Brown University Campus
Bachelor of Arts
On Campus
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Brown University
Providence
United States

Classics

About

The Bachelor of Arts in Classics at Brown University immerses students in the profound legacies of ancient Greece and Rome, exploring their languages, literature, philosophy, history, and cultural impact. Students gain direct access to primary texts in Latin and Ancient Greek, fostering a deeper understanding of classical civilizations. The program combines linguistic rigor with interpretive insight, encouraging students to investigate the social, political, and intellectual foundations of the Western tradition while drawing connections to contemporary questions of identity, power, and human values.

Through seminars, translation workshops, and interdisciplinary electives, students engage with texts ranging from Homer and Cicero to early Christian writings and classical reception in modern times. The department promotes a holistic study of antiquity, offering opportunities for archaeological research, digital humanities, and international study. Students benefit from Brown’s open curriculum and collaborative academic environment, gaining analytical precision, cultural literacy, and a broadened perspective that transcends time and discipline.

Key information

Duration
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Tuition fee
$71,700.00/year
Start dates & application deadlines
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More details
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Key Facts

  • Program Title: Classics
  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
  • Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
  • Location: Brown University, United States
  • Field of Study: Classics
  • Language of Instruction: English

Program Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Language and Civilization

  • Introduction to Latin or Ancient Greek
  • Classical Mythology
  • Survey of Greek and Roman History
  • Writing the Ancient World

Year 2 – Intermediate Study and Literary Analysis

  • Intermediate Latin or Greek
  • Classical Epic and Tragedy
  • Roman Art and Architecture
  • Comparative Civilizations

Year 3 – Special Topics and Interdisciplinary Themes

  • Philosophy in the Ancient World
  • Ancient Science and Society
  • Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity
  • Seminar: Reading the Classical City

Year 4 – Capstone Experience and Research

  • Senior Thesis in Classics
  • Advanced Readings in Latin or Greek
  • Independent Study or Fieldwork
  • Seminar in Classical Reception

Career Opportunities

A degree in Classics equips students with exceptional skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, and cultural interpretation, opening doors to diverse professional paths. Graduates often pursue careers in education, academic research, or museum curation, as well as in fields like law, publishing, and public policy, where the ability to construct arguments, evaluate sources, and interpret complex narratives is vital. The program’s emphasis on language mastery and logical reasoning makes it especially beneficial for those entering graduate programs, professional schools, or any field that values articulate communication, historical insight, and cross-cultural awareness. Employers in both public and private sectors appreciate the classical graduate’s intellectual flexibility, depth of knowledge, and ethical sensitivity.

Why Choose This Program

The Classics program at Brown stands out for its balance of linguistic excellence, historical depth, and interdisciplinary innovation. Students are empowered to shape their own academic journey through the university’s flexible curriculum, engaging directly with faculty who are leaders in ancient literature, archaeology, and reception studies. The department fosters a supportive community where students collaborate on research, publish in undergraduate journals, and access global learning opportunities such as excavations or language institutes. By studying the enduring questions and legacies of antiquity, students gain not only knowledge but also the intellectual resilience to confront modern challenges with a perspective grounded in centuries of thought and human experience.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States