Why Study Latin?
Read the Romans in their own words. Students in this program study the language, literature, history, and culture of the ancient Roman world while developing the analytical, linguistic, and research skills valued across professions.
Experience Ancient Voices Firsthand
Read Roman authors in their original language and discover how meaning, style, and argument emerge through close engagement with primary texts.
Explore Evidence, Texts, and Artifacts
Work with faculty on research projects that connect literature, history, archaeology, and material culture. Students gain experience investigating the ancient world through multiple forms of evidence.
Connect Ideas Across Time And Space
Examine how the Latin language and Roman ideas continue to influence modern language, law, politics, education, and the arts.
The Latin Major (B.A.)
The Latin major combines language study with the exploration of literature, history, and culture. Students learn to analyze complex texts, investigate historical questions, and understand how the ancient world continues to shape modern institutions and ideas.
In-Demand Skills
You’ll gain skills in:
- Translation and close textual analysis
- Historical and cultural interpretation
- Research and evidence-based argumentation
- Critical reading and analytical reasoning
Interdisciplinary Curriculum:
Majors complete 30 credit hours, including coursework that connects Greek language and literature to fields such as history, literature, philosophy, and art, allowing you to study the ancient world from multiple perspectives.
The Latin major pairs well with minors or second majors across the arts, sciences, and social sciences.
The Latin Minor
18 Credit Hours | 1.5 to 2 semesters of coursework
Add historical perspective to any major.
The Latin minor introduces students to the language, literature, and culture of the ancient Roman world while strengthening skills in critical reading, analysis, and interpretation.
Whether paired with history, English, philosophy, political science, biology, or pre-professional studies, the Latin minor provides insight into the historical foundations of modern ideas and institutions. Students engage directly with ancient texts while developing habits of careful observation and thoughtful analysis.
Recent Graduate Careers
Latin graduates pursue careers that value careful analysis, strong communication, research, and problem-solving. Others continue their studies in graduate and professional programs where these skills provide a strong foundation for advanced work.
Graduate Study, Classics, and Archaeology
Students interested in advanced academic study build strong foundations for graduate programs in classics, archaeology, ancient history, and related disciplines.
Law, Medicine, and Professional Programs
The analytical rigor of Latin study supports preparation for legal education, medicine, public service, and other professions that require close reading, reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making.
Education, Writing, and Cultural Institutions
Graduates pursue work in teaching, publishing, museums, libraries, and nonprofit organizations where communication, interpretation, and historical understanding are essential.
Leadership Across Industries
Latin majors apply their research, writing, and critical-thinking skills in business, consulting, technology, communications, and other fields that value adaptable problem-solvers.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Latin major or minor are encouraged to:
Meet with an academic adviser or any faculty member of the department of Classical Studies to explore introductory courses in Latin language or the Classical Studies program, and review the course catalog for detailed degree requirements.