Classical Studies – B.A.
Explore the Ancient World. Understand the Present.
The languages, stories, ideas, and cultures of the ancient world continue to shape our world. Classical Studies builds skills in critical thinking, complex pattern recognition, persuasive rhetoric, archival literacy, intercultural competence, systems thinking, and research as well as communication – and launches careers in education, museums, archaeology, law, public policy, and more.
Paths of Study
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Major
Explore:
What You’ll Study
At UMW, you’ll explore ancient Greece and Rome and their interactions with other Mediterranean cultures though language, literature, history, art, and archaeology. Study Latin or ancient Greek and discover how texts and material evidence help us understand the past and present.
Sample course topics include:
- CLAS 103 Ideas and Culture: The Ancient Greek World
- CLAS 110 Greek and Roman Mythology in Art and Literature
- CLAS 285 Greek and Roman Literature
- AAHC 297 Archaeological Methods: From Dirt to Museum
- CLAS 390 The Ancient City
For a full list of courses in acting, visit the Academic Catalog.
Why Classical Studies Matters at UMW
Explore the ancient world from multiple perspectives in an interdisciplinary program that connects the humanities, arts, and social sciences. You’ll learn in small classes, work closely with faculty, and take your studies beyond the classroom through research, internships, study abroad, and archaeological fieldwork.
Program Highlights
Dig into the Past
Take your studies into the field through archaeological research and study abroad. UMW students have worked alongside professional archaeologists at the ancient port of Lechaion in Corinth, Greece, Bulgaria, Fredericksburg, excavating, documenting, and analyzing artifacts. Opportunities for study and excavation in Greece, Italy, and elsewhere let you experience the ancient world firsthand.
Bring Ancient Languages to Life
Study Latin or ancient Greek and engage directly with texts that have endured for centuries. UMW is home to the National Latin Exam, and students regularly earn national recognition for their performance. Beyond class, join an active Classics Club or turn scholarship into creative experiences – like students who translated a Greek tragedy and brought it to the stage.
Build Experience for What Comes Next
Put your research, writing, and analytical skills to work through internships in museums, archives, government agencies, and other organizations. Independent study, faculty-guided capstone projects, and other experiences can help connect classical studies to future careers and graduate education.
Career Outcomes
The research, critical thinking, and communication skills you develop in classical studies translate across professions. Graduates can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including archaeology, museums and archives, education, law, legal services and compliance, publishing, technical writing, business, technology, cultural resource management, and more.