The department has more than thirty students in the various programs and fields. The academic needs of individual students are met through regular advising and close work with members of the faculty. The aim is to provide a meaningfully adjusted program in light of the different individual interests and strengths that graduate students bring to the department.
Teaching is an integral part of graduate education in Italian studies.
All Ph.D. and some M.A. students teach language and culture courses in the undergraduate program. Graduate students also are often offered the possibility of teaching in the summer program both in New York and in Florence. Student involvement in the program includes the Graduate Students Association which sponsors departmental as well as interdisciplinary colloquia, parties, and meetings on professional matters such as placement and publication. The department and New York University s Office of Career Planning and Placement work closely with students in exploring career directions and in locating suitable positions. Graduates regularly have found teaching posts at colleges and universities as well as jobs in the public and private sectors.