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Students dig at an archaeological field site.
Classical Civilization B.A.

Classical Civilization (B.A.)

The Classical Civilization major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean by studying their languages, literature, art and archaeology. The study of the classical world remains relevant because it offers valuable insights into enduring human questions about love, family, war, community, and religious experience, all viewed through the lens of ancient societies.

Students in the program learn to interpret both literary and archaeological evidence and are trained to connect the patterns they discover in the ancient world to contemporary life. To deepen their understanding, students are encouraged to study Latin or Greek, allowing them to engage more fully with original texts and to think from the perspective of ancient Greeks and Romans. Many Classical Civilization majors also pursue complementary majors in English, history, or anthropology. 

For students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, the department offers the opportunity to complete the departmental honors thesis in one or two terms for 3-6 credit hours in addition to the regular requirements for the major. This requires prior approval through an application and interview process.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond University graduate admission requirements. This major is open to all ÃÛèÖÊÓÆµ undergraduate students on the Athens campus. 

  • Tuition & Fees

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  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

Curriculum

Students in ÃÛèÖÊÓÆµ's Classical Civilization major engage in a broad and structured study of ancient Mediterranean cultures. The curriculum develops critical thinking through coursework in archaeology, literature, art, religion and history, with a strong emphasis on both Greek and Roman foundations. All students are encouraged to complete the Arts & Sciences language requirement by studying Greek or Latin, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the cultures of study. 

Senior Honor Thesis

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have the option of researching and writing a senior honors thesis.

 

Archaeology & Hands-On Fieldwork

"I felt empowered by the first break into the ground. It really felt like I was uncovering the past through my efforts," says Megan Norris '14, who spent a month on a dig in Israel in the summer of 2013.

"Every part of the work during the dig felt magical. It was exciting to move dirt that had such a rich history associated with it — even though really it was only dirt. The magnitude of the importance of the dig was not always apparent, especially during long sweaty and hot hours, but at the end of the day/dig is all felt like a surreal dream."

 

Megan Norris at an Archaeological Field School dig site.

Career Opportunities

Classical Civilization graduates can apply skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, and familiarity with humanities to many jobs and professional programs. Students have gone on to graduate programs in classics, archaeology, and museum studies, and have made careers in law, business, art gallery curatorship, contract archaeology, nonprofit organizations, and heritage tourism, among others. Potential employers include, but are not limited to, historical societies, libraries, the state and local government, retailers and consulting firms, institutions of higher education, etc.

Students can also browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for ÃÛèÖÊÓÆµ students and alumni on , OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, and workshops and events for professional development.

  • Contact Us

    If you have questions or would like more information about the Classic Civilizations Major, please contact Brian Collins by emailing collinb1@ohio.edu.