51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø cherry "T" logo

51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Search Keywords
20181008_Forum_097-High%20Res%20JPEG.jpg

Classics Major

Bachelor of Arts in Classics

Immerse yourself in the past, and explore the civilizations that helped shape our world today with the Bachelor of Arts in Classics in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program emphasizes the study of the cultures and languages of two major civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world.Ìý

As a student in the Classics Major, you’ll delve into the spoken and written word of ancient civilizations with the concentration, or broaden your understanding of the cultural, political and social conditions of Ancient Greek and Roman society with the concentration. Familiarize yourself with the ways in which people communicated and conducted themselves, their businesses, and their faith and family life. You’ll learn about the pioneers of human discovery who answered some of the biggest questions of their time and developed groundbreaking innovations, and whose stories still resonate today.

The Classics BA degree program’s interdisciplinary curriculum invites students to take a holistic approach to learning by covering several areas of study, including art, history, languages, literature and philosophy. In addition to curriculum requirements, students are encouraged to conduct research alongside faculty who are at the forefront of their fields and study away in the very places on which coursework subjects are focused.Ìý

The strong liberal arts foundation students build in this degree program is invaluable for future careers in many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences.

Students reading books in a classroom at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

  • Classical Civilization

    Study the institutions and cities of ancient Greece and Rome; explore the meaning and function of art, gender, race and slavery in ancient times. Develop proficiency in Greek or Latin and read what ancient historians thought of their world.

  • Classical Languages Literature

    Pursue in-depth study of Latin or Greek, and learn to read ancient texts in their original languages. Study abroad in Rome to experience the architecture, geography and topography that inspired the ancients. Analyze the plays, mythologies and treatises that form the foundation of our modern jurisprudence and social norms.

Classes & Curriculum

The following are examples of required and elective courses in the Classics Major with a concentration in Classical Civilizations.

  • Ancient City: Alexandria
  • Ancient City: Periclean Athens
  • Ancient Medicine
  • Greek History
  • Greek Philosophy
  • Greek Sculpture
  • Roman Art and Archaeology
  • Roman History

The following are examples of required and elective courses in the Classics Major with a concentration in Classical Languages and Literature.

  • Ancient Greek 
  • Classical Greek and Roman Mythology
  • Comparative Mythology
  • Latin
  • Readings in Greek Literature (tragedy, epic, historiography, philosophy)
  • Readings in Latin Literature (oratory, epic, historiography, poetry)

Learn more about Classics Major required courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

4+1 College of Education and Human Development Program

Students interested in teaching at the high school level can enroll in the 4+1 BA/MEd Accelerated Program for High School Latin Teachers. This program is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education and Human Development. It offers Classical Languages and Literature majors the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree and a Master of Education in Secondary Education degree with one year of study beyond the BA.

.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

    These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
    Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

    Our Academic Advisors

    Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

    Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

    Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

    Program Contact

    For questions regarding the Classics Major, contact the following staff member.

    Belinda Wilson is an administrator in the Classics program.
    Phone: 215-204-0472
    Email:

    The following staff member leads the Classics Department.

    Karen Hersch is the department chair.
    Phone: 215-204-5345
    Email: 

    University Honors Program

    The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

    Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

    • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
    • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
    • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

    .

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Getting involved and connecting with other students is easy at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. There are more than 300 student organizations available, including community programs, student government, student media and clubs.Ìý

    Students pursuing a Classics Major program are encouraged to join , the national honorary collegiate society for students of Latin and/or Greek.

    Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student clubs and organizations.

    Study Away

    College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer.

    Enrich your experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by immersing yourself in the culture and history of Greece or Rome. Spend a summer on an archaeological dig in the Mediterranean, or spend a year studying in Rome from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Villa Caproni location, a beautiful building facing the Tiber River in the heart of the ancient city.

    .Ìý

    Accreditation

    51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

    Additional Program Information