Department of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies

By studying the classics, you will engage with the central cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean tradition: the languages, literatures, history and archaeology of ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

You will learn about all aspects of life in Greco-Roman antiquity and the knowledge you gain will enhance your appreciation of a range of disciplines, from art and architecture to philosophy and religion, from history and politics to ethics and religion.

Reflecting the richness and diversity of the field of classical studies, our undergraduate program offers three tracks, depending on what you wish to focus on:

  • Classics, if you want to study classical languages and their development.
  • Greek or Latin Literature, if you want to study one language and literature in particular.
  • Classical Archeology and Ancient History, if you want to concentrate less on language and more on history, art and archeology.

We also offer, with the English department, an independent concentration in classical and English literature. If you're interested in teaching Latin at the secondary school level, we collaborate with the Education Program to offer Latin teaching licensure.

The study of Latin and Greek and of the social and intellectual cultures of ancient Greece and Rome will enhance your skills in other languages even as it deepens your appreciation for the contemporary world—and your role as a citizen in it. It is an ideal starting point for further study in an array of fields, such as comparative literature, archaeology, fine arts, linguistics, philosophy and history, to name a few. It will also give you an excellent foundation for pursuing a career in business, education, government, law, library science and medicine.

Why Brandeis?

In keeping with the Brandeis commitment to teaching, our faculty are dedicated educators and mentors. Our department is as close-knit as it is vibrant, so you'll work closely with your professors as they communicate their passion for the ethics, politics, art, literature, and history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds to you. We offer numerous ways to enhance your scholarship, including internships, fellowships, and opportunities to study abroad.

In addition to the impressive Classical Studies Artifact Research Collection (CLARC), an 800-piece collection of classical artifacts on campus, the universities and museums of nearby Boston and Cambridge are an amazing resource for further study.

Academics and Research

Faculty and Student Excellence

Internships and Other Opportunities

Careers, Graduate Study and Alumni

“The department of Classical Studies has been so supportive—and believes in its students. Opportunities for excellent language study, archaeological fieldwork, and deep research in ancient history, classical archaeology, mythology, and classical civilizations abound.”

Helen Wong ’19