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WELCOME TO JCU
John Cabot University is an accredited American liberal arts university in the heart of Rome.
We prepare students for success by providing an international undergraduate experience in an inclusive liberal arts environment.
1,800 Students from 75+ Countries
Small Classes
Taught in English
Networking and Career Opportunities
Merit- and Need-Based Scholarships
Fully Furnished Apartments
Enrollment Profile
Our multilingual and diverse community offers students unique opportunities to explore, learn, innovate, and build valuable personal and professional networks.
1,800 Students Countries 75 +
Majors & Minors
JCU provides flexibility with your academic journey and encourages you to customize it by combining options from 15 majors and 23 minors.
15 Bachelor’s Degrees
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Business Administration
Economics and Finance
International Business
Marketing
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Communications
International Affairs
Political Science
Psychological Science
HUMANITIES
Art and Design
Art History
Classical Studies
English Literature History
Humanistic Studies
Italian Studies
23 Minors
All majors, except for International Business, are also offered as minors.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Computer Science
Entrepreneurship
Mathematics
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Digital Media Arts and Production
Gender Studies
Legal Studies
Sociology
HUMANITIES
Creative Writing
Philosophy
Academics
Degree Programs
Faculty
Academic Support Library
CLASSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
CLASSES MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
Our Bachelor of Arts degree programs provide unique academic content by blending the tradition of US higher education within a European framework. This prepares students for graduate studies and career opportunities worldwide.
Our professors are known for their innovative teaching methods and dedication to student learning, development, and growth. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and individual support from professors. Over 90% of full-time faculty at JCU hold PhDs.
Professors and academic advisors offer mentorship, guiding students to excel throughout their academic journey. Tutoring services are available to support students’ performance in foreign languages, mathematics, and writing.
JCU’s Frohring Library has one of the most comprehensive academic English-language collections in Italy. Our library staff offers research guidance and assistance, with access to over 70,000 physical and digital resources.
ADVISING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAM
John Cabot Voices
Anita Finco, Italy
“I’m from Udine, Italy, and I majored in International Affairs and double minored in Economics and Legal Studies. Coming from a small town, John Cabot University exposed me to a diverse and inclusive environment that I had never experienced. The small and seminar-based classes allow for the discussion and development of ideas throughout the college experience. This experience is truly unique and life-altering. JCU taught me that change is positive and necessary in life. I am looking forward to all the new adventures that postgraduate life will bring me! “
Carlos Santander, Chile
“Originally from Chile, I am majoring in International Business. A small school appealed to meJCU is a community in the sense that everybody knows each other, and you can easily make friends. As Vice President of JCU’s Student Government, we’re a diverse cabinet, with people from all over the world. We all have different views and experiences, which provide a rich environment. We work well because of our multicultural nature, representing the internationality of JCU students.”
Courtney Nicole Smith, USA
"I'm originally from the United States. My major at JCU was International Affairs, with a double minor in Communications and Legal Studies. My biggest takeaway from JCU, and my favorite thing it taught me, is how to take a passion and turn it into a future life career option, and for that, I am forever grateful."
Cara Quinn, USA Parent
"When our son Luca got accepted to John Cabot University in Rome, we arranged a visit to JCU and its astounding campus, which left us feeling content about the university and what it had to offer to Luca. He had been accepted to several colleges here in the United States, and yet, my husband and I wanted Luca to be the one to decide his future. And he did! Luca wished to experience a different country and culture and pursue his degree with a global perspective. His final decision was to attend John Cabot University and its highly regarded Guarini School of Business. He said it was where he would grow the most, and we couldn’t be any prouder of him! Now, we are the overjoyed parents of a first-year JCU degree-seeking student who is experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime in the heart of Rome. John Cabot University is providing our son with an unparalleled and international college education, leading him to grow into a global citizen of the world. Luca made the right choice for himself, and we believe it will be the right choice for your child, too."
Business administration Economics and Finance
Mary Merva, USA
Professor of Economics,
Vice President of Academics
B.A., California State University, Long Beach, 1982
M.A., Rutgers University, 1985
Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1989
CFA, 2006
Studying Economics and Finance in a liberal arts university offers two considerable advantages: solid analytical skills on which to build mathematical and statistical knowledge, and an understanding of human dynamics for interpreting current and future scenarios.
REQUIREMENTS
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Intermediate Macroeconomics or International Economics
- Statistics II
- Econometrics
- Applied Data Analytics or Applied Economics
- Finance
- History of Economic Thought or Business Ethics
- Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
- Research Seminar in Economics and Finance
Alessandro Feri, Italy
Assistant Professor of Marketing
B.A. (Hons), Edinburgh Napier University, 2015
PgCert, Edinburgh Napier University, 2017
Ph.D., Edinburgh Napier University, 2020
Classroom instruction combines theory and practice and is enriched with workshops, internships, guest lectures, and off-site visits. This inevitably helps students develop crucial soft skills: critical thinking, public speaking, analysis, teamwork, and flexibility.
REQUIREMENTS
- Business Communications
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Finance
- Legal Environment of Business
- Principles of Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Operations Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Strategic Management
International Business
Silvia Carnini Pulino, Argentina and Italy
Associate Professor of Business Administration, Director of Frank J. Guarini School of Business
B.A., Oxford University, 1985
M.A., Oxford University, 1986
M.B.A., Harvard Graduate School of Business, 1988
Our students can identify and seize opportunities with the skills they gain to interpret and understand the world. This is possible thanks to JCU’s practical approach and classroom interactions, where students and professors from all over the world come together.
REQUIREMENTS
- Business Communications or Italian for Business
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Finance
- International Business Law
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Organizational Behavior
- Operations Management
- International Business
- International Management or International Marketing
- International Business Seminar
ART HISTORY
Ian
Roberts, UK
Lecturer in Business Administration, Coordinator for AACSB Accreditation
B.Sc., University of Hull, UK, 1982
Executive MBA, University of Georgia, 2007
D.B.A., University of Manchester, 2015
Marketing students learn to excel in the business world. Their critical thinking and problem-solving skills - strategic for any successful career - are honed thanks to the international setting and hands-on approach JCU provides.
REQUIREMENTS
- Statistics II
- Business Communications
- Principles of Marketing
- Consumer Behavior
- Market and Marketing Research
- New Product Management or E-Marketing
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Strategic Marketing Management
Peter Sarram, Italy and Iran
Associate Professor of Communications and Media Studies
B.A., Boston College, 1986
M.A., Northwestern University, 1995
Ph.D., University of Milan, 2013
Studying Communications provides a strong practical approach to the learning experience. Our course of study is characterized by its emphasis on technology, its international outlook, and its excellent standards of written and oral communication.
REQUIREMENTS
- Public Speaking
- Introduction to Visual Communication
- Introduction to Cinema
- Media, Culture, and Society
- Foundations of Digital Video Production
- Writing Across the Media
- Digital Media Culture
- 300-level Communication and Media Studies course
- Advanced Communication Theory
- Senior Capstone Seminar
Silvia Scarpa, Italy
Associate Professor of International Relations
B.A., LUISS University, Rome, 2000
M.A., University of Rome "La Sapienza", 2002
Ph.D., University "Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna", Pisa, 2006
JCU’s international community provides a unique learning environment in which to study International Affairs. Our students enjoy global careers and work for United Nations organizations such as FAO and WFP.
REQUIREMENTS
- World Politics
- Introduction to Political Theory
- International Organizations
- Comparative Politics
- Nineteenth Century Europe and the World
- Twentieth Century Europe and the World
- Statistics I or Statistical Analysis for Political Science
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- International Economics
- Public International Law
- One 400-level Political Science course
- Writing Intensive Senior Semiar
Political Science
Michael Driessen, USA
Director of MA in International Affairs
Professor of Political Science
B.A., University of Portland, 2002
M.A., SAIS - Johns Hopkins University, 2005
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 2011
Rome is an international city steeped in rich historical, political, and religious traditions. JCU students immerse themselves in this environment under the guidance of renowned professors who prepare them for careers worldwide.
Paola Castelli, Italy
Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., University of Rome “La Sapienza,” 1998
Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 2009
Developing an awareness of oneself and what motivates human behavior is fundamental to thriving in the world of work, where diversity, integration, communication, and an understanding of others are increasingly important.
REQUIREMENTS
- World Politics
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- An additional 200-level or 300-level
Political Science course
One of the Following:
- Statistical Analysis for Political Science
- Social Science Research Methodology
- Philosophy of Social Science
- Statistics I
REQUIREMENTS
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Statistical Analyses of Psychological Data
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychobiology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Two 300-level Psychology courses from two of following areas: Cognitive, Psychobiological, Developmental, and Sociocultural
- One Psychology course from one of the following areas: Clinical Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Educational Psychology
- Senior Seminar in Psychology
Art History
Inge Lyse Hansen, Denmark
Associate Professor of Art History and Archaeology, Coordinator of Classical Studies
M.A., Edinburgh University, 1993
Ph.D., Edinburgh University, 2001
Students can count on a vast network of museums, libraries, art galleries, and academies for internships and job placements. They can also count on professors of international repute who mentor them.
REQUIREMENTS
- Foundations in Ancient Art
- Foundations in Medieval Art
- Foundations in Early Modern Art
- Foundations in Modern and Contemporary Art
- One Studio Art course
- Three 200-level or 300-level Art History or Archaeology courses in three of the following areas:
Ancient World, Medieval World, Early Modern World, Modern and Contemporary World
- Art Historical Thinking
- Research Practicum
- Senior Thesis
ClassicalHISTORY Studies
ART
Thomas Govero, USA
Lecturer in Classics
B.A., St. Louis University, 1962
M.A., University of Colorado at Boulder, 1972
Appreciating the wisdom of ancient civilizations helps us understand the human experience. The rigorous and interdisciplinary study of the classical world strengthens students’ critical thinking and allows them to become life-long learners.
REQUIREMENTS
Five Foundation Courses
- One History course
- One Art or Archaeology course
- One Classical Literature or Philosophy course
- Two courses in the same classical language
- Research and Writing in the Humanities
- Senior Thesis
(Choose Track A or Track B)
Track A: Classical Languages and Literature
- Two Language courses
- Two Literature courses
- One other course in Language or Literature
Track B: Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
- Two History courses
- Two Art and/or Archaeology courses
- One History, Art, or Archaeology course
English Literature
Alessandra Grego, UK and Italy
Associate Professor of English
B.A., University of Rome "La Sapienza," 1999
Ph.D., University of Rome "La Sapienza", 2003
Studying English Literature helps students become creative, rigorous learners and develops their social and political awareness. JCU professors, who are trained in the world’s best universities, serve as mentors to help students develop fully.
REQUIREMENTS
- Foundations of Literary Analysis
- Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theories
- American Literature
- English Literature I: Literary Beginning to Milton
- English Literature II: Enlightenment to Romanticism
- English Literature III: Victorians to Modernists
- Capstone Project
ART HISTORY
Tom Bailey, UK
Associate Professor of Philosophy
B.A., University of Oxford, 1996
M.A., University of Warwick, 1998
Ph.D., University of Warwick, 2003
The historical analysis, critical reading, research, and writing skills that students develop in this course of study are keys for understanding the increasing complexity of the contemporary world.
- Introduction to Western Civilization I
- Introduction to Western Civilization II
- Doing History
- The Long Term History of Globalization
- One 200-level or 300-level course in each of the following areas: Ancient History, Medieval History, Early Modern History, Modern History
- Research and Writing in the Humanities
- Senior Thesis
Humanistic Studies
Gene Ogle, USA
Associate Professor of History
B.A., Texas Tech University, 1993
M.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1999
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 2003
Humanistic Studies develops the creativity, flexibility, communication, and research skills that are in high demand in the world of work. Graduates enjoy careers in many fields, including art history, public relations, marketing, and publishing.
REQUIREMENTS
- Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
- Ethics
- Two of the following:
Doing History, Introduction to Art Historical Thinking, Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theories, Foundations in Critical Media Studies
- One Art History or Literature course
- Research and Writing in Humanities
- Senior Thesis
ART HISTORY Italian Studies
Federica Capoferri, Italy
Professor of Italian Language and Literature
B.A., University of Parma, 1993
M.A., University of Virginia, 1997
Ph.D., Columbia University, 2003
Students learn to critically assess ideas, challenges, and values linked to Italy’s cultural tradition in an international setting. The combination of theory and practice, knowledge and professional skills, opens up vast job opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced Italian I
- Advanced Italian II
- Introduction to Professional Translation
- Sociolinguistics: A Changing Language in a Changing Society
- Two Italian Literature courses
- Contemporary Italian Society or Italian Politics and Society
- Made in Italy
- Italian Media and Popular Culture or History of Italian Cinema
- Advanced Workshop in Italian Writing
- Research and Writing in Italian Studies
- Senior Thesis
ART AND DESIGN
James Gardner, Scotland
Associate Professor of Studio Art, B.A., Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen, UK
P.G.D.E., Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen, UK
REQUIREMENTS
- Foundations of 2D Art and Design
- Foundations of 3D Art and Design
- Foundations of 4D Art and Design
- Introduction to Visual Culture
- One Art History course
- Contemporary Art and Design Practice-Onsite
- Contemporary Art and Design Studio Practice l
- Contemporary Art and Design Professional Practice
- Research Methods and Practices
- Senior Capstone Exhibition I & II
GRADUATE STUDIES
JCU’s graduate programs provide a dynamic, globally-oriented education designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s interconnected world. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the programs combine rigorous academics with practical experience, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and leadership.
MASTER’S PROGRAMS
MA IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Students in the program deepen their expertise in international relations, gain hands-on experience through a professional internship, and complete a thesis. This 36-credit program combines intellectually stimulating coursework, practical experience, and access to diverse career opportunities, empowering students to advance their professional journey in unique and impactful ways.
MA IN ART HISTORY
Students are immersed in the arts of Rome, Italy, and the Mediterranean, gaining a comprehensive foundation in art-historical methods and practices through first-hand exploration of artworks, built environments, and archival documentation. The 36-credit program also provides opportunities for specialized study, culminating in an MA thesis and a professional internship tailored to students’ chosen focus areas, equipping them with the tools to excel in the field.
CAREER SERVICES CENTER
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our Center for Career Services offers internship opportunities, both for-credit and not-for-credit, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gain international work experience, and develop valuable employable skills.
CAREER FAIRS
The Center hosts two fairs per year, which serve as an opportunity for students and alumni to begin investigating their future careers, practice their interviewing skills, and gain valuable work experience with companies and organizations.
EVENTS AND TALKS
Every semester, the Center for Career Services hosts companies and alumni talks, organizes company visits, and offers career sessions to help students grow professionally.
STUDENT LIFE
ATHLETICS
On any given night of the week, the campus is alive with events and activities. From guest lectures with diplomats and authors to social events hosted by our student-led clubs, we have over 350 events every semester.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Our Community Service Program nurtures a sense of social responsibility and global citizenship. Students actively contribute to the Roman community by engaging in volunteer work with refugees, participating in our outreach program with local high schools, and more.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
Students have the opportunity to participate in our intramural sports programs, including soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Additionally, our fitness center offers a variety of exercise classes and recreational activities.
Students have the opportunity to develop their teamwork and leadership skills by participating in our 20+ student-led clubs and organizations, including Model United Nations, the Business Society, and the Newspaper Club.
Over 500 trips and activities are offered every year. We host a wide variety of events on campus and provide discounted tickets to performances, as well as organize cooking and olive oil tasting classes and weekend trips throughout Italy.
STUDENT SERVICES
HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Our Residential Life program provides a residential experience within an international community. All apartments come fully furnished with a kitchen, washing machine, linens, and basic kitchen supplies, along with dedicated staff, including Resident Assistants and Resident Directors, who are available to assist students with their housing needs at all times.
Our on-campus, English-speaking doctor is available to students multiple times a week and our on-call doctor is available 24/7. The Counseling Center provides confidential assistance for all types of situations. Students also have access to our campus psychiatrist for medication management.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
MEAL PLAN
The Tiber Café, John Cabot University’s cafeteria, offers a four-course buffet, salad station, gelato machine, and coffee bar. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every weekday and provides a variety of meal options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices.
In Rome, we prioritize situational awareness and sensible precautions for our students' safety. Our campuses and residences are guarded by dedicated security officers who work closely with local law enforcement and the US Embassy. International SOS provides crisis management assistance worldwide to all JCU students.
SAFETY
HOUSING OPTIONS
GIANICOLO RESIDENCE
Located just a short walk from the Guarini and Frohring Campuses, this residence features over 70 apartments, along with the JCU Housing and Residential Life office. Residents can enjoy amenities such as security guards on duty 24/7, regular cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning/heating.
Offers a prime location directly across from the Guarini Campus, providing students with the unique opportunity to live in a vibrant building complex alongside local Italian residents. Amenities include regular cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning/heating.
LUNGARA APARTMENTS
TRASTEVERE APARTMENTS
Home to approximately 150 JCU students, these apartments offer convenient access to the tram line and are just a 20-25 minute walk from our campuses. Students enjoy the unique experience of living alongside local Italian neighbors and benefit from amenities such as security guards on duty 24/7, regular cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning/heating.
Traditional Roman-style apartments available in the Fall and Spring semesters. These apartments offer the most authentic living experience in the heart of Trastevere.
NEIGHBORHOOD APARTMENTS
STUDY WITH A PURPOSE
INSTITUTE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The JCU Institute for Entrepreneurship provides a world-class entrepreneurial education, instilling a strong sense of social responsibility, and building an international network of researchers, practitioners, and leading innovation hubs.
JCU aims to engage and create a community that is knowledgeable, informed, and committed to sustainable development. We have created the Certificate in Sustainability, which provides students with multiple opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and to apply their knowledge and creativity to practical, impact-driven projects.
CERTIFICATE IN SUSTAINABILITY
TRIGGERING CHANGE PITCH
The triggering change pitch aims to develop a creative process for students that inspires action on sustainability. All students are welcome to participate and deliver a pitch with the goal to create a dialogue that will inspire the audience to help make the planet a better place.
Our environmental club is dedicated to educating students and faculty on environmental issues. They actively evaluate and provide suggestions to enhance our university’s sustainability efforts, striving to make our facilities greener and more eco-friendly.
DIRECT EXCHANGE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• California
• Florida
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Puerto Rico
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
ADMISSIONS
Online application or common application
Official transcripts/diploma of all secondary and post-secondary education
One (transfer students) or two (freshmen) letters of recommendation
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
85% of JCU students receive a JCU scholarship and/or grant
Generous and combinable merit-based and need-based scholarships awarded for Fall and Spring semesters
United States citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to borrow U.S. Federal direct loans and/or private student loans to help finance their studies at JCU
Veteran education benefits, including GI Bill® programs, may grant student tuition and fee payments as well as a monthly housing allowance and a book/supplies stipend
financialaid@johncabot.edu
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
TREVI FOUNTAIN
COLOSSEUM