Classical Studies Major

• What is Classical Studies?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Classical Studies?
• What Courses Do Classical Studies Majors Take?
• List of Classical Studies Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Classical Studies Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Classical Studies?

Classical studies is particularly concerned with the ancient cultures of the Greeks and Romans – the Greek and Roman languages and literatures, art and material cultures, philosophy, history, political theory, law, and religion. Topics that concerned the ancient Greeks and Romans are still valuable to today’s society. These include the nature of fate, identity and gender, the individual and society, the nature of good and evil, the nature of truth and reality, the responsibility of the individual, the best form of government, definitions of justice and law, and the meaning of heroism. A concentration in classical studies helps prepare students who later want to pursue studies in medicine, law, government, and other professions. The study of classics is widely regarded as good preparation for those fields, and is especially good preparation for law school, since both law and classics emphasize careful reading and analysis of text. At some universities, the classics may include other, ancient, non-western cultures.

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What Kinds of Students Major in Classical Studies?

Students of this major have an interest in the classical civilizations of Rome and Greece. These students are able to analyze ancient thoughts and cultures and critically compare them to our times. This student must be interested in learning the languages of the ancient civilizations. The classics are of interest to students seeking a strong liberal arts background, a background that can lead to many types of jobs and graduate studies. Many classics students will continue their studies into graduate school.

Is Classical Studies the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Classical Studies Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Classical Studies majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Classical Archaeology	Great Books
Greek	Greek Civilization
Greek History	Latin
Origins of Western Culture	Philosophy
Roman History

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List of Potential Jobs in Classical Studies

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Archaeologist	Law Professor
Librarian	Museum Curator
Teacher of Latin and Greek

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What is the Median Salary Range for Classical Studies Careers?

Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Classical Studies

MyMajors complete list has 267 schools in the USA with a major in Classical Studies.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.