Strong Programs in Classics
Discover Strong Programs in Classics, their unique features, career paths, and how to choose the best college for studying ancient languages and history.
Strong Programs in Classics attract students who are fascinated by ancient civilizations, languages, and the cultural legacies that shape modern society. Whether you dream of reading Homer in the original Greek, analyzing Roman law, or exploring the influence of Latin on today’s languages, a strong classics program can open doors to intellectual growth and diverse career paths. But with many universities offering classics as a major or concentration, how do you know which programs stand out? Understanding what defines a strong program—rigorous language training, interdisciplinary opportunities, and research support—can help you make the right decision about where to study.
What Makes a Program in Classics Truly Strong?
Picture yourself stepping into a seminar where students debate Aristotle in the original Greek while others examine Roman inscriptions brought to campus by a professor just back from an archaeological dig. This scenario captures the essence of a strong classics program: it combines language mastery with cultural, historical, and philosophical depth. A truly robust program emphasizes Greek and Latin instruction, often requiring students to achieve proficiency in both languages.
Beyond languages, strong programs weave in history, archaeology, philosophy, and even art history, providing a holistic view of the ancient world. Faculty expertise is another hallmark, with many professors actively engaged in field research, from unearthing sites in the Mediterranean to publishing groundbreaking translations. Schools with thriving classics departments also offer student-led clubs, summer excavation opportunities, and access to ancient texts or artifacts. Together, these features nurture both academic rigor and real-world engagement.
FAQ: Do I need to study both Greek and Latin in a classics program? In most strong programs, yes. Both languages are typically encouraged or required to ensure a deeper understanding of classical texts.
| Feature | Importance | Student Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Language training | Core of the program | Read original texts |
| Interdisciplinary study | Broadens perspective | Connects history and philosophy |
| Faculty expertise | Ensures quality teaching | Access to research projects |
| Experiential learning | Hands-on opportunities | Excavations and fieldwork |
⚠️ Warning: Some schools label their program “classics” but offer minimal language training. Always check curriculum details before applying.
Top Colleges with Strong Classics Departments
Imagine narrowing your college list and finding several schools touting their classics offerings. Which stand out? Institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale consistently rank among the strongest, with long-standing traditions in Greek and Latin study. Princeton, for example, emphasizes both philology and archaeology, while Harvard integrates classics with philosophy and comparative literature. Smaller liberal arts colleges such as Swarthmore and Bowdoin also shine, providing close faculty mentorship and intensive language instruction in a tight-knit environment.
Public universities like the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley are also highly respected for their classics programs, combining rich course offerings with opportunities for original research. Many of these schools host summer excavation programs in Greece and Italy, providing hands-on learning experiences that bring ancient studies to life. Choosing among these institutions often depends on whether you want the broad resources of a large research university or the intimate focus of a liberal arts college.
FAQ: Are liberal arts colleges or large universities better for studying classics? Both can be excellent. Liberal arts schools offer smaller classes and mentorship, while universities often provide more research funding and global opportunities.
💡 Tip: Ask departments about study-abroad partnerships in Greece or Italy. Immersive experiences can be a defining feature of strong programs.
Career Paths for Classics Majors
You might wonder: what happens after graduation? Imagine a classics major who goes on to law school, another who becomes a museum curator, and yet another who works in publishing. Strong programs in classics prepare students for diverse and impactful careers. Because the study of classics develops analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong writing abilities, graduates are competitive in law, academia, public policy, and business. Many also pursue careers in education, archaeology, museum studies, or translation.
Contrary to the stereotype of limited career options, classics majors often thrive in unexpected fields. Tech companies, for example, value their problem-solving and communication skills. Meanwhile, graduates with advanced degrees often pursue specialized roles as professors, historians, or archivists. Success comes less from the major itself and more from how students leverage the transferable skills they gain.
FAQ: Do classics majors earn competitive salaries? Yes. While starting salaries may be modest in academia or education, classics majors often transition into high-paying fields like law, consulting, and technology.
| Career Path | Example Role | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Academia | Professor, researcher | $60,000–$90,000 |
| Law | Attorney, legal analyst | $80,000–$130,000 |
| Museum/Arts | Curator, archivist | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Business/Tech | Analyst, consultant | $70,000–$110,000 |
⚠️ Warning: Careers directly tied to classics, like academia, may require graduate study. Factor in the cost and time commitment of advanced degrees.
How to Choose the Best Classics Program for You
Suppose you’re deciding between a large research university with vast resources and a small college where you’d get close attention from faculty. How do you choose? The answer lies in your goals. If you want intensive language study and mentorship, a liberal arts college may be ideal. If you’re interested in archaeology or original research, a large university with fieldwork funding might be better.
Location can also play a role. Some schools have close ties with European institutions, offering summer programs in Rome or Athens. Others emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, letting you pair classics with majors like philosophy, linguistics, or political science. Financial aid, faculty expertise, and campus culture also matter. Visiting departments, sitting in on classes, and speaking with current students can give you a real sense of whether the program is right for you.
FAQ: Should I choose a classics program based on faculty interests? Absolutely. Faculty research areas often shape course offerings and opportunities for mentorship, so align their expertise with your academic interests.
💡 Tip: Create a shortlist of what matters most—language depth, research opportunities, or study abroad—and use it to evaluate each program.
Conclusion
Strong Programs in Classics provide much more than a study of ancient texts. They offer rigorous language training, rich interdisciplinary learning, and opportunities to engage with the ancient world through research and fieldwork. Top colleges like Harvard, Princeton, and Michigan lead the way, but smaller liberal arts schools also excel. Graduates leave with skills that open doors to law, education, business, and beyond. Choosing the right program depends on your goals, whether that’s close mentorship, international study, or access to major research projects. By seeking programs that align with your passions, you can turn a love for classics into a foundation for extraordinary opportunities.
FAQ: What’s the most important factor in choosing a classics program? Look for depth in language training and opportunities for real-world application, as these define the strength of any classics department.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t assume all “classics” majors are equal—some lean heavily on general humanities without offering serious Greek or Latin training.