by our College Data Analytics TeamGreek and Latin language and literature has been influential for centuries. Greek Mythology has lived on and still is a part of our culture today. The study of Classical Language and Literature educates students in the written and spoken traditions of ancient Rome and Greece. Students will be instructed in myths, stories, dialects and writings of the Greek and Latin language.
This program focuses on the development and origin of Greek and Latin Literature and Language. Students will not only be taught about the language itself, but also learn the culture and history of the Classical era. Some of the classes you will take include Beginning, Intermediate, and Advance Language Courses, Ancient Civilization and Cultural History, Mythology, Philosophy, Linguistics, and Folklore.
In 2020-2021, classical languages and literature was the 212th most popular major nationwide with 1,428 degrees awarded. This 18 less than the prior year, a decrease of 1.3%.
Our 2023 Best Classical Languages & Literature Schools ranking analyzes 100 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for classical languages and literature students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of classical languages programs later in this article.
An open mind and a love for storytelling is crucial as students delve into ancient myths and stories. There is a very rich library of classic literature available to students who master the language. Someone with an interest in culture, history and sociology would find this major very intriguing and exciting.
In order to prepare for this major before college, it is recommended that students take Latin or Greek in high school if it is offered. Other classes that would be beneficial are World Geography, Philosophy, Western Civilization, and Humanities. These classes will help students learn the fundamentals before for majoring in this field. Some universities offer study-abroad programs in this major.
classical languages and literature degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic classical languages and literature program qualifications, to serve in some classical languages careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Classical Languages degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in classical languages and literature to the highest classical languages degree, a . How long it takes to complete some common classical languages degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to classical languages, with approximately 37.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for classical languages workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 41.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 23.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 21.5% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 7.2% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 4.3% |
Most workers in classical languages have at least a master's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in classical languages and literature have received.
This of course varies depending on which classical languages career you choose.
Education is a popular career path for graduates who majored in Classical Languages and Literature. You would be well prepared to teach Latin, Greek, English or History in a high school setting. You may also continue your education in order to become a University Professor.
Graduates also find work as a curator, managing and organizing collections at museums. They can inform and educate visitors on the historic, artistic and cultural value of significant items in the museum. You may also find work as a Translator or Interpreter. These individuals are the bridge of communication between two cultures. With the growing demand for worldwide business and travel, opportunities in this career are promising. Your salary will differ depending on what career you pursue and whether or not you continue your education.
Want a job when you graduate with your classical languages degree? Classical Languages & Literature careers are expected to grow 8.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to classical languages and literature.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teachers | 1,095,500 | 7.5% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | 39,100 | 11.7% |
Classical Languages & Literature graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $26,386 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $25,119 to as high as $27,038. As you might expect, salaries for classical languages graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for classical languages and literature graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers classical languages grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | $79,160 |
| High School Teachers | $64,340 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,230 |
With over 701 different classical languages degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased classical languages school rankings to help you with this.
Classical Languages & Literature is one of 17 different types of Foreign Languages & Linguistics programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Romance Languages | 15,009 |
| Linguistics & Comparative Literature | 8,539 |
| American Sign Language | 2,724 |
| East Asian Languages | 2,293 |
| Germanic Languages | 1,425 |
