BA International Letters and Cultures (Classics)
Program Description
Classics is the study of the literature, art, history and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans: a transdisciplinary field that fueled the Renaissance and that has continued to provide an intellectual foundation for innovative and influential people ever since.
The BA program in international letters and cultures with a concentration in classics begins with two cores: language skills in ancient Greek or Latin (or, if the student chooses, both) and knowledge of ancient history. With that basis, students build a program to meet their needs and interests. Among the variety of topics students pursue are:
- ancient history, war, politics and economics
- literary classics such as Homer, Sophocles, Virgil and Ovid
- the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world
- the art and architecture of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans
- the mythology and religious practices of the Greeks and Romans
- the thought of figures such as Plato, Aristotle and Lucretius
- the use of the classics in today's film, books and other media
In addition to the concentration in classics, ASU also offers a classical civilization concentration with a similar focus but different language requirements. Students should consult their advisor and choose the concentration that best meets their needs.
Subplans
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course:
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates with a degree in the classics possess skills in research and the precise use and analysis of language. The transdisciplinary study of a culture that is very different from the modern world yet lies at the root of it also fosters the ability to view issues from many angles and to think critically about them.
As many employers are well aware, a classics graduate has the training that enables them to solve difficult puzzles, to see through obscure language and to conduct rigorous research on often ill-defined problems. These skills are prized in any field of endeavor. Classics graduates often find careers in:
- business
- Christian ministry
- film, television and multimedia
- law
- politics
- education
- writing and editing (fiction, journalism, technical writing)
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
High School Teacher
- Growth: 3.8%
- Median Salary*: $62,870
Historian
- Growth: 2.6%
- Median Salary*: $63,100
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: $86,940
Judge
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: $141,080
Lawyer
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $126,930
Legal Court Hearing Officer
- Growth: 0.3%
- Median Salary*: $97,520
Mediator
- Growth: 7.7%
- Median Salary*: $66,130
Political Analyst
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $125,350
Translator
- Growth: 20.0%
- Median Salary*: $52,330
World Language Professor
- Growth: 5.7%
- Median Salary*: $69,920
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.