Certificate code CTITAL

College of Arts and Sciences
Modern Languages Department
Gordy Hall 283
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2765
Fax: 740.593.0729
modern.languages@ohio.edu
http://www.ohio.edu/modlang

Molly Morrison, certificate coordinator/contact person

Program Overview

The Department of Modern Languages offers a certificate in Italian studies designed as an interdisciplinary and complementary course of study for any undergraduate degree. The aim of the certificate in Italian studies is to provide an introduction to the very rich and varied culture of Italy and to explore it using a variety of disciplines and subjects. These subjects include literature, history, archeology, art, cinema, and political thought. Knowledge of the Italian language, both written and spoken, is an important tool for an understanding of Italian culture and is therefore a core element to in the certificate in Italian studies. Although it is not required, students pursuing the certificate are highly encouraged to participate in the Department of Modern Languages’ summer study abroad program in Florence, Italy.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students who pursue the Italian studies certificate are not limited to a specific career track. The ability to think analytically, communicate clearly, and understand people from diverse cultural backgrounds has served our graduates well in a wide range of professions. Our students discover that current job listings call for the types of abilities they have acquired through their liberal arts education: communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, a capacity for problem solving, and the ability to learn quickly. Many job listings include foreign language proficiency as a desirable or necessary tool.

In consultation with a faculty advisor and with the help of Ohio University Career Services, students approaching graduation can identify companies and organizations offering job opportunities that correspond to the student’s personal interests. When recent graduates can employ their marketable skills in the pursuit of an individual passion, they greatly enhance their chances for success, satisfaction, and lifelong rewards. Our students combine the Italian studies certificate along with their major. They come from various disciplines such as journalism, political science, education, sociology, or business, and then seek employment in print or broadcast media, government, teaching, social services, or industry. These students possess career-specific skills in addition to general knowledge and language proficiency.

Some of our students pursue internships, either in the US or abroad, in which they employ their foreign language skills in a professional capacity. Several of our Italian studies certificate recipients enter M.A. and Ph.D. programs, usually in another discipline, and go on to academic positions at universities. Others attend law school or medical school. Volunteer service abroad with organizations such as the Peace Corps provides training that can help a student identify a future career track.

Requirements