Classics
The Bachelor of Arts in Classics at Notre Dame University invites students to explore the languages, literature, philosophy, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome—civilizations that laid the intellectual and political foundations of the Western world. This program immerses students in classical texts, from Homer and Plato to Cicero and Virgil, with opportunities to study both Greek and Latin in-depth. It also incorporates archaeology, ancient history, and classical art, allowing students to understand the Greco-Roman world through its many voices and artifacts. Students sharpen their interpretive and analytical abilities while engaging with ideas that continue to influence modern society.
Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on philological precision, historical context, and critical reading. Students benefit from close mentorship, seminar-style instruction, and the opportunity to work with ancient texts in their original languages. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters connections with philosophy, history, religious studies, and political theory. Whether pursuing a broad liberal arts education or preparing for advanced study, the Classics program helps students build a deep, nuanced understanding of human culture and thought across millennia. This timeless field offers intellectual challenges and insights that remain deeply relevant in today’s global context.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Classics
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: University of Notre Dame, United States
- Field of Study: Classics
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Classical Language and Culture
- Introduction to Classical Civilization
- Latin I or Ancient Greek I
- World History: Ancient to Medieval
- Academic Writing and Humanities Seminar
- Greek and Roman Mythology
Year 2 – Language Development and Core Texts
- Latin II or Ancient Greek II
- Intermediate Latin or Greek Prose
- History of Ancient Philosophy
- Classical Art and Archaeology
- Roman Republic and Athenian Democracy
Year 3 – Special Topics and Cultural Inquiry
- Advanced Readings in Latin and Greek
- Classical Rhetoric and Oratory
- Religion and Society in Antiquity
- Ancient Law and Political Thought
- Technical Elective in History, Philosophy, or Linguistics
Year 4 – Research and Intellectual Synthesis
- Capstone Seminar in Classics
- Independent Reading or Thesis Preparation
- Gender and Identity in the Classical World
- Elective: Hellenistic Literature or Late Antiquity
- Senior Thesis or Final Project
Career Opportunities
A degree in Classics from Notre Dame University opens doors to a broad spectrum of career options rooted in communication, critical analysis, and cultural fluency. Graduates often pursue paths in education, publishing, cultural heritage, and research institutions, where their deep understanding of language and history is highly valued. Others enter professional fields such as law, journalism, diplomacy, or public policy, drawing on their training in logic, argumentation, and historical perspective. The program also provides ideal preparation for postgraduate study in classics, philosophy, theology, comparative literature, or archaeology. Employers across sectors recognize that classics graduates bring a distinctive ability to think deeply, reason clearly, and connect across disciplines—skills essential in a rapidly changing and intellectually complex world.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame University’s Classics program offers a rigorous, deeply humanistic education anchored in the study of foundational texts and ideas. What sets this program apart is its integration of language mastery, cultural insight, and intellectual tradition, supported by faculty who are active scholars and passionate educators. Students gain access to small, discussion-driven classes and rare opportunities for translation, textual criticism, and independent research. The department encourages critical reflection not only on ancient societies but on their continuing influence in law, ethics, politics, and art. For students who wish to explore enduring human questions through the lens of antiquity, and who value both analytical depth and cultural breadth, this program provides a meaningful, relevant, and intellectually rich academic journey.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 574 631 5000
Email: admissions@nd.edu
Address: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
