M.A./Ph.D. Program

The deadline for applications for admission in Fall 2009 is December 19, 2008.

Download Application Instructions: [doc format]
Download Graduate Brochure: [pdf format] [doc format]

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 combined M.A./Ph.D. program includes a M.A. phase and a Ph.D. phase, and encourages innovative work that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. We urge students to take advantage of Designated Emphases and other related programs at Berkeley, as well as opportunities for study abroad through exchanges with Italian universities.

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.

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.

You will find more information about requirements and timelines, as well as opportunities for fellowships and teaching, in the downloadable brochure and in the graduate student section of our site.

Please note that students are admitted to the M.A./Ph.D. program only; there is no freestanding M.A. program.  Students may apply for either the M.A./Ph.D. program or the Ph.D. only, depending on their qualifications.  For example, if you already have a Master's degree or equivalent, you may apply to enter the Ph.D. phase directly.  If you are uncertain which is appropriate to you, please consult with the Graduate Adviser.

Graduate Diversity information is available from the College of Letters and Science. Prospective, new, and continuing students are encouraged to contact Josephine Moreno, Graduate Diversity Outreach Coordinator for the Arts & Humanities.

Visit the Graduate Division site for online applications and further information about graduate admission and fellowship opportunities.  The online application will be available in early September.  Paper applications are available in late September from the Graduate Assistant.  In addition to the requirements of the Graduate Division, the Department also requires the GRE and a writing sample that demonstrates your analytic and academic abilities. Please be sure to read the application instructions before you submit your application.