Many freshmen students start out college undeclared; they aren’t sure what they want to major in and hope to use their first year to find something they want to study. Unfortunately, a lot of students take up to 2 years to decide on a major, and they may even switch majors several times up into their junior year. This wastes a lot of time and money, and can significantly delay graduation.
It’s not unusual for students who are uncertain of their path to take a little time off from college while they reassess their options. If taking this educational break isn’t realistic for you, it’s worth performing some research to discover a major you feel suits your personality and priorities. You’ll find the sooner you declare a major you’re passionate about, the more you’ll be able to commit to the classes you need to graduate. This allows you to stay on track to graduate on time.
If you’re interested in exploring some of the varied careers in classics, you’ve come to the right place. This feature on careers in classics is just one in our “Undeclared Series,” which explores potential career options in different fields, from private enterprise to public healthcare.
A Degree in Classics
Classics simply refers to the study of ancient civilizations. More specifically, it usually involves the study of Ancient Greece or Rome. Your studies will focus primarily on learning to read, write, and speak ancient languages, such as classical Attic or Koine Greek or classical Latin.
In addition, you’ll also study the history and geography of the region, including its art and architecture.
In most cases, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in Classics or Classical Studies from a four-year university in order to pursue a career in Classics. That means that you’ll also need a passing score on your college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT.
A degree in Classics can prepare you for a career in everything ranging from academic research and university-level teaching to museum archivist or site tour guide. However, as interesting as these careers may seem, it’s important to think carefully about whether a degree in Classics is right for you.
For instance, when you’re preparing to select a major, it’s important to assess your strengths and weakness. Are you a whiz with languages? Do you enjoy history? Have you always got your nose stuck in a book? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then that may well mean that Classics suit you!
There are also other ways to determine if Classics is your path. For instance, travelling to Greece or Italy, such as through a study abroad program, can be a wonderful way to determine if you want to build a career around the study of the history of these ancient sites.
Such an experience can also be a terrific way to build a college resume, especially if you’re applying to a competitive Classics program. While you’re touring these sites, you might even take the time to channel your inner researcher and archeologist.
For example, you can invest in a good metal detector and go on a hunt for ancient coins and other artifacts. Once you find them, unleash your research skills to find out the history and the significance of your find.
What might look at first like a fun experiment or a nascent hobby can actually be the perfect dress rehearsal for a career in Classics. If you find yourself dreaming of your next find or obsessed with learning the backstory of your piece, then odds are you’re a true Classicist in the making!
Teacher/Professor
With an undergraduate degree in Classics, you may find yourself teaching Classics, history, or geography, or Classical languages and literature at the middle and high school levels. If you go on to earn a graduate degree, you are likely to find yourself teaching Classics at the university level.
A PhD in Classics may take up to six years to complete and will require you to compose a work of original scholarship, your dissertation, but it can take you far in your career as a professor, enabling you to teach graduate as well as undergraduate courses.
Historian
With a master’s degree or doctorate in Classics, you can also opt to build a career as an historian. This career generally involves teaching and lecturing at the university level. You will also engage in scholarly research and writing, publishing both academic articles and books. You may also serve as an expert consultant on Classical history for government and non-government organizations, schools and universities, and perhaps even for entertainment production companies!
Translator
Because a degree in Classics requires you to master one or more Classical language, you may choose to become a translator. For instance, you might use your training to work with archeological groups, museums, or governments to translate ancient texts.
Similarly, you may find yourself writing translations that will be used in textbooks or in books designed for the entertainment and enjoyment of modern audiences.
You may not need a graduate degree to work as a translator. A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for this job, provided that you are fluent in the language you are translating.
Archivist
Because of your expertise in ancient history and languages, you may find yourself working as an archivist in a museum. This means that you will help to analyze, describe, and catalogue ancient artifacts both to advance historical knowledge and educate the public on these topics.
Different organizations will have their own degree requirements, as a master’s degree or higher will be especially desirable for this role.
Tour Guide
If you like to travel or enjoy interacting with the public, then you might use your Classics degree to build a career as a tour guide. This work might find you leading tours in museums or it may even take you to the historical sites, where you will lead tourists on an educational tour of ancient ruins and historical grounds.
Depending on the employer, you may begin working as a tour guide while you are still pursuing your undergraduate degree. In general, though, a bachelor’s degree will be needed for the most desirable and competitive tour guide jobs.
Writer
You might also turn all that fascinating historical and literary expertise to creative use as a writer of historical fiction or of non-fiction. This might include anything from biographies of ancient figures to travel guidebooks.
Depending on the kind of books you write, an undergraduate or graduate degree will help you build your career. In general, if you want to write biographies or non-fiction texts, then a graduate degree can be helpful in establishing your credibility and securing a publisher.
Conclusion
Classics is an incredibly diverse profession. This means you can specialize in everything from archiving historical documents to leading tours. For those unsure of what career trajectory to follow, it’s a wise idea to first attend college, to gain a better understanding of your passions and explore areas you might not otherwise. Choosing the right college major is a big step in building a career you enjoy. Who knows, you might just find that Classics is right up your alley!
By Katie Brenneman: Katie is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.
