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​Classics

Immerse yourself in the study of the great literary and historic traditions through language and culture.

The classics major encompasses history, drama, poetry, political science, and philosophy. Learning about them will give you a better understanding of the cultural politics of the modern world.

You can focus on classical civilization, or, if your interest is in language, focus on Greek or Latin. Classics is considered an impressive major for a wide variety of fields, and a degree in classics is highly respected in job candidates.


About the College of Arts and Sciences

The founding college of Syracuse University remains at the center of undergraduate learning. The College is divided into the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences, with the lattermost offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Courses

Sample courses for classics majors include: 

  • Readings from Greek Poets
  • Language Training Preparation for Research
  • Latin Prose Authors
  • Introduction to Archaeology and Prehistory
  • Gender Through the Ages
  • Roots of Western Civilization

View official major requirements.

Practical Experience

Seize opportunities to take part in community volunteering and professional internships – on campus, off campus, or internationally. Academic counselors and faculty advisors will help you align your interests and academic path with opportunities for growth.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Center for Innovative Learning (iLEARN) can help complement your traditional classroom and laboratory work with enhanced out-of-classroom learning experiences.

There are more than 350 student organizations at Syracuse University, and you can get involved with any of them. Explore themes like art, entertainment, advocacy, government, media, religion, and service.

Study Abroad

Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with an international experience through Syracuse Abroad, which features more than 100 programs in 60 countries. You can choose semester, summer, short term, and yearlong options for international study. 

Classics majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence and Santiago, and to our World Partner program CET Brazil (Sao Paulo).

Life After Syracuse University

As a College of Arts & Sciences graduate with a major in classics, you can explore careers such as:

  • College professor
  • Legal assistant
  • Medical science
  • Government service
  • Writing and journalism

You can also pursue graduate training in such areas as law, medicine, education, journalism, and more. Recent graduates of the program have attended some of the top graduate schools in the U.S.