Dedman College Majors

Besides mastering the language (most courses are taught in Italian), you will delve into the works of modern and contemporary Italian authors. Additional courses, such as Italian culture, art history, history, and Italian cinema, and our state-of-the-art language labs enrich the experience. Study abroad through the SMU-in-Italy program is strongly recommended to gain a full understanding of Italian life.

Degree Highlights

B.A. in Italian Area Studies
Minimum 35 term hours of courses, including second-year Italian, 15 hours of advanced Italian courses, and 12 hours of related courses

Minor in Italian Area Studies
Minimum 20 term hours, including second-year Italian, 6 hours of advanced Italian courses, and 6 hours of area studies courses

Minor in Italian
Minimum 20 term hours, including second-year Italian and 12 hours of advanced Italian courses

Related majors and minors

Italian area studies majors often double-major in subjects such as art history, film, history, and political science. Preparation for teacher certification is available through the Center for Teacher Education.

Careers

With their multilingual proficiency, Italian area studies graduates can successfully pursue careers in a number of popular professions, such as foreign service, international business and law, advertising, tourism, social work, and education.

Faculty

Interaction with students is emphasized by professors. They are always approachable and responsive to your goals. Faculty members are experts in their respective specializations and create a consistently innovative, flexible curriculum.

Internships & Study Abroad

Dedman College students get paid internships through the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Students majoring in Italian area studies may be eligible to earn up to three (3) graded credits toward their degrees by enrolling for unpaid, faculty-directed internships through the Dedman College Internship Program.

What better way to immerse yourself in the traditions and thought of Italy than the SMU Study Abroad Program? SMU-in-Italy, Archaeology-in-Italy, and SMU-in-Rome and Bologna are summer programs that allow you to earn credit while experiencing the rich Italian language, history, and culture.