The Major

Students who major or double-major in Classics must complete a certain minimum number of courses and credits in Classics, Greek, or Latin, the exact number being dependent on the student's concentration within the major. These courses and credits are in addition to the University General Education courses. Approved courses in other departments or in the Five Colleges may be substituted. Only one of these courses may be taken Pass/Fail, and a GPA of 2.00 or higher must be earned in courses counted toward the major.

Students interested in a Classics major should contact a member of the department, or seek advice from the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, tel. 545-0512. Students can find details about the program and career opportunities on the Department's website (https://www.umass.edu/classics).

Every student majoring in Classics, in consultation with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, chooses a faculty member for regular advice on course selection, career opportunities, graduate level studies, internships, and study abroad.

Study abroad, especially in Greece or Italy, is strongly recommended for majors in Classics when global circumstances allow it. The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome offers a semester (either fall or spring) in residence in Rome, Italy. Valuable summer programs are sponsored by the American Academy in Rome and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. The Department of Classics is affiliated with both organizations.

Classics students have the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Department sponsors its own excavation and field school program at Murlo (Siena), Italy, under the direction of Professor Anthony Tuck. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this educational opportunity. Internships, both short-term and long-term, are available in a wide variety of businesses, art and history museums, and archives.