CLASSICAL STUDIES PROGRAM

Degrees

The program in Classical Studies is interdisciplinary. Greek and Latin languages as well as literature courses with readings in the original languages are taught under the aegis of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Courses taught in English that also count toward the major are in the fields of ancient history, mythology, philosophy, art, political thought, and in the tradition of western literature (some of these are taught in MCL, some in other departments). A new minor in Classical Studies has been developed for those who wish to take our courses in English, but who are unable to meet the language requirements of the major. Minors both in Latin and Greek are also currently available.
Our degree in Latin Teacher Education focuses primarily on the learning of Latin, yet includes courses in history, mythology, and literature--a background that will allow secondary school Latin teachers to introduce in turn their students to the two ancient cultures that the western world recognizes as its ancestry. Click here for more information on degree requirements.

Career Opportunities

Acquiring a solid background in the liberal arts by reflecting on the western tradition is naturally of great intrinsic value, yet it may also open doors to a broad range of academic and professional opportunities. Graduates of our program have gone on to graduate study at such institutions as the University of Missouri, the University of Chicago, Harvard University, the University of Cincinnati, and Stanford University.  While some graduates have chosen to enter the field of Classics, others have gone on to careers in education, medicine, publishing, and the law. The chronic shortage of high school Latin teachers in Texas and in the rest of the U.S. creates many job opportunities for students who wish to choose teaching as a career. They may study Latin as a second field for a T.E. certificate.

Those who do not have at this early stage a clear notion of their future professional goals will find in the Classical Studies major an opportunity to increase their verbal proficiency, to hone their thinking and persuasive abilities, and, generally speaking, to acquire important communication skills. Recruiters are increasingly interested in hiring graduates with a solid liberal arts education. Classical Studies takes a place of pride among the humanities majors that provide it.