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What Can You Do With a Classical Studies Degree?

A Classical Studies degree builds strong skills in reading, critical thinking, and clear writing. Graduates pursue careers in law, education, communications, public service, museums, and business. Paired with internships or research, it’s a highly practical major.

A Valuable Degree With a Variety of Career Paths

Classical Studies is a humanities major based around rigorous reading, writing, and research. You’ll analyze primary sources, evaluate competing interpretations, and communicate your conclusions with precision. Classics majors consistently score among the highest on the GRE, and Harvard Magazine notes they have some of the strongest success rates in law school. Humanities students, including those who study Classics, are also accepted to medical school at higher rates than students who focus solely on the sciences.

What is a Classical Studies Major?

A Classical Studies major focuses on the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Depending on the program, you may study Latin or Greek, read foundational texts in translation, and explore topics like mythology, ancient politics, philosophy, art, and archaeology. The goal is to understand the ancient world and how it continues to shape modern ideas and culture.

A student holding up ancient artwork in the backroom of a museum

What Skills Do You Learn?

Develop a wide range of skills such as:

  • Analysis. Practice close reading of primary sources (either in translation or source language) and weigh scholarly interpretations to support a claim. 
  • Critical thinking. Compare competing interpretations of historical evidence and form well-supported conclusions.
  • Research. Conduct archival research and analysis, and learn how to present findings clearly using charts, maps, and digital tools.
  • Communication. Practice clear communication skills by writing research papers, delivering structured presentations, and translating complex ideas for diverse audiences.
  • Logical reasoning. Construct arguments and defend conclusions grounded in evidence from classical texts.
Professor giving a lecture to Willamette students

What Jobs Can You Get With a Classical Studies Degree?

Students can explore a wide range of career paths, thanks to a versatile and powerful skillset. Some specific careers might require additional certifications or education. Common career paths include, but are not limited to:

  • Creative Fields

    • Artist
    • Art Director
    • Writer
    • Copywriter
    • Copyeditor
    • Editor
    • Journalist
    • Historical Consultant

  • Law, Policy, and Public Service

    • Attorney
    • Politician
    • Lobbyist
    • Compliance Officer
    • Cultural Affairs Specialist

  • Museums, Archives, and Cultural Heritage

    • Museum Curator
    • Archivist
    • Librarian
    • Heritage Manager
    • Cultural Resource Manager
    • Restoration Manager

  • Education

    • Professor
    • Researcher

  • Business

    • Marketing Director
    • Grant Writer
    • HR Director
    • Project Manager
    • Nonprofit Program Manager

  • Health, Science & Applied Research

    • Physician
    • Psychologist
    • Bioethics Consultant
    • Software Engineer
    • Data Analyst

What Do Classics Majors Study?

Classics majors study ancient Greece and Rome, exploring their history, politics, religion, languages, and cultures to understand how the ancient world shaped ideas and society.

At Willamette, students take a wide range of classes. Take courses that teach the basics of Greek and Latin, or explore poetry, myths, plays, and the role of gender within society. Common topics include Greek and Roman myths, poetry and plays, classical languages, ancient history, philosophy, and social life in the ancient world.

A student taking notes within a classroom

Consider Graduate Degree Programs

From education and law to writing, business, and the humanities, some career paths may require or recommend additional education. Classical Studies provides a great foundation for those interested in graduate school. Willamette students have continued their education at institutions like:

  • Bryn Mawr College
  • Harvard Divinity School
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Pennsylvania

Employers and Internships

Curious what type of companies employ Classical Studies students? Recent internship sites and employers where Willamette students have gained experience include:

  • Internships

    • City of Salem
    • Hallie Ford Museum of Art
    • Oregon State Capitol
    • Oregon State Historic Preservation Office
    • Willamette Heritage Center / Marion County Historical Society

  • Employers

    • Archaeological Innovations Northwest, Inc.
    • Corning Museum Of Glass
    • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
    • Fusion Academy
    • League Of Oregon Cities
    • Monolith Productions
    • Sacramento Theater Company
    • The Oregon Roundup
    • Weill Cornell Medical
“Studying Classics has helped me understand why I love history and why I love interpreting it and sharing it with my community. It’s a great basis for a lot of different careers.”

Why Choose Willamette for Classical Studies?

While employers care about your skills, they want evidence that you can apply your skills in the real-world. Classical Studies students at Willamette build that evidence through internship opportunities, completing research projects with faculty, presenting at conferences, publishing in journals, and participating in intensive writing projects.

Students can study artifacts and tap into the resources provided at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, many of which were researched and catalogued by Willamette undergraduate students.

Academics
Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Find ways to engage with your studies outside of the classroom. Many Willamette students choose to study abroad to learn more about ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Delve into the history and explore the resources found in museums and research institutions around the world.

Students can also connect with fellow students in clubs and organizations such as:

  • Art Club
  • Philosophy Club
  • Poetry Club
  • Queer Literary Society
  • Sigma Tau Delta
  • Speech and Debate Club
Study Abroad
Student Clubs

Discover a wide range of disciplines to build a well-rounded education that sets you apart in the job market. At Willamette, Classical Studies students can dive into related fields like history, philosophy, religion, and art history while exploring new ideas across the liberal arts.

Small class sizes give students the chance to build meaningful connections with expert faculty. Work closely with professors on research projects and fieldwork, or seek guidance on academics and career planning.

Research topics have included:

  • Between the Holy and the Erotic: Medieval Sexuality and Church Architecture in Spain
  • Cup-and-Rings: Connections Between Passage Tomb Art, Rock Art, and the Landscape of Neolithic Ireland
  • Elemental Characterization of Roman Imperial Coinage from the Hallie Ford Museum Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence
Majors and Minors
Classical Studies Faculty

A liberal arts degree gives you the skills to succeed in any path you choose. Willamette’s Career Development Center helps you make the most of your education. Connect one-on-one with advisors, attend workshops, or practice your interview skills. Learn how to bolster your resume or review steps to apply to graduate school.

No matter your goals, advisors will support you at every stage of your career journey.

Career Development

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