What Can You Do With a Classics Degree?

You may have heard the name but never got the next answer to the question, “What is a classical studies major?” Classical studies—the analysis of ancient world civilizations like the Greeks and Romans—has an undeserved reputation for being a narrow area of study. Common misconceptions around the field lead some to believe that classics majors can only go on to teach the classics. However, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

Classical studies is an interdisciplinary field that covers everything from history and language to art and philosophy. Indeed, classical studies promotes an extensive understanding of diverse topics, making it a stepping stone for countless careers.

So, what can you do with a classics degree? To demonstrate just how versatile a classical studies degree can be, we’ll explore some of the potential careers you can go into, as well as other opportunities you could encounter.

Careers for Classical Studies Graduates

If you're interested in a classics major and the wonders of the ancient world, you can explore different career opportunities to help you decide which one to pursue. Because classical studies covers topics as diverse as politics, religion, gender and sexuality, a degree in the field can propel you into dozens of compelling, well-paying jobs. Here are just a few of the many careers a classics degree can lead to.

Educator

Of course, a classics degree can be a precursor to a long and fulfilling career of introducing students to the classics. However, you don’t have to dedicate yourself to teaching every aspect of classical studies. If a particular topic inspires you the most, you can just as easily teach one of the sub-fields covered by the classics, such as ancient history,  classical language or religious studies.

Whether you choose to teach the classics as a whole or focus on one of the sub-disciplines, you’ll likely end up at a high school or a college. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earn a median salary of $61,820 per year. Postsecondary educators, on the other hand, have a median salary of $79,640 per year.

Gallery or Museum Employees

Many careers rely directly on the historical and cultural context that only a classics degree can provide. For example, gallery managers, curators, archivists and archaeologists often have a background in classical studies. Working at museums and historical sites, these professionals handle significant materials and artifacts, arrange and design exhibitions, and educate the public on the site’s contents.

Archaeologists and anthropologists earn a median salary of $61,910 a year, while museum and gallery workers make $50,120 per year according to the BLS. It’s worth noting that some positions may require a master’s degree.

Librarian

Librarians do much more than locate books for interested readers. Librarians also help others carry out research on large and small-scale projects. As such, they need a grasp on numerous topics—and classical studies provide the perfect foundation.

As a librarian, you could work in various settings, including:

• Public libraries
• School libraries
• Academic libraries
• Specialized libraries (for example, in a government agency or museum) 

The median salary for a librarian is $61,190 per year according to the BLS. In most cases, you’ll need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) to pursue this career.

Journalist

Future journalists can take advantage of the diverse knowledge base that classical studies examine—especially those looking to cover world events. For example, a news journalist reporting on events in Greece, Syria, Tunisia or any other part of the former Roman Empire will greatly benefit from the historical and cultural context the classics provide. 

Even if you’re not traveling around the world, an understanding of philosophy and language never hurts.

The median salary for journalists is $48,370 a year per the BLS.

Other Opportunities for Classical Studies Grads

Perhaps you’re wondering, “What can I do with a classical studies degree besides work in a classics-related field?” Beyond rewarding careers, a degree in classical studies can open up various other doors. These paths can ultimately lead to various jobs and career opportunities.

Pursuing a Graduate Degree

Classical studies is a diverse field that covers topics from art history to medicine. As such, it’s a terrific first step for students looking to complete a classics graduate program in nearly any discipline.

The most obvious choices include fields tied to the classics, such as theater, philosophy, literature and history. However, you can also leverage your close reading and critical thinking skills to apply for graduate study programs like:

• Law
• Business
• International affairs
• Psychology