Classics and Classical Languages: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Exploring the ancient world through language, literature, and culture, this program offers a rigorous academic journey into the foundational texts, linguistic systems, and historical contexts of classical civilizations. Students engage deeply with the intellectual traditions of Greece and Rome, developing advanced analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills through the study of original texts and scholarly inquiry.
- Classical Literature: In-depth analysis of seminal works from ancient Greece and Rome, including epic poetry, drama, historical narratives, and philosophical treatises, emphasizing literary form, thematic depth, and cultural significance.
- Classical Languages: Mastery of ancient Greek and Latin through intensive language study, focusing on grammar, syntax, vocabulary acquisition, and the ability to read and translate primary sources in their original form.
- Classical Civilizations: Examination of the political, social, religious, and artistic developments within ancient Mediterranean societies, with attention to historical evolution, material culture, and cross-cultural interactions.
- Linguistic Analysis: Study of the structure, development, and evolution of classical languages, including phonology, morphology, and historical linguistics, to understand how language shapes thought and communication.
- Philosophical Traditions: Engagement with foundational ideas from ancient philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, exploring ethical systems, metaphysics, and political theory that continue to influence modern thought.
Classics and Classical Languages Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Classics and Classical Languages Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Classics and Classical Languages degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Interpreters and Translators. 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 1,147,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Classics and Classical Languages Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,357 in Mississippi to $92,850 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,147,070 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 Classics and Classical Languages by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Classics and Classical Languages 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 Classics and Classical Languages is found at Villanova University (25 graduates), St. John's College (SJC) (21 graduates), Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (6 graduates), Benedictine College (5 graduates), and Xavier University (XU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 88 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
25 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| St. John's College (SJC) |
Master's
|
21 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Private | sjc.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Benedictine College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Atchison, Kansas | Private | benedictine.edu |
| Xavier University (XU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | xavier.edu |
| Wheaton College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Wheaton, Illinois | Private | wheaton.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
|
4 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| Furman University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | furman.edu |
| Eckerd College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Saint Petersburg, Florida | Private | eckerd.edu |
| Providence College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | providence.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.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 |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Delaware, Ohio | Private | owu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Classics and Classical Languages programs
How much can I earn with a Classics and Classical Languages degree?
Salaries for Classics and Classical Languages graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $92,850 compared to $48,357 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,147,070 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 Classics and Classical Languages programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Classics and Classical Languages degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Villanova University (25 graduates), St. John's College (SJC) (21 graduates), and Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (6 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 Classics and Classical Languages growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 50 in 2010 to 88 in 2023-24. This represents a 76% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Classics and Classical Languages degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 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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