a group of students standing in front of Greek columns

Undergraduate Program

Studying Classics at WashU

Studying Classics at WashU is a chance to dive deep into the ancient world while building strong skills for any career. Our students improve memory and focus through language study, sharpen their thinking through close reading of ancient texts, and grow as researchers, writers, and speakers with hands-on practice every day.

Majors have exciting opportunities to study abroad, work with faculty on research, and design their own projects with faculty support. In recent years, we’ve had over 40 students majoring or minoring in the department at a time—and sometimes up to 60.

We offer two major options: Classics and Ancient Studies. Both help you build essential liberal arts skills while exploring a fascinating field. You’ll work closely with passionate professors to create a program tailored to your interests—from ancient history and languages to how the ancient world connects with today.

All majors complete a capstone experience, a flexible final project that brings everything together.

Students also have access to our Undergraduate Study Room in Umrath Hall, Room 238, right next to faculty offices. This space includes our department library and other research tools.

We love celebrating student success and regularly award departmental prizes to top majors at graduation.

Majors & Minors

  • Ancient Studies Major
  • Classics Minor
  • Ancient Studies Minor

Classics Major

The major in Classics emphasizes the study of Greek and/or Latin literature read in the original languages. In fulfilling the general requirements for the degree, prospective majors in Classics are urged to select courses in their major and in other departments according to their own interests, abilities, and long-range educational plans.

Visit the Bulletin for major requirements

Language Placement Exams

Students who have previously studied Latin or Greek can test their skills to be placed appropriately

more info

Join the WashU Chapter of Eta Sigma Phi

The Alpha Xi Chapter of Eta Sigma Phi is the honor society of students of Greek and Latin at Washington University.

 

Learn More about Eta Sigma Phi

Undergraduate Resources

Find commonly used resources here, or see all department resources. 

funding opportunities

find funding for study abroad, summer classes, and research

Undergraduate Organizations in Classics

connect with other students who love Classics

Senior Capstone Options

Language Reading Groups

Deepen your language skills. Explore ancient texts. Join a community of readers.

Undergraduate Research

The Department of Classics encourages its majors and minors to do research both independently and in cooperation with faculty members.

Honors

aim high and earn recognition

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Deciding to pursue a second major in Classics was the best decision I made at WashU. As a pre-med with a primary major in Biology, it was very important to me to broaden my interests beyond just the realm of science and medicine, and Classics was the natural choice. Not only did Classics allow me to balance my schedule between science, language, and ancient history, it also gave me a better appreciation for how modern languages, government, cultures, and even medicine evolved from the ancients.

― Lisa Dorn MD / PhD Candidate, Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University