Italian Studies

Learn the language. Love the culture. Live the passion.

Combine creativity, culture, and real-world relevance in a minor that’s both practical and inspiring. 

Why study Italian?

Cultural significance

Italian opens the door to world-renowned art, music, film, and cuisine—offering a deeper connection to one of the most influential cultures in the world.

Global presence

Spoken in Italy, Switzerland, and communities worldwide, Italian connects you to a broad cultural and international network.

Accessible learning

A phonetic and expressive language that is approachable and enjoyable to learn, helping you build confidence quickly.

Historical influence

Explore a rich legacy that has shaped Western art, architecture, literature, and design.

Meaningful experiences

Enhance travel, cultural engagement, and personal enrichment through language.

smiling woman riding in bus

Why SDSU?

An interdisciplinary program with cultural experiences and study abroad opportunities that build language skills and global awareness.

Student Opportunities

Il Circolo italiano - Italian Club at SDSU

Il Circolo italianoNel Circolo Italiano cerchiamo di promuovere la conoscenza della cultura italiana fra gli studenti della lingua italiana a San Diego State University. Avremo guest speakers, cibo italiano autentico, informazioni su viaggi studio in Italia e l'opportunita` di migliorare il vostro italiano attraverso incontri con persone della communita` italiana di San Diego. Venite al nostro circolo ad apprezzare la cultura italiana con noi!!! A presto!

The "Circolo Italiano" tries to promote a better understanding of Italian culture to students of the Italian language at San Diego State University. We will have guest speakers, authentic Italian food, information on study abroad programs in Italy, and the chance to improve your Italian speaking skills by meeting with local San Diegans who enjoy studying Italian as well! Feel free to come to our Circolo and enjoy the Italian culture with us! See you soon! 

Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Facebook (@CircoloItalianoSDSU) | Instagram (@CircoloitalianoSDSU)

GKA - Gamma Kappa Alpha - National Italian Honor Society

GKA Gamma Kappa AlphaSDSU has a Gamma Kappa Alpha National Italian Honor Society Chapter and a Gamma Kappa Alpha Award Scholarship. The initials signify "Knowledge and Virtue." The Gamma Kappa Alpha acknowledges superior scholastic performance in the field of Italian language, literature and culture, and is the only National Italian Honor Society in the United States and Canada. The Society encourages college students to acquire a greater interest in, and a deeper understanding of, Italian culture, art and history. The organization recognizes outstanding undergraduate scholarship in the field of Italian by awarding annually the Gamma Kappa Alpha Award for Scholarship.

Any senior or junior with at least a "B" average in Italian is eligible. Students must have taken at least five courses in Italian total, including two at SDSU, and one of which must be at the advanced level. Students must also be in the upper 35% of their class. New members are inducted in the spring semester and receive a certificate of recognition and a special honors cord to be worn at graduation.

All students who think they might qualify are highly encouraged to contact the chapter academic advisor, Professor Clarissa Clò, for more information.

Advising

Clarissa Clò, Program Director/Advisor
Office: SH 226C
Email: [email protected]

Important Links

Class Schedule | SDSU Catalog | Academic Calendar | Canvas

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Give to Italian Studies

Denise Cacho, Linguistics and Studio Art

What Our Students Say

Learning a language opens up a part of your brain, a unique part of your brain, to be able to understand and accept many parts of the culture that you're in. Growing up bilingual, with Italian and Spanish in San Diego... For me, learning languages was a priority.
Denise Cacho, Linguistics and Studio Art '14