Classics

See program requirements, course sequences and more in the Course Catalog.

Program Mission

The mission of the Classics Program is to develop proficient readers and translators of Latin and/or Greek. Learners will also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the history, culture, and literature of the ancient world and their contribution to our world today.

Why Classics?

Students who major in classics study the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome in a way that combines literature, history, art, archaeology, religion, and philosophy.

“We can’t overestimate the value of a Classics major,” The Princeton Review said. “According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, students who major or double-major in Classics have a better success rate getting into medical school than do students who concentrate solely in biology, microbiology, and other branches of science. … Furthermore, according to Harvard Magazine, Classics majors (and math majors) have the highest success rates of any majors in law school. …. Classics majors also consistently have some of the highest scores on GREs of all undergraduates,” according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

What skills does a classics major provide?

Classics majors end up in a variety of positions, due to the skills their discipline provides.

• Assessing and finding information
• Applying theoretical approaches to problems
• Avoiding simplistic conclusions
• Perceiving patterns and structures
• Reading critically
• Thinking independently
• Language skills including writing
• Conveying complex information

Other Department Offerings

• Classics Minor
• Latin Minor

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