Careers for Classical Studies Majors

What can I do with a major in classical studies?

Planning a career in law? You’ll have a head start if you know the language, since much of our legal vocabulary—from modus operandi to subpoena—comes directly from Latin. Likewise medicine—for example, femur (thigh) or oculus (eye). And, no, you don’t have to major in science to get into medical school.

Even if you simply want to improve your general vocabulary, a knowledge of Greek or Latin will help. “Synergy” comes from Greek. So do “draconian” (harsh) and “laconic” (concise). And why do you think fraternities and sorority members are called Greeks?

Classical studies also provides a solid background for graduate work in art history, computer language, English, government, political science, religion, history, and philosophy, to name just a few areas. Some students go on to teach classics.

At work, classical studies majors excel in fields that require clear writing and analysis.

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

THE ARTS

• Administration/Management
• Archival Work
• Education
• Research
• Translation

Employers: Archives, Art Councils, Art Galleries, Historical Societies and Sites, Libraries, Museums, Private Foundations, Public Research Agencies

BUSINESS and INDUSTRY

• Advertising
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• Sales
• Management
• Market Research

Employers: Banks, Financial Services, Insurance Companies, Retailers

COMMUNICATIONS

• Copywriting
• Editing
• Journalism
• Research
• Technical Writing
• Translation

Employers: Film Companies, Magazines, Newspapers, Publishers, Television Stations

EDUCATION

• Administration
• Research
• Teaching

Employers: Colleges, Elementary and Secondary Schools

GOVERNMENT

• Administration
• Foreign Language Teaching
• Library/Information Specialist
• Policy Analysis
• Program Management
• Research
• Translation

Employers: Civil Rights Commission, Education Department, EPA, Federal Government including State Department, Federal Trade Commission, Government Printing Office, Health & Human Services, Labor Department, Library of Congress, National Labor Relations Board, State & Local Government

LAW

Employers: Corporate Law Departments, Law Firms

MEDICINE

Employers: Hospitals, Private Practice, Various Government and Private Agencies

SOCIAL SERVICES

• Administration
• Research
• Writing/Editing

Employers: Federal, State, and Local Government, Nonprofit Organizations