Classical Studies
Major in the College of Liberal Arts
The classical studies major, offered through the Department of Classics, provides the broadest possible exposure to ancient Mediterranean civilization.
Study of these dynamic and influential societies is exciting in its own right and valuable also for the historical perspective it contributes to understanding our world today. Students will also gain a solid grounding in either Latin or Greek language and literature up through at least the junior level.
Classical studies majors must choose a specialization either in ancient history or classical archaeology. The ancient history specialization emphasizes the history and culture of ancient Rome and Greece as well as that of other premodern civilizations. The classical archaeology specialization focuses on the archaeology of the Greek and Roman world, with additional courses in ancient history, ancient art history, and archaeological methods and techniques.
Declaration Requirements
ShowProspective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.
How to Declare
ShowUndergraduates currently enrolled at UT who wish to declare a classical studies major must first meet with a classics advisor. Making an appointment in advance is recommended. There is no formal application process, but students with over 60 hours completed may need to appeal to declare the major. For more information, visit the student affairs page on how to declare a major.
Required Courses
ShowVisit the classical studies degree plans to see all required courses for the classical studies major in the College of Liberal Arts. For additional information, view the classics course descriptions.
Specializations
ShowAll students majoring in classical studies must choose a specialization in ancient history or classical archaeology. All students must study either Latin or Greek through the junior level. It is recommended that students interested in graduate school take both languages and complete additional language courses through the senior level.
Students specializing in ancient history take at least four courses in Greek and Roman history, two additional courses in other pre-modern civilizations, and several others in classical civilization on such topics as archaeology, mythology, and religion.
Students specializing in classical archaeology take a sequence of three classical archaeology courses to introduce them to the field, along with other approved courses in classical civilization, ancient history and classical civilization, and art history. Special attention is given to practical experience such as fieldwork and applied methodologies in the field and lab.
Personality
ShowClassical studies is one of the Classics Department's most popular majors, as indicated by the wide diversity of students who choose it. Students in this major tend to have broad interests and a strong commitment to the humanities, but their personalities and career tracks are extremely diverse.
Skills
ShowStudents in the classical studies major learn how to interpret political, cultural, and social history through the kinds of evidence available to classical scholars, particularly literature and material culture.
