Classical and Ancient Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Classical and Ancient Studies explores the foundational civilizations that shaped Western thought, culture, and society. This interdisciplinary program investigates the intellectual, political, and social landscapes of ancient societies across the Mediterranean and Near East, emphasizing critical analysis of primary sources and material culture.
- Ancient Languages: Mastery of foundational languages such as Ancient Greek and Latin, enabling direct engagement with original texts from antiquity.
- Ancient History: In-depth exploration of political developments, societal structures, and historical narratives from the rise of early empires to the fall of Rome.
- Archaeology: Field and analytical methods used to uncover, interpret, and contextualize material remains from ancient cultures.
- Anthropology: Examination of ancient human societies through cultural practices, kinship systems, and material culture to understand social evolution.
- Greek and Roman Mythology: Study of mythological traditions, religious symbolism, and narrative structures that influenced art, literature, and philosophy.
- Philosophy: Analysis of foundational ideas from pre-Socratic thinkers through Plato, Aristotle, and later Roman Stoics and Epicureans.
- Religion and Belief Systems: Investigation into the spiritual frameworks, rituals, and theological concepts that defined ancient worldviews across diverse regions.
Classical and Ancient Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Classical and Ancient Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Classical and Ancient Studies degrees, including Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary and History Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 39,690 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1061 | $95,770 | $51,380 - $169,090 | 5,260 | N/A |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
Classical and Ancient Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,975 in Arkansas to $109,235 in California—a 99% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 39,690 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Classical and Ancient Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 33 institutions offering Classical and Ancient Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Classical and Ancient Studies is found at University of California (UCB), Berkeley (28 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (26 graduates), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (13 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (8 graduates), and John Carroll University (JCU) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 170 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
28 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
26 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| John Carroll University (JCU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | University Heights, Ohio | Private | jcu.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Randolph-Macon College (RMC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Ashland, Virginia | Private | rmc.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
5 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Colgate University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Hamilton, New York | Private | colgate.edu |
| Swarthmore College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Swarthmore, Pennsylvania | Private | swarthmore.edu |
| Cornell College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Mount Vernon, Iowa | Private | cornellcollege.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Franklin and Marshall College (F&M) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | fandm.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Saint Anselm College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | anselm.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Knox College (Knox) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Galesburg, Illinois | Private | knox.edu |
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Lycoming College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Private | lycoming.edu |
| Brown University |
Master's
|
2 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| Tufts University |
Master's
|
1 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Andrews University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Berrien Springs, Michigan | Private | andrews.edu |
| Kalamazoo College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Private | kzoo.edu |
| College of Saint Benedict (CSB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Joseph, Minnesota | Private | csbsju.edu |
| Saint Johns University (SJU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Collegeville, Minnesota | Private | csbsju.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Classical and Ancient Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Classical and Ancient Studies degree?
Salaries for Classical and Ancient Studies graduates vary by role and location. Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $95,770 annually, while Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $84,290. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $109,235 compared to $54,975 in Arkansas. Approximately 39,690 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Classical and Ancient Studies programs?
Currently 33 accredited institutions offer Classical and Ancient Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCB), Berkeley (28 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (26 graduates), and University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (13 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Classical and Ancient Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 183 in 2010 to 170 in 2023-24. This represents a 7% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Classical and Ancient Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, and History Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 39,690 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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