- Humanities
- B.A.
- Undergraduate Minor
- Humanities
- History
Program overview
Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a broad range of courses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of the ancient world. The Classical Studies program provides the nurturing atmosphere and personal attention associated with a small liberal arts college, in the context of a large university. Students work in small classes with a distinguished and dedicated teaching faculty. Classical Studies majors and minors are a group of dedicated students who enjoy a challenge and find their work demanding but rewarding. Public lectures, guest speakers, and frequent social events bring Classical Studies students and faculty together on a regular basis.
Learning Experience
Classical studies at UC Santa Cruz combines features of traditional programs, such as solid grounding in the ancient languages, with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to ancient texts and artifacts. While the core of the program is focused on Greek and Latin, students are encouraged to study Greece and Rome within the larger context of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures. By taking courses in history, the history of art and visual culture, linguistics, literature, philosophy, politics, and theater arts, students have the opportunity to give close, sustained attention to an area of study, from an almost unlimited variety of perspectives.
The Classical Studies library, which is situated by the Classical Studies faculty offices, is a center for our community: small seminars meet in it, and students may often be found working together there.
First-Year (Freshman) Requirements
High school students planning to major or minor in Classical Studies at UC Santa Cruz need no special preparation other than the high school courses necessary for UC admission. Previous study of Latin or ancient Greek is valuable, but not required.
Transfer Requirements
Transfer students are enthusiastically encouraged to study Classical Studies at UCSC! Requirements may be completed within two years, even if you haven’t completed any preparatory Classical Studies coursework prior to transferring. Some background in history and in literary analysis and interpretation is desirable, but not essential. Preparatory work in art history, philosophy, or politics, depending on the student's interests, may also be useful. This is a non-screening major.
While it is not a condition of admission, students from California community colleges are advised to complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz.
Internships and Career Opportunities
Classical Studies is a rigorous academic program that allows for the development of sharp analytical and critical thinking skills, along with a comprehensive understanding of language and an appreciation for art and culture. Research and writing skills are also paramount. Many of our students have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in Classical Studies and other related fields. The qualities required for success in our program, however, are also readily transferable to other careers. Recent graduates from our program have launched successful careers in many fields, including teaching, law and law enforcement, publishing, writing, and business.