Classical Civilization and Classical Languages

Here, you’ll learn by doing. With hands-on opportunities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities, you’ll gain the skills and experiences employers seek. Few locations around the world can rival the opportunities that New York offers in terms of internships, libraries, archives, and museums.

And in addition to the big-city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive.

As a classical languages major, you’ll take courses primarily focused on Latin or Greek language and literature, with higher-level classes taught in the target language. 

As a classical civilization major, you’ll have a broad range of courses that include Greek and Roman literature and touch on history, mythology, art, philosophy, religion, and other areas. These are all taught in English. 

Each major requires 10 courses.

Beyond the fundamentals of ancient Greek and Roman history, politics, and culture, you might dive into courses like Caesar’s Commentaries, where you’ll explore Julius Caesar’s wars and their historical context, or Sex and Gender in the Ancient World, where you’ll examine how gender roles from ancient Mediterranean civilizations relate to contemporary life.

With New York City as your college town, you’ll have access to world-renowned cultural institutions. Students have interned at places like the New York Historical and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Through the Fordham Internship Promise and paid Serving the City Internship Program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, broaden your networks, and make a real difference by partnering with our local community. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our 100+ programs across more than 50 countries.

You’ll be prepared for careers in fields as varied as teaching, museum curation, archaeology, and journalism. Our graduates go on to earn prestigious fellowships and attend law and graduate school.

At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a classics major, you could even conduct research into how AI has affected world governments and societies, preparing you for careers in AI policy, strategy, and safety.

You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and emotional intelligence.