The academic study of humanities provides students with a broad understanding of many key areas of human history and culture. This can include studies in the visual and performing arts, history, and literature, as well as the teaching of critical thinking and rhetoric skills.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.

A master’s program is a focused degree that requires about two years of classwork, research, and possibly a thesis paper to earn. This advanced program of study allows students to further specialize their schooling in an area that interests them.