Getting Started

College: HFA

 (Revised March 2019)  

Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses.  More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses.  Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements. Guidelines for students are available at https://www.umass.edu/gened.  Students should choose a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

  • If a student has never encountered the language before: ITAL 110-120 or ITAL 126
  • If a student has done formal studies in the language, or has been exposed to it at home or abroad, they should contact the Undergraduate Program Director (UPD) prior to the beginning of the term to schedule a placement test and to discuss a plan of study.
  • Students who have taken AP Italian may receive up to six credits towards the degree.
  • Once a student has completed the elementary language classes (110, 120 or 126) or has passed a placement test, they should begin taking courses that will count towards the major, which may include ITAL 230, ITAL 240 or ITAL 246.
  • All majors should take ITAL 324 or ITAL 325, ITAL 371 and fulfill the remaining credits with electives.
  • Primary majors should also take ITAL 303 and ITAL 394MI (which count as electives).
  • Study abroad credits count towards the major and minor. Students should discuss their course plan with the UPD before traveling abroad.

How to Declare the Major

For current & admitted students:  This major is unrestricted, which means any student may declare the major. Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting.  Students may declare the major at any time and should contact the Undergraduate Program Director listed below for more information or to declare.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # of credits required: 36 (total credits may include ITALIAN 230, 240 or 246)

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

Is there a minor?
Yes! A minor is available.  Refer to the Minor page in the left menu bar to learn more.

For further information, contact:
Professor Cara Takakjian
315 Herter Hall
545-6707
ctakakjian@frital.umass.edu