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International Letters and Cultures (Classics), BA

Uncover the rich history, philosophy and artistic endeavors of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and gain expertise in their ancient languages. You'll acquire an in-depth understanding of the foundations of modern society that have inspired innovative leaders in the past and present.

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A professor writes on a glass board, exploring classical language in ASU's International Letters and Cultures (Classics), BA program.

Quick facts

Courses

Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

The Bachelor of Arts program in international letters and cultures with a concentration in classics begins with two cores: language skills in ancient Greek or Latin (or, if you choose, both) and knowledge of ancient history.

Among the variety of topics you pursue are:

  • ancient art and architecture
  • ancient history, war, politics and economics
  • archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world
  • literary classics such as those by Homer, Sophocles, Virgil and Ovid
  • mythology and religious practices
  • renowned philosophers and writers such as Plato, Aristotle and Lucretius
  • use of the classics in film, books and other media

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Courses

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Translate ancient Greek or Latin texts, in both prepared and at-sight passages.
  • Analyze features of genre and style in the text(s) or author(s) they read in their historical context(s).
  • Construct or evaluate an argument using secondary theories to interpret primary sources.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Students can walk the same steps as some of the most famous thinkers, historians and poets in history. Studying classical civilizations helps renew many of the ideas, languages and societies that have shaped the modern day. Ancient civilizations are brought to life when students see the connections between the past and present.

Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options available, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career, as well as personal enrichment. Students build communication skills, are challenged to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to differences across the world, and they increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Historian 3.0% $76,750
Intelligence Officer 0.2% $93,790
Judge 2.8% $153,990
Lawyer 4.7% $159,670
Mediator 4.7% $75,530
Political Analyst -2.0% $142,080
Sociologist 3.8% $106,030
Translator 2.0% $60,170
World Language Professor 0.2% $79,350

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Graduates with a degree in the classics have skills in research and the precise use and analysis of language. The transdisciplinary study of a culture that is very different from that of the modern world yet lies at the root of it also fosters the ability to view issues from many angles and to think critically about them.

As many employers are well aware, a classics graduate has the training to solve difficult puzzles, see through obscure language and conduct rigorous research on often ill-defined problems. These skills are prized in any field of endeavor. Classics graduates often find careers in:

  • business
  • Christian ministry
  • education
  • film, television and multimedia
  • law
  • politics
  • writing and editing (fiction, journalism, technical writing)

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of International Letters and Cultures | DH 131
silcadvising@asu.edu
480-965-6281

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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