Classical Languages Major B.A.
- Greek or Latin courses
- Courses in classical civilization and archaeology
- Department honors thesis option
- Preparation for graduate programs in Greek and Latin philology, archaeology, history, philosophy, theology, linguistics, and education
- Preparation for law school, business, teaching and more
Major code BA5217
Contact: Dr. Brian Collins
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. Pre-approved application and interview required.
Careers and Graduate School
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.
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.
Degree Requirements
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
A&S Language Requirement - B.A.
Complete either the Greek or Latin two-year language sequence.
Greek Two-Year Sequence
Complete the following courses:
- GK 1110 - Beginning Greek I Credit Hours: 4.0
- GK 1120 - Beginning Greek II Credit Hours: 4.0
- GK 2110 - Intermediate Greek I Credit Hours: 3.0
- GK 2120 - Intermediate Greek II Credit Hours: 3.0
Latin Two-Year Sequence
Complete the following courses:
- LAT 1110 - Beginning Latin I Credit Hours: 4.0
- LAT 1120 - Beginning Latin II Credit Hours: 4.0
- LAT 2110 - Intermediate Latin I Credit Hours: 3.0
- LAT 2120 - Intermediate Latin II Credit Hours: 3.0
Classical Languages Major Requirements
Complete 32 semester credit hours of classics and world religions coursework, including all the requirements below.
Upper Level Language Courses
Complete 12 hours in the Greek or Latin sequence at the 3000- or 4000-level.
Departmental Electives
Complete 18 hours from any 2000-, 3000- or 4000-level CLAR, CLAS, GK, LAT course, and/or HIST 3291 and 3292 (not CLAS 2110).
Colloquium in Classics and World Religions
Complete 2 hours of CLAS 3800.
- CARS 3800 - Colloquium in Classics and Religious Studies Credit Hours: 1
Senior Honors Thesis
Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have the option of researching and writing a senior honors thesis.