The Catalan program at the University of Chicago falls under the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. Within the program, students with a prior knowledge of another Romance language can take classes starting at the beginner and intermediate levels. The program also offers classes on Catalan culture in both English and Catalan, touching on topics such as architecture, art, music, and film. Interested students can study Catalan literature and film as well, both on their own and within greater Iberian and European contexts. The program is ideal for preparing students who are looking to study abroad in Barcelona, offering the chance to familiarize themselves with the language and culture before going, or expand on their knowledge after they return.

For students who are especially interested in studying Catalan, the program also offers a minor of six classes in Catalan, as well as a BA in Latin American and Iberian Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

The program also hosts the Joan Coromines Chair for a visiting scholar in Catalan Studies each year, and through this is able to offer a wide variety of classes on topics as diverse as medieval history, modern politics, or polyphonic singing traditions.