Undergraduate Programs

The study of classics centers on the cultures of antiquity, but the lessons learned about the human condition are anything but antiquated. Throughout history, those interested in politics, society, and culture have looked to Roman and Greek civilization as a testing ground for serious inquiry. The study is no less fruitful and fascinating today.

In addition to scholarly examination of the art, science, philosophy, religion, mythology, and literature of ancient Greece, Rome, and other cultures of the ancient world, the Department of Classical Studies at Tufts is actively involved with Tufts’ current cultural climate, sponsoring events such as the Classics Film Series, an annual reading marathon, and various guest speakers. The department houses the Perseus Digital Library, which is the largest online collection of Latin and Greek texts in the world. Students in the classics department often participate in the Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program or double majors, finding that studying Latin or Greek perfectly complements preparatory work toward law, medicine, theology, philosophy, or a number of other fields in the sciences and humanities.

We offer a variety of majors and minors including majors in Greek and Latin, Ancient World Studies, Greek, Latin, and the interdisciplinary major in Archaeology;  and minors in Ancient World Studies, Ancient World Archaeology, Greek, and Latin.

Programs

BA in Ancient World Studies

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Ancient World Studies. This is a broad, interdisciplinary liberal arts program, introducing students to the histories, literatures, and material cultures of the Greeks, Romans, and other related ancient cultures.

BA in Archaeology

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Archaeology. The major in archaeology incorporates courses from the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Ideally, a student in archaeology will combine course work with first-hand experience in recovery, conservation, and interpretation of material remains.

BA in Classical Studies (for previously declared majors only)

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Classical Studies. This is a broad, interdisciplinary liberal arts program, introducing students to the history, literature, and material culture of the Greeks, Romans, and other related civilizations. NOTE: This degree is offered for students who declared this major before September 2023.

BA in Greek & Latin

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Greek & Latin. Greek and Latin is a flexible, interdisciplinary program introducing students to the literature, history, and material culture of the Greeks and Romans, along with other related civilizations.  

BA in Greek

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Greek. The Greek major focuses on the Greek-speaking cultures of antiquity and the middle ages.  Students read in Greek while also taking background courses given in English.

BA in Latin

Undergraduates receive a BA degree in Latin. The Latin major focuses on the Romans and on the continuing tradition of the Latin language in the medieval and modern world. Students read in Latin while also taking background courses given in English.

Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program: BA/MA in Classics

Offers the opportunity for current Tufts undergraduates to obtain a Master's degree in combination with their BA in a total of 5 years.

Minor in Ancient World Archaeology

Undergraduates receive a minor degree in Ancient World Archaeology. This minor introduces the material cultures of ancient societies.

Minor in Ancient World Studies

Undergraduates receive a minor degree in Ancient World Studies. This minor introduces the range of human experience throughout the ancient world.

Minor in Greek

Undergraduates receive a Minor degree in Greek. This minor offers a study of the ancient Greek language and the cultures that used it.

Minor in Latin

Undergraduates receive a Minor degree in Latin. This minor offers a study of the Latin language and the cultures that have used it, and still do.

Admissions

Please visit our admissions website for comprehensive information on our admissions processes and requirements, deadlines, financial aid options, forms and instructions.

Request Information Undergraduate Admissions

Department Chair

R. Bruce Hitchner

R. Bruce Hitchner