Program Overview

Introduction to the Italian Program

The Italian program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Italian language, culture, and literature. Italian is a Romance language that is the most direct descendant of Latin, and it is a language of global communication, business, technology, and the arts.

Global Communication

Italian is widely spoken in Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, and southern Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, France, and is also spoken by millions of people in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and Chile.

Business and Technology

With over 1,000 Italian companies operating in the U.S. and 7,000+ American companies in Italy, knowing Italian can open the door to careers in business, finance, marketing, public relations, computer technology, and robotics.

The Arts

In literature, painting, architecture, music, and cinema, countless masterpieces have been produced by Italians, from Dante and Giotto to Verdi and Fellini. Understanding Italian culture and language is a key to a career in the arts and entertainment.

Program Details

• The Italian major or minor pairs well with almost any other area of study, from computer science to theater to history and everything in between.
• Double majors are common.
• Non-degree and auditors are welcome.
• The average student to teacher ratio in UWM's Italian courses is 9:1, providing students with personalized attention and the opportunity to form tight bonds with their fellow students and instructors.

Career Outcomes

Italian affiliated companies are found in the environmental protection, air and water quality control, transportation, culinary arts, fashion, interior design, and graphic design industries. A degree in Italian is excellent preparation for a career in international affairs, international trade, or foreign service.

Student Resources

• Advising: Understand who your advisors are and the ways they help you successfully navigate college life.
• Italian Courses: See all the options for electives and upcoming courses.
• Scholarships & Awards: Understand how to create a scholarship application and sources of funding.
• Related Programs: There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of World Languages & Cultures that cover global topics.
• Academic Help: Tutoring, accommodations, mentor programs, and more.
• Career Resources & Job Outcomes: See what our alumni have done with their World Languages & Cultures degrees.
• Student Organizations: Find friends with similar interests through career-oriented organizations, social clubs, and community activities.
• Honors: Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
• Study Abroad: Opportunities abound around the world for students to live and study outside of the U.S. for a few weeks, a semester, or a full year.
• Internships: Experience matters just as much as a degree. Learn about international internships and domestic internships with international companies for students in World Languages & Cultures.
• Retro Credits: Students who place beyond the first-semester of a language can earn up to 16 retroactive credits, depending on the language.

Major or Minor in Italian

• Italian, BA: Major, On Campus
• Italian, Minor: Minor, On Campus

Declaration

To declare an Italian major or minor, select the declaration that's right for you and follow the instructions on how to declare and what to expect.

Campus Resources

Enhance your college experience and unlock even more opportunities on campus. Start career planning, participate in wellness activities, conduct cutting-edge research, and more.