemporary contexts, while fostering global literacy and intercultural competence.
Columbia’s program combines classroom instruction with experiential learning, including opportunities for study abroad, translation practice, and research projects. Students explore the intersection of language, literature, and society, examining Italian literature, film, art, and social history. Faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration provide students with tools to conduct independent research, produce written and oral analyses, and engage critically with Italian and Francophone communities worldwide. Graduates gain both linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy, preparing them for careers in education, translation, media, and international relations
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Italian
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Language Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Italian Language and Culture
- Advanced Italian Grammar and Composition
- Introduction to Italian Literature and Culture
- Italian History and Society
- Cross-Cultural Communication
Year 2 – Intermediate Literary and Cultural Studies
- Italian Literary Traditions
- Italian and Italian-American Cultural Studies
- Translation and Interpretation
- Elective: Italian Film, Philosophy, or Art
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Contemporary Italian Literature and Media
- Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies
- Elective: Linguistics, Gender Studies, or Digital Humanities
- Independent Research Project
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Preparation
- Senior Thesis or Major Research Project
- Seminar in Advanced Italian Studies
- Professional Development and Internship
- Elective: Applied Linguistics or Cultural Policy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in education, international organizations, cultural institutions, translation, and media. Many work as Italian language instructors, translators, cultural program coordinators, or international relations specialists, applying linguistic and analytical skills in professional contexts. Others pursue graduate studies in Italian studies, comparative literature, linguistics, or international affairs, building on the program’s strong foundation in language, literature, and cultural analysis. The combination of advanced language proficiency, cultural literacy, and research experience equips graduates to engage professionally and academically with Italian and global communities.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who want to develop advanced Italian language skills while gaining deep cultural and literary expertise. Columbia University provides a dynamic academic environment with access to experienced faculty, rich library resources, and opportunities for study abroad and applied research. The four-year curriculum emphasizes linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and independent research, preparing graduates to pursue careers in education, translation, cultural engagement, and international contexts. For those passionate about Italian language and culture, this program provides the knowledge, skills, and professional network necessary to succeed and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
