Classics

The Classics major (offered as part of a BA or BGS degree) provides interdisciplinary training in ancient Greek and Roman cultures.

It offers a choice between five different concentrations, each of which allows you to specialize in a different aspect of the ancient world.  You might also combine your classical language interest with a degree in the School of Education. A degree in education with a Latin major allows you to teach Latin in public high schools.

Classics Department website

Sample of Related Skills 

• Read and comprehend works of poetry and prose in their original language(s) from all periods of classical antiquity  
• Know how to place these texts in their literary, social, and historical context  
• Demonstrate broad understanding of the history and culture of the ancient world  
• Describe and discuss the grammatical, rhetorical and stylistic features of Latin and Greek texts as well as the way these features shape the ideas in these texts  
• Use linguistic analysis in the historical, philosophical and theological interpretation of Greek and Latin texts  

Popular Career Paths 

Archeology: Involves the analysis of past civilizations by uncovering and studying artifacts and architecture to gain knowledge about the way people lived in the past.

Government: Involves understanding and participating in the development of public policy to guide the well-being of citizens and societies, whether at a city, state, or federal level.

Law: Involves providing legal services for clients that may include things such as advising them of their rights, analyzing or writing legal documents, or defending them from lawsuits.

Literary Editing: Involves proofreading and providing feedback and reviews on written material such as books, newspaper or magazine articles.

Museum Work: Involves the planning and overseeing the arrangements, cataloging, and exhibition of collections of arts and historic objects.

Teaching: Involves facilitating students learning by developing lesson plans, providing instruction, and creating a learning environment. 

Jobs to Consider 

• Anthropologist
• Archeologist
• Attorney
• Archivist
• Curator
• Editor
• Freelance Writer
• Historian
• Librarian
• Museum Technician
• Paralegal
• Politician
• Teacher
• Tour Guide
• Translator 

Places to Seek Employment 

• Colleges and Universities
• City, County, and State Government Agencies
• Cultural Organizations
• Federal Government Agencies
• Historical Societies
• K-12 Public and Private Schools
• Law Firms
• Libraries
• Museums
• Private Archeological Consulting Firms
• Publishing Companies
• Travel Agencies
• United Nations 

Explore More Career Resources

American Classical League - Resources and job postings by state for teaching Classical Greek and Latin 

American Library Association  - Career information and job listings for libraries  

Society of American Archivists - Job listings with the SAA