Temple University Rome

Overview

Mission Statement

As one of the oldest and most prestigious U.S. university programs in Italy, Temple University Rome (TUR) prepares students to become global citizens by developing their cross-cultural, linguistic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Through a structured academic, social, and cultural framework that uses the city itself as a classroom, studio, and laboratory, TUR delivers an immersive educational experience grounded in high-quality instruction and experiential learning.

Consistent with Temple University's mission, the TUR campus fosters a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where students can learn, grow, and engage deeply with the local context through programming, activities, and partnerships that connect Temple University to the broader international community.

TUR serves as a strategic gateway between the University and Italy, Europe, and the world. It supports student and faculty recruitment, provides a platform for faculty research and collaboration, strengthens institutional partnerships across Italy and the EU, supports institutional advancement, and enhances the global visibility of Temple University.

Brief History

Since its beginning in 1966 as the Tyler School of Art in Rome with only 20 students, TUR now counts more than 12,000 alumni and offers a rich breadth of courses from most of Temple's schools and colleges providing students with opportunities for a balanced and globally shaped academic experience. The program combines a solid foundation in core academic disciplines with diverse, practical, and international experiences that foster students' adaptability, cross-cultural understanding, and worldview.

Study Abroad is at the heart of the TUR program. Students from every college of Temple University can study abroad with proper planning and coordination with their academic advisors. Students from any major may enroll in courses such as art history, architecture, communications, business, liberal arts, public health, natural sciences, engineering and visual arts at Temple Rome as well as participate in for-credit internships or volunteer community engagement activities.

For many years the program operated solely as a Study Abroad option, but the expansion of the curriculum allowed TUR to launch the Temple Rome Entry Year Program (TREY) in 2018. Since that launch, over 189 students have participated in this program which allows Temple students to launch their academic careers at Temple Rome. Students interested in the Temple Rome Entry Year program and the over 55 majors which can be launched from Rome can find information on TREY.

In 2024, TUR moved from our home of 58 years (Villa Caproni along the Tiber River) to our new campus located a block away from the Spanish Steps of the Eternal City; the campus is now located at Via di San Sebastianello 16. This new location allows for expansion of curriculum, programming, and student housing options while also encouraging students to engage in the historic center of Rome, its sites, museums, galleries, and organizations.

In Fall 2026, TUR is launching an array of select degree programs. For more information on these programs, see Degree Programs.

Accreditation

TUR's academic programs follow the Main Campus curriculum and are accredited under Temple University's accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

As TUR offers Temple University Curriculum, our programs follow the accreditation standards of our Main Campus programs, including: The Tyler School of Art and Architecture's Bachelor of Arts in Art accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), Architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), Landscape Architecture programs accredited by Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), The Fox School of Business and Management accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and Engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Scholarships, Financial Aid and Awards

Study Abroad students have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities through Temple University's Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office.

As a campus of Temple University, students electing to enroll at TUR (TREY or degree seeking) can take advantage of scholarship and funding opportunities offered by Temple University. TREY students have a select array of dedicated scholarship options. Degree seeking students have access to both Temple University and TUR funding options. Learn more about the costs and funding options.

Temple University students can use their Financial Aid to support studies at TUR. Temple University students may also be eligible to use their Federal Work Study awards at TUR.

Temple Rome Specific Scholarships/Rome Entry Year or First Year Scholarships

Temple Rome Global Citizen Scholarship - Full tuition for first year at Temple Rome

This merit-based scholarship is open to all students, regardless of nationality, who are residing outside of the United States. Students are automatically considered and will be notified by e-mail if they receive this scholarship.

Temple Rome Merit Scholarships - $500 to $10,000 for first year at Temple Rome

All first-year students who complete their application by February 1 are automatically considered for merit scholarships. A separate application is not required.

Eligibility can include review of a student's academic and/or extra-curricular accomplishments. In most cases, a student's financial need will not determine their eligibility for a merit scholarship.

Students are notified of merit scholarships in late spring. Most merit scholarships at Temple require a minimum GPA to be maintained as a full-time student.

Temple Rome Bridge Scholarship - $500 to $3,000 to go towards housing for first year at Temple Rome

Available to Temple Rome program applicants of any nationality, this merit-based scholarship goes towards the cost of university-facilitated housing in Rome. Students must fill out a separate application to be considered for this award.

Study Away Opportunities

TUR degree seeking students are encouraged to participate in programs abroad including attending Temple Main Campus in Philadelphia, Temple Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto campuses), and other exchange programs with partner institutions. Learn more about opportunities to Study Abroad from TUR.

Honors Program

TUR offers curriculum in support of the university-wide honors program. Learn more about the University Honors Program.

Facilities and Resources

Classrooms, Studios, and Labs

TUR has over 10 multipurpose classrooms, including a seminar room, a lecture room, architecture studio, and cinema room, in addition to eight art studios and state-of-the-art science labs.

All learning places feature digital whiteboards, class-capture cameras and sound systems for supporting student learning or for inviting video guests.

Many courses, but especially those in GenEd, Arts, Humanities, and Social Studies, make extensive and frequent use of the city of Rome as an extension of the classrooms.

Learn more about TUR facilities.

Studio Art at Temple Rome

Studio Art facilities are dedicated to traditional and digital media art and design and encourage students to explore papermaking, printmaking, book arts, darkroom/wet lab, digital lab, 3D sculpture, painting, drawing, fresco, and materials.

TUR studio facilities provide space and resources for students to develop their skills and realize their creative projects in a range of media.

Exhibitions featuring students' and faculty works are periodically held at the Temple Rome Gallery of Art.

Library

Temple University Rome Library, a branch of Temple Libraries, offers an extensive network of services and resources to support students, faculty, and researchers in their educational and research needs. The TUR Library houses a physical collection of over 3,000 volumes and 500 subtitled films, as well as a selection of periodicals and newspapers. Although TUR's extensive holdings cover a wide range of topics and academic disciplines, the collection is particularly strong in the fields of architecture, art history, studio arts, business, humanities, and social sciences. The collection also places special emphasis on topics related to Italy, and Europe more generally.

Terrace and Courtyard

Temple Rome's inner courtyard on the ground floor and second-floor panoramic terrace provides students and guests with beautiful open-air spaces to study and socialize throughout the year.

Research Opportunities for Students and Faculty

As a campus of Temple University, students and faculty have opportunities to participate in the University's research activities and initiatives. Students are encouraged to engage with Student Research activities at the Main Campus.

TUR faculty have access to select research funding opportunities at the Main Campus but also have exclusive access to Annual Calls for Professional Development Funding and for the Temple Rome Dean's Research/Artistic Initiatives Grant.

Academic Affairs (Undergraduate) Contact Information

Mary Conran, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
mary.conran@temple.edu

Learn more about Temple University Rome.

Undergraduate Programs

Founded on guiding principles of interdisciplinary study and research and based on the Main Campus academic plans, the curriculum at TUR allows for flexibility and creating connections beyond what is available to many students on their home campuses. As Italy itself evolves within the global context, so does TUR's curriculum.

The academic structure at Temple Rome offers students the chance to gain perspective on the historical layers that make up and support this modern, contemporary city facing opportunities and challenges with impact around the world.

TUR offers the following undergraduate programs:

  • Study Abroad
    • Current university students, whether attending Temple University or another institution, are invited to apply to study abroad for a summer term, semester, or academic year at Temple Rome.
    • The length of a student's study abroad experience depends on their personal preferences as well as their academic plan.
      • Temple students must meet with their academic advisor before applying to study abroad.
    • All students must apply through Temple University's Education Abroad office.
  • Temple Rome Entry Year Program
    • Students get a truly global university experience while studying at an American university by completing the first year of their degree at Temple University Rome and then finishing their last three years at Temple's Main Campus in Philadelphia, USA or Temple's Campuses in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan.
    • TREY degree programs
  • Bachelor's Degree Program
    • Students can embark on a four-year life-changing college journey with Temple University Rome's Bachelor's Degree Program earning a U.S.-accredited bachelor's degree along with having a truly global university experience while studying at an American university in the heart of Rome.
    • Temple Rome's bachelor's degree is a full-time program requiring registration for a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
    • Students applying to Temple Rome's Bachelor's Degree Program must apply directly to Temple Rome via the Common App.
    • Transfer opportunities are currently limited; see your advisor.
    • Degree programs

Academic Advising

Marta Bordignon, Assistant Director for TREY
marta.bordignon@temple.edu

Mary Conran, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
mary.conran@temple.edu

Academic advisors play a key role in supporting students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Students work with academic advisors to:

  • choose an appropriate major based on their interests;
  • select appropriate courses for their program of study;
  • understand their graduation requirements;
  • monitor their academic progress;
  • learn about academic support resources;
  • stay informed about the university's deadlines, policies, and regulations; and
  • explore academic options and opportunities.

The TUR Academic Advising Center (AAC) works with all undergraduate students as a primary support unit.

Advising by Professional Advisors

The TUR Academic Advising Center (AAC) is staffed with a full-time professional academic advisor who works with degree seeking undergraduate students across all majors, from orientation to graduation. Advisors know the University's graduation criteria, including General Education, major, and college program requirements. Advising is available on an appointment basis throughout the semester using Navigate.

Advising Appointments

Appointments are typically available between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. To make an appointment, students can submit a request through Navigate. Each advising appointment typically lasts for 20 minutes. The TUR AAC also provides drop-in advising and workshops throughout the semester.

Prospective Study Abroad Students

Students from Temple Main Campus or other U.S. colleges and universities who are interested in studying at Temple Rome for a semester or academic year should first discuss their options with Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses, 200 Tuttleman Learning Center at Temple University's Main Campus in Philadelphia.

Academic Policies

TUR follows the Academic Policies of Temple University's Main Campus.

TUR students must remain in good academic standing.

All TUR students must be full-time students (minimum of 12 credits).

All students (excepting summer study abroad students) at TUR must take ITAL 1001. Students who have successfully completed ITAL 1001 (or equivalent), are Italian Nationals, or who place out of the requirement with placement testing can be waived out of this requirement for Italian language instruction.

Academic Calendar

The TUR Academic Calendar is modestly different from the Main Campus Academic Calendar. View TUR's Academic Calendar.

Course Schedule

Students can access the TUR course schedule through Banner's Registration Portal "Course Schedule" by selecting a semester and limiting their search for "Rome" in the "Campus" field. Temple University Education Abroad office also maintains a Listing of Courses offered at TUR.

Student Services and Resources

TUR Academic Support Center

The Temple Rome Center for Academic Support and Student Success offers academic support services and study resources to the entire community at Temple University Rome. Light career counseling, such as resumés and cover letter review, is also available.

For support, reach out to Rachael Dunn, Assistant Director of Academic Support/Student Success at rachael.dunn@temple.edu. Appointments can be made on a walk-in basis or by booking using Navigate.

Italian Support

Temple Rome offers several support resources and initiatives for students who wish to improve their Italian or meet their local peers. Learn more about Italian language resources.

Math Support

TUR offers on-site faculty or peer tutoring for Math and Statistics courses to ensure students have support options suitable for Rome's time zone. Online support options through Main Campus are also available to Temple Rome students. The Main Campus Math Consulting Center (MCC) for math, and Fox's KNACK program for statistics, operations management, accounting, finance, etc., offer peer to peer support for learners.

Writing Support

TUR offers on-site support for writing assignments. Whether you are struggling to brainstorm ideas, make an outline, or revise a rough draft, Academic Support/Student Success staff can help you reach your full potential. Students can also access Main Campus resources for additional tutoring and support.

Housing

Temple Rome houses all first-year students. After their first year, Temple Rome students may secure their own housing or opt into program-arranged housing. Students studying abroad have the same options for program arranged housing. Learn more about housing.

Student Support Services: Student Life Team and In-House Counselor

Temple Rome's Student Life staff and our in-house nurses and counselors provide students with support throughout their academic journey. Learn more about health and wellness.

Accessibility Services / Disability Resources and Services

The Student Life and Academic Support teams work together to ensure that students with diverse learning or physical needs can access the full university experience. The TUR Student Life team collaborates with both instructors and students to secure appropriate classroom accommodations and provide students with equal access to educational opportunities.

Student Financial Services

Temple University's Office of Student Financial Services readily assists all Temple students, including TUR students, with the financial aid process, as well as servicing Temple University account balance statements.

Bursar's Office

The Bursar's Office for TUR is the Bursar's office at Main Campus. This office assists students with inquiries related to making or confirming payments for classes and questions related to tuition statements and invoices. The Bursar's Office also works with other university departments in processing financial aid and arranging refunds. For inquiries, please e-mail bursar@temple.edu.

Registrar

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) at Temple University's Main Campus supports TUR students and the TUR program. The core function of the OUR is the management of academic records and related services in the context of federal, state, and institutional policies. OUR offers customer service and processing transactions for current and former students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and third-party agencies.

Internship Program

The TUR Internship Program is a central component of the TUR educational experience and a meaningful expression of our place-based learning mission. By engaging directly with organizations and professionals in Rome, students extend their learning beyond the classroom and into the cultural, economic, and institutional fabric of the city. The program enables students to gain substantive professional experience while deepening their understanding of the local context in which they live and study.

Credit-bearing internships allow students to earn academic credit while working 8–10 hours per week on site under professional supervision, often in their field of interest. Through structured reflection and faculty oversight, students connect their workplace experience to broader academic, cultural, and global frameworks—strengthening both their professional preparation and their capacity to learn from place.

Study Abroad students can learn more about internships, including eligibility and application processes.

Student Events and Activities

At the beginning of each academic session, Temple Rome hosts a multi-day Orientation for all students which includes coverage of essential health and safety information, social events, and several activities to introduce students to the Italian language, food, and culture, as well as to insure they know how to transit their new "home" in Rome.

Throughout the semester, TUR students have opportunities to engage actively with members of the local community through events including: Retake Rome Community Engagement, Volunteering at the JN Refugee Center, Be-A-Tutor volunteering, participating in cooking classes, yoga nights, calcetto (soccer) nights, volleyball, basketball, gallery openings, roundtable discussions on topics such as safety, relationships, self-care, etc., lectures with experts in various fields and more! Learn more about Student Life at Temple Rome.

Culture and Identity Envoy Program

TUR's Culture and Identity Envoy Program leverages programming at Temple Rome to enhance its current diversity initiatives. The program is designed to support students during their time abroad and to produce additional resources for students from communities we know have encountered challenges during their time in Rome, including ethnic and racial minority students, LGBTQIA+ students, first generation students, students with high financial need, and students with disabilities.

Faculty

TUR faculty are accomplished teacher-scholars and creative practitioners with deep disciplinary expertise and a strong commitment to student success. Their teaching emphasizes mentorship, active learning, and interdisciplinary engagement, fostering an environment in which students are supported both academically and professionally.

Consistent with Temple's commitment to research in action, TUR faculty maintain active scholarly and creative agendas that contribute to their fields while enriching the classroom experience. Many TUR faculty are engaged professionals within Rome and Italy's cultural, academic, and business communities, integrating current research, practice, and professional networks directly into student learning. Institutional support for professional development and research further sustains this dynamic academic culture.

Reflecting Temple's emphasis on place-based impact, faculty draw upon Rome as a living laboratory, connecting coursework to the city's historical, cultural, scientific, and economic contexts. Faculty size fluctuates modestly between semesters, averaging 70–75 per term, with the spring cohort typically larger to support expanded offerings, including in STEM fields.

Visit TUR's Faculty Directory for a full list of our faculty and their profiles.