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Classics

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Classics?

Classics is the study of languages, culture, history, and thought of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Through this major, you will develop strong analytical and communication skills. The major also has an option for teaching if you would like to teach Latin. As a Classics student, you’ll study:

  • Literature (including epic, drama, and historical writing)
  • History and archaeology of the Greek and Roman Mediterranean
  • Philosophy and linguistics

You can choose from two concentrations:

  • Classical Languages
  • Classical Civilizations

Career Options

  • Business
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Research
  • Teaching

Post-Graduation Success1

89% employed or continuing education

42% employed after graduation

47% attending graduate school

$59,214 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (4), Elmwood Park High School (2), Epic Systems (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

95% first-year retention rate

78% four-year graduation rate

89% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Tuition has not yet been determined for this program.

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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