M.A./Ph.D. Program

The deadline for applications for admission in Fall 2012 is Dec. 14, 2011.

The Department of Italian Studies is committed to the interdisciplinary study of Italian literature and culture, and its diverse faculty includes scholars of literature, history, music, anthropology, art history, and cinema. Our special strengths are in medieval and early modern literature and culture, nineteenth and twentieth century literature and culture, feminist theory, Fascism and culture, literary and cultural theory, anthropology, historiography, gender studies, national and regional identity politics, comparative studies with other Romance traditions, and travel literature.

The M.A. phase is designed to provide students with a broad base in Italian literature and culture, before they go on to more specialized work toward the Ph.D.  Master's students typically complete two years of coursework, and undergo a review at the end of four semesters. The review includes a written M.A. examination, as well as an evaluation of the written work produced during this phase.

Note that we do not accept applications for an MA-only degree. It is also important to note that University policy prevents us from considering applicants who already hold a doctoral degree in any subject, whether obtained at a US institution or abroad. Applicants holding a Bachelor degree, Master degree or Italian Laurea are all considered for admission to the Ph.D. program.

The Ph.D. phase gives students the opportunity to work across disciplines and fashion their own version of interdisciplinary Italian Studies. A special feature of this phase are the two tutorials undertaken in the final year of coursework. These tutorials allow students to work closely with faculty members who represent their areas of specialization, and provide the basis for the Qualifying Examination.  Two years of coursework are typically required in this phase, which culminates in the writing of a Dissertation.

If you intend to apply for the Fall 2012 application cycles, please read these instructions.

Visit the Graduate Division site for further information about graduate admission, fellowship opportunities, and details for international applicants.  The application cycle opens in early September.

Graduate Diversity is a priority at UC Berkeley. Prospective, new, and continuing students are encouraged to contact Josephine Moreno, the Graduate Diversity Outreach Coordinator for Arts & Humanities.