Classics – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BA)
Earn a Bachelor's in Classics at University of Montana
The classics have been taught at the University of Montana since 1895, when Father William M. Aber, one of the original five faculty members at the University, taught Greek and Latin. Today, the classics are still a popular course of study at UM — for good reason.
The program teaches classical languages from the beginner to the advanced level. In addition to the ancient languages, you’ll explore the history, literature, philosophy and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world. You’ll also walk the path that great philosophers and artists crossed with study abroad and research opportunities.
Students have the opportunity to pursue areas of specialty in Greek or Latin language and culture. UM’s classics program offers students the option for specialization in classical civilization, classical languages or Latin language education.
With a background in the ancient Mediterranean world behind you, you’ll understand the ancestors of artistic and literary traditions as well as the origins and attempts to grapple with many of the challenges that we face today. You’ll also be poised for a rewarding career path that employs both theory and practice of the classics.
28 UM students awarded Critical Language Scholarships since 2006
8 Fulbright semi-finalists mentored by World Languages faculty
Other classics degree options at UM
Bachelor of Art in Classics – Classic Civilization concentration
Bachelor of Art in Classics – Latin concentration
Bachelor of Art in Classics – Classical Languages concentration
Bachelor of Art in Classics – Latin Language Education concentration
Minor in Classical Civilization
Classics jobs
Potential career opportunities for classics majors include:
- Historian
- Librarian
- Museum Archivist or Curator
- Lawyer
- Researcher
- Writer
- Classics Teacher
- Latin/Greek Teacher
- Latin Translator/Interpreter
- Greek Translator/Interpreter
Classics major salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites historian median pay as $63,100 per year. A high school Latin teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Languages can earn $57,200 yearly. Classics professors, on the other hand, can earn $79,230 annually.
Experiential learning in the classics degree
We encourage classics majors to “dig deep” with research and study abroad opportunities — to go well beyond the images found in books and online resources and be hands-on with the classics.
Undergraduate research opportunities for classics majors
Just as faculty are continually involved with research (e.g., a long-time member of the faculty was one of many classicists who attempted to decipher the enigmatic Phaistos Disk), we ask the same of our students. A capstone project requires students to research, explore and discover more about a select area of their choice as it relates to the classics. We also encourage students to present their research at UM’s annual Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Study abroad opportunities for classics majors
The classics faculty in conjunction with the Davidson Honors College lead a 15-day travel tour in Greece that visits numerous sites and museums in Athens, Crete, Corinth, Nafplio, Olympia and Delphi. Students gain an appreciation of the topography of the ancient world and how it influenced the development of thought and culture. Students from all majors are invited to participate and can earn up to four credits in this honors course.
Career development in the classics major
It’s not enough to simply learn the classics. UM helps students take those discoveries and apply them in real-world situations. Throughout your program at UM, you’ll work with a career goal in mind, and be part of a close-knit group of faculty and students vested in your success. Additionally, the Career Planning Center within UM’s College of Humanities and Sciences offers one-on-one career coaching to help students align their education, skills and passion with employers’ needs.
Networking and professional development in the classics degree
Our faculty serve as mentors from day one, encouraging students in their studies and research, as well as future employment. Students have the chance to learn from visiting scholars who come to campus in partnership with the Missoula Society of the Archaeological Institute of America.
Scholarships for classics majors
The classics are as much a part of today as they are of yesteryear. That’s why we encourage the pursuit of a classics degree with financial assistance. We’re pleased to offer the Henry and Marguerite Ephron Award in Classical Languages annually to students with majors or minors in classics or studying Latin or Greek.
Learn more about scholarships for classics majors.
Explore classes for classics degree program
Our exciting curriculum takes you from classical languages to classical mythology, to ancient Greece and Rome, and major Latin authors. The study of classics is an interdisciplinary study across multiple fields with coursework drawing from classics, history, Greek, Latin, religious studies, philosophy.