Classical Languages Major (B.A.)
Program Overview
Classical languages majors learn about the ancient Mediterranean world from the Greek and Latin languages and literature and so understand its diversity at the most basic level. Classical languages majors study Greek or Latin through the 4000-level, and complete courses in classical civilization and archaeology. By the second year, students are ready to read ancient authors in the original languages. The aim is to gain proficiency in the chosen language, and familiarity with ancient authors and texts, genres and scholarship. The analytical skills and vocabulary recognition involved in learning these languages can be applied to other languages and subjects. Language majors who become proficient in Greek frequently pursue coursework in Latin and vice versa. Students in philosophy, English, history, and physics have also majored in classical languages. Classical languages majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can complete a departmental honors thesis in one or two terms for 3-6 credit hours in addition to the regular requirements for the major. Preapproved application and interview required for departmental honors thesis.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admissions
No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission
No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The skills of recognition and critical thinking acquired from studying classical languages and cultures prepare our students for graduate programs in Greek and Latin philology, archaeology, history, philosophy, theology, linguistics, and education. Outside academia, the classical languages major provides the tools to analyze language, write more precisely in English, and apply skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, and familiarity with humanities to many jobs. Possible employers include, but are not limited to, museums, historical societies, institutions of higher education, the local and state government, libraries, business corporations in various settings, etc. Our graduates have also gone on to law school, business school, high school teaching, college teaching and post-doctorate positions, and teaching English as a foreign language.
Students can also browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO's key resource for researching jobs, employers, and workshops and events for professional development.