Italian Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in a comprehensive exploration of the Italian language, its historical development, and its cultural significance across time and geography. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic precision, literary analysis, and practical application, preparing learners to navigate both academic and professional environments with fluency and cultural insight.
- Philology: The study of language in written historical sources, focusing on the evolution of Italian from Latin roots and its transformation through centuries of literary and social change.
- Regional Dialects: In-depth examination of Italy’s diverse linguistic landscape, including major regional variations and their sociolinguistic contexts.
- Literary Traditions: Analysis of key works from Italian literature across periods, from Dante and Petrarch to modern and contemporary authors, with attention to form, theme, and cultural impact.
- Language in Professional Contexts: Application of Italian language skills in real-world domains such as international business, scientific research, diplomacy, and technology sectors.
- Cultural Studies: Investigation of Italian art, cinema, philosophy, and societal values as integral components of language mastery and global communication.
Italian Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Italian Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Italian Language and Literature degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Salary Comparison
Italian Language and Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,357 in Mississippi to $92,850 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,147,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Italian Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 80 institutions offering Italian Language and Literature programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Italian Language and Literature is found at Pasadena City College (PCC) (47 graduates), University of Notre Dame (ND) (16 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (14 graduates), Middlebury College (12 graduates), and University of Arizona (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 334 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
47 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1440-1540 ACT: 33-35 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
14 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1430-1550 ACT: 33-34 |
Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Vassar College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1435-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Poughkeepsie, New York | Private | vassar.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1120-1320 ACT: 26-31 |
Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 29-34 |
Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Smith College |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1408-1540 ACT: 32-34 |
Northampton, Massachusetts | Private | smith.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1240-1410 ACT: 29-32 |
Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| DePauw University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1140-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Greencastle, Indiana | Private | depauw.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 33-34 |
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| College of the Holy Cross |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1250-1420 ACT: 28-32 |
Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | holycross.edu |
| Mount Holyoke College (MHC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1350-1500 ACT: 31-33 |
South Hadley, Massachusetts | Private | mtholyoke.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Santa Clara University (SCU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1340-1500 ACT: 30-33 |
Santa Clara, California | Private | scu.edu |
| Southwestern College (SWC) |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Chula Vista, California | Public | swccd.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1260-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Bryn Mawr College |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1300-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania | Private | brynmawr.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1410-1530 ACT: 32-34 |
Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Palomar College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Trinity College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1310-1460 ACT: 30-33 |
Hartford, Connecticut | Private | trincoll.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1390-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Dominican University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 934-1140 ACT: 17-22 |
River Forest, Illinois | Private | dom.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 28-33 |
Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Kenyon College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1360-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Gambier, Ohio | Private | kenyon.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1150-1375 ACT: 26-31 |
Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| De Anza College |
Other Award
|
1 | N/A | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Other Award
|
1 | N/A | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Pitzer College (PZ) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Claremont, California | Private | pitzer.edu |
| San Diego Mesa College |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | San Diego, California | Public | sdmesa.edu |
| West Valley College (WVC) |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Saratoga, California | Public | westvalley.edu |
| Fairfield University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 29-32 |
Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | fairfield.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Salem State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | SAT: 990-1160 | Salem, Massachusetts | Public | salemstate.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Drew University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 25-31 |
Madison, New Jersey | Private | drew.edu |
| Barnard College |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1453-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
New York, New York | Private | barnard.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
1 | SAT: 1210-1470 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | SAT: 1100-1320 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| Nazareth University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1170-1330 ACT: 25-30 |
Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| Lake Erie College (LEC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 945-1115 ACT: 18-24 |
Painesville, Ohio | Private | lec.edu |
| Temple University |
Other Award
|
1 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| University of Dallas (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1170-1370 ACT: 25-32 |
Irving, Texas | Private | udallas.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | ACT: 18-24 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Italian Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Italian Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Italian Language and Literature graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $92,850 compared to $48,357 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,147,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Italian Language and Literature programs?
Currently 80 accredited institutions offer Italian Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pasadena City College (PCC) (47 graduates), University of Notre Dame (ND) (16 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (14 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Italian Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 620 in 2010 to a peak of 406 in 2020, before declining slightly to 334 in 2023-24. This represents a 46% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Italian Language and Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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