The Bachelor of Arts in Classics offers an in-depth study of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, providing students with a strong foundation for understanding the classical world and its lasting influence on global civilization. Students develop proficiency in Greek and Latin while exploring foundational texts such as epic poetry, drama, philosophical writings, and historical narratives that have shaped Western thought. Through close reading, linguistic analysis, and historical interpretation, learners gain the tools to evaluate ancient sources with precision. This rigorous training strengthens linguistic mastery, historical insight, analytical depth, and interpretive clarity, enabling students to engage deeply with classical traditions.
Throughout the four-year program, students investigate major themes in classical literature, mythology, religion, politics, and intellectual history, examining how ancient societies organized social life, developed artistic expression, and constructed philosophical systems. The curriculum blends philology, archaeology, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world. Through seminars, writing-intensive assignments, independent research, and comparative analysis, students refine their ability to interpret evidence, craft scholarly arguments, and connect classical ideas to contemporary cultural debates. This sustained engagement cultivates methodological rigor, research competence, comparative understanding, and scholarly independence, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to the study of antiquity.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Classics
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Yale University, United States
- Field of Study: Classics
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Classical Study
· Introduction to Greek and Latin
· Classical Mythology
· Fundamentals of Textual Interpretation
· Methods in Philological and Historical Research
Year 2 – Core Concepts in Greek & Roman Culture
· Greek Literature or Roman Literature
· Ancient History: Greece or Rome
· Art and Archaeology of the Classical World
· Research Methods in Classics
Year 3 – Advanced Linguistic & Cultural Inquiry
· Greek or Latin Prose and Poetry
· Classical Philosophy or Intellectual History
· Topics in Ancient Society and Culture
· Independent Study / Classical Research Project
Year 4 – Thesis & Scholarly Integration
· Senior Thesis / Classical Studies Research
· Advanced Seminar in Greek or Roman Studies
· Topics in Translation, Philology, or Cultural Exchange
· Academic Portfolio & Presentation Skills
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program enter careers that require strong analytical reasoning, interpretive skill, and deep cultural literacy. Many pursue roles in education and academia, museums and cultural heritage organizations, libraries and archival institutions, and nonprofit or public service sectors, where they engage in research, teaching, cultural interpretation, and community outreach. Additional opportunities arise in publishing, editorial work, law, public policy, journalism, archaeology, and any field that benefits from strong writing, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. With training in ancient languages, historical analysis, and textual interpretation, graduates are equipped to evaluate complex evidence, articulate nuanced arguments, and contribute to cultural preservation and scholarly dialogue.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum grounded in comprehensive classical scholarship, offering the languages, methods, and interpretive tools needed to study the ancient Mediterranean world. Over four years, learners strengthen their linguistic, analytical, and research abilities through language study, archaeological interpretation, and interdisciplinary coursework. The curriculum fosters industry-relevant expertise applicable to education, cultural heritage, research, communications, and policy-oriented fields. With its emphasis on critical inquiry, historical understanding, and intellectual rigor, the program cultivates strong intellectual judgment, preparing graduates to approach ancient cultures with depth and to apply classical insights to contemporary academic and professional contexts.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 203 432 2300
Email: admissions@yale.edu
Address: University of Yale, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
