| program Type | Department | School |
| Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor | Modern Languages and Classics | School of Liberal Arts |
Classics isn’t just about studying the past, it’s about preparing for your future. This major covers everything from history and mythology to philosophy, art, and ancient languages like Latin and Greek. You’ll develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, skills that employers love. Our grads have gone on to careers in law, education, publishing, museums, and more, working as attorneys, TV directors, editors, project managers, and teachers. If you’re into storytelling, history, or big ideas, Classics is a major that can take you anywhere.
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Customize Your Learning: Classics isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're into mythology, philosophy, history, or ancient languages like Latin and Greek, you can shape your studies to match your interests. This helps build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are useful in any career.
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Hands-On Exploration: Learning Classics isn’t just about reading old texts. Students can study abroad in Greece or Italy, visit museums, experience historical architecture and collaborate with professors on research projects. These real-world experiences make history come alive.
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Career-Ready Skills: A Classics degree builds strong writing, communication, and analytical skills that are valuable in law, business, medicine, education, and more. By studying the past, you’ll develop a sharp, adaptable mindset that employers love.
Classics has helped me to recapitulate the past in complex and intriguing ways. My Classics minor taught me to view history as a different world in and of itself; as a tourist of the past, if you will. Dr. Michael Sham was instrumental to this understanding. The love he has for what he teaches inspires me to this day and I hope to carry that very same love and appreciation of the past to every class I teach.
Doctoral Candidate in History from Northwestern University..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a Classics degree worth it?
Yes. A Classics degree can provide a strong foundation for careers and graduate study by developing skills in critical thinking, research, writing, communication, problem-solving, and analysis. At Siena, Classics students study the history, literature, philosophy, art, culture, and languages of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds while developing skills that can be applied well beyond the field of Classics.
What can you do with a Classics degree?
A Classics degree can lead to careers in fields such as law, education, publishing, museums, communications, business, government, and more. Siena Classics graduates have pursued careers including law, education, publishing, museums, editing, project management, and television. A Classics degree can also provide a strong foundation for professional and graduate programs.
What do you learn in a Classics major?
Classics majors study the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome through subjects such as history, literature, mythology, philosophy, religion, art, culture, and language. At Siena, students also study an ancient language such as Latin or Greek. Through this interdisciplinary coursework, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, cultural literacy, and analytical skills.
Do you have to know Latin or Greek to major in Classics?
No. You do not need to already know Latin or Greek to study Classics at Siena. The major includes study of an ancient language as part of the program, allowing students to develop their language skills while exploring the broader history and culture of the ancient world.
Can Classics majors study abroad?
Yes. Siena Classics students have opportunities to study abroad and take travel courses that bring the ancient world to life. Students can explore places such as Italy and Greece while visiting museums, historical sites, and ancient architecture and gaining a firsthand perspective on the cultures they study in the classroom.
