Classical Studies Major
Open the doors to ancient Greece and Rome by studying their cultures from ancient to modern times.
VISIT
ROME AND SWITZERLAND
2
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
75%
Double Major
24
AVERAGE UPPER-LEVEL CLASS SIZE
Total Credit Hours: 120
Civilization Courses (18 hours)
Language Courses (18 hours)
General Education (45 hours)
Free Electives (39 hours)
What You'll Study
Learn the cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome, while studying Latin, Classical and New Testament Greek. You'll explore mythology, history, art, architecture, archaeology, religion, philosophy, and literature from ancient to modern times. You'll take 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages, including Virginia Tech's Pathways. Choose from our available courses:
- Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology
- The World of Alexander the Great
- Classics and Gaming
- Women in Ancient Greece and Rome
- Ancient Folktale and Fairytale
- Later Roman Empire
- Ancient Cities
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What is a Major in Classical Studies?
You'll explore two ancient and influential civilizations, while learning the languages of each. Find disciplines including mythology, history, languages, and art.
Why Study Classical Studies Here?
Our interactive courses deepen and challenge your perceptions of ancient cultures. We encourage undergraduate research and learning through study abroad opportunities, including archaeological digs. Students can complete undergraduate research that will allow them to further explore topics they are interested in.
Beyond the Classroom
Get Involved
Join Eta Sigma Phi, the Honorary Society for Classical Studies. You'll attend the annual Eta Sigma Phi convention, compete in translation contests, and be eligible for Eta Sigma Phi national scholarships.
Stop by The Classics Club and enjoy movie nights, road trips, and the annual Saturnalia and Bacchanalia parties. You'll volunteer with local schools and participate in Virginia's Senior and Junior Classical League.
Undergraduate Research
As you complete undergraduate research, you'll have opportunities to submit your work to conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals, including Philologia.
We encourage independent study and your undergraduate research with a faculty advisor, especially if you're planning to pursue graduate school.
Study Away
Step back in time as you walk through Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. You'll trace Roman life and influence into local provinces. As you move into Rome, you'll explore sights like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona. You'll also have opportunities to gain field experience at archaeological digs.
Let the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean
be your textbook and earn credits towards your classical studies major.
Expert Faculty
With faculty drawn from diverse departments, we celebrate unique perspectives on classical studies. Their research topics include ancient magic, archaeology and art history, historiography, poetry, and modern engagement with ancient cultures.
We share a deep commitment to undergraduate teaching, and our faculty have received many teaching and advising awards.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I love classical studies. We preserve voices from the past, and those same voices resonate in the modern world. No matter what you intend to do after college, studying classics can help broaden and deepen your understanding of our world and cultures."
Chloé Benner, '15
"Being a classical studies major at Virginia Tech means that you are part of a family. Your teachers and peers are supportive and caring."
Rena Collins, '11, '12
Careers and Further Study
Rena Collins, '11, '12
After earning dual degrees in both Classical Studies and History in 2011, Rena graduated with a Masters in Education in Spring 2012. Since graduation, Rena has worked as a Latin teacher at a high school where she is currently the department chair, junior class chairperson, and academic team coach.
Alex DeSio, '10
Following her graduation in 2010, Alex DeSio entered the business world as an Executive Team Leader for Target. She has been a Territory Labor Expert for Old Navy and General Manager for Victoria's Secret.
Chloe Benner '15
After earning her bachelor's in Classical Studies, Chloe went on to pursue a Master's in Teaching at Hollins University. She will complete that program with certification to teach Latin at the secondary level. Chloe enjoys making Classics accessible to a young audience by teaching mythology programs at elementary schools and by tutoring all ages of Latin language learners.
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Tully Thompson, '18
Tully became a classical studies major, bridging the gap between her interests in the psychological approach to language development and ancient cultures. As a student, she participated in activities to expand her network including studying abroad in Riva San Vitale and Rome. Following graduation with double majors in classical studies and psychology, Tully is working as an educator through City Year AmeriCorps, where she works in an inner city school.
What do I do with a major in classical studies?
Latin and ancient Greek have become building blocks for modern communication. The study of classics will sharpen your research and critical thinking skills. The study of classics will sharpen your research and critical thinking skills, preparing you for careers like these:
- Archaeologist
- Historical Artifact Conservator
- University Professor
- Attorney
- Psychologist
- Marketing Account Executive
- Publisher/Editor
- Surgeon
- Investment Analyst
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