Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Classics?
The study of classics embraces the world of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and includes the fields of literature, art and archaeology, philosophy, history, political theory, law, and religion. Classics is thus so broad as to be itself interdisciplinary. The achievements of Greco-Roman civilization are important to study both for their power and beauty and for the extraordinary influence they have had on the cultures that followed. Thus, study of the Greco-Roman world deepens a student's understanding of the origins of Western culture, and at the same time offers alternatives to the social, political, and cultural values of the modern world.
The Department of Classics offers majors in classical humanities, and classical languages, along with a minor in classical humanities for students who do not choose that as a major. A major in classics, or classical languages combines well with many minors. Some students elect to earn a double major, for example in classics and political science or history, or history of art and architecture. Others elect to earn certification to teach Latin at the secondary school level.
Interests
Dedication to understanding some of the greatest monuments of human thought, to sharpening prose style and analytical abilities, to developing careful arguments and critical capacities. Desire not merely to earn a good living but to live well, to be able to appreciate and analyze the productions of human culture — in the context of basic problems of social and political organization
Competencies
- Debate
Grant proposal development
Advertising
Public relations
Problem-solving
Interpretation
Decision-making
Articulation
Persuasion
Logical reasoning
Organization
Argumentation
Mediation
Diagnosis
Conflict resolution
Value identification
Evaluation
Communication
Interviewing
Listening critically
Journalistic writing
Interpersonal relations
Observation
Opportunities - Careers
- Specific Areas
- Research and policy analyst
Consultant
Information specialist
Business manager
Production manager
Public relations specialist
Sales representative
Conference relations specialist
Data coordinator
Communications media planner
Banker - General Areas
- Publisher
Editor
Public relations specialist
Executive manager
Public administrator
Journalist
Librarian
Research and development specialist
Community affairs specialist
Higher education administrator
Foreign service representative
Museum worker
Foundation worker
Travel agent
Teacher/college and pre-college
Clergy - Government
- Public policy analyst
Public interest lobbyist
Foreign service agent
Press secretary
Legislative assistant
Field representative
Diplomatic staff member
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
The study of classics is excellent preparation for graduate work in law, theology, medicine, business and other professional schools, in addition to continued work in classics. A classics major provides a foundation for advanced work in the ancient languages and literature and prepares students for graduate study in other fields such as English, philosophy, religion, archeology, comparative literature or other languages and literatures.
Opportunities - Experiential
Independent study with a faculty member in an area of special interest; tutoring of first or second year students (a paying job!); travel and/or study abroad; opportunities in archeological field work; participation in the Classics Club.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Classics (105 Irvin Hall, 529-1480)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.