There is something magical about studying ancient cultures.Trekking through the annals of Greek and Roman culture--relishing each great piece of art.
Embracing clever literature, learning the crispness of Latin and Greek languages and pondering philosophies of great men.
This is the beauty of classical studies.
One can learn about the methods of once thriving civilizations, as the journey of classical studies takes the student on a wander through centuries of fascinating chronicles, visiting history to learn how the present came to be.
Why a classical studies degree?
When thinking about post-graduate careers, one usually focuses on traditional fields of study, i.e. business, engineering or medicine.
As commendable as these are, the many facets of classical studies incite the inquisitive imagination of ancient cultures, languages, literature, history and philosophy.
Unless the student loves complex mathematical maneuvering, engineering is not all that exhilarating.
Likewise, one must be able to eagerly handle all that comes with medical applications, otherwise, the nursing journey is more queasy than exciting.
The field of classical studies is the complete opposite of each of these, requiring only imagination and a love for learning about ancient cultures.
Think about the lure of languages, literature, history, philosophy and the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome.
Just the thought of these arouses one’s sense of adventure. From the partial list of courses mentioned above, it is clear that studying them will never be tedious.
Such is the circumstance of choosing classical studies as a major--the thrill of the journey is fantastic, although many think it to be futile, in terms of job choice or career building.
Throughout centuries, hundreds of scientists emerged because they elected areas of study that balanced with their interests and fascination.
Likewise, many neurosurgeons advanced in their complex field of medicine--not because they hated the human anatomy--but because it absolutely captivated them.
Moreover, if the student has a strong and unique interest in classical studies, then success is inevitable.
Studying in one’s area of interest creates balance, fascination and dedication.
A degree in classical studies does not limit the candidate’s job options.
No. In fact, he or she is likely to only be interested in areas exclusive to their field of study anyway--which is the initial point of choosing a field of study.
As such, knowing a major’s course of study helps to determine a possible career path. And there is always a career path for a successfully completed major.
Classical studies course requirement
This major is based on the study of language, literature and civilization of the ancient world--its art, history, religion, philosophy, society and culture.
While each university crafts its own distinct and varying prerequisites, foundational courses are common to all institutions, as they relate specifically to areas of study.
Some of the courses required for a degree in classical studies are:
- Latin or Greek Languages
- Greek and Roman literature in English translation
- Greek and Hellenistic Art, Etruscan and Roman Art
- Cultural Crossroads in Antiquity
- Greek History & Roman History
- Women in Antiquity
- Greek Archaeology
- Roman Archaeology
- Ancient Philosophy
Based on the above subject descriptions, it is clear that the nature of a classical studies degree is unique to certain areas of expertise, no different--in concept--than areas of law or medicine.
Jobs unique to a classical studies degree
Contrary to popular belief, jobs for a major in classical studies are not non-existent and they are quite fulfilling to an enthusiastic degree holder.
True to its essence, and much like any other specialized degree, the field of classical studies has a unique and stimulating job niche.
Archaeologists
They are employed by museums and historic sites, federal and state government agencies, colleges, universities and cultural resource management division of engineering firms.
Archaeologists examine ancient sites and objects they find to learn about past cultures. Some archaeologists specialize in types of objects such as coins, bones or pottery they find.
Others are strictly interested in historical periods. In cases bones and artifacts, a postgraduate course or some other qualification or specialist skill in human and bone analysis may be required.
However, a degree in classical studies or ancient culture qualifies an individual for entry into the field of archaeology.
The annual salary for an archaeologist varies by organization and depends on the level of education, years of experience and the agency with which they are employed.
For instance, large research institutions pay around $80,000 to $100,000 a year to a professor or museum curator with a Ph.D. several years of experience and who has written many journals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for an archaeologist employed by the federal government is $72, 980.
Archivists and museum curators
These individuals have interesting jobs, as it pertains to ancient history. Since museums are historically oriented, these jobs are ideal for one with a classical studies degree.
Curators oversee collections of historic items and collections of artwork. They are also expected to prepare budgets, manage staff and, in many cases, build relationships with stakeholders and partners.
Archivists, on the other hand, are more data focused, in that they appraise, edit and maintain permanent records, as well as historically valuable documents.
The pay for museum work can be lucrative, depending on position and degree qualifications. However, entry level pay for archivists and curators was above satisfactory.
In 2012, the BLS records archivists and curators earning $21.35 an hour or $44,410 annually.
Translators
Converting information between languages is as exciting as it sounds, to the novice--which is what translators do.
Classical studies majors are equipped with the strength of language diversity, which qualifies them as translators if they so choose.
Interestingly, most translators work for personal clients or agencies as a home freelancer. In some instances, translators work on site.
$47,920 is the current average annual salary for interpreters and translators.
College Professors
These career holders enjoy using their expertise to instruct others. A professorship requires a Ph.D. though a masters degree will suffice while the candidate works to achieve the proper qualifications.
Classical studies majors who enjoy instructing others and don't mind obtaining additional qualifications will find that a career as a college professor or post-secondary teacher fares quite well, earning $126,981 annually.
On the other hand, if additional certification is not feasible for you, high school teaching is always an option.
Writers and Authors
Writers and authors assemble fiction and non-fiction ideas that impact history in a major way, in some cases.
Developing written content is one of the most personally rewarding professions, as the writer gets to record his ideas, philosophy and educational erudition, leaving it for generations of scholars to debate, dissect and admire.
In the job sector, writers and authors write for magazines--they write books and for online publications.
Advertisers are always looking for good copy, also movies and television need writers for scripts. Writers and authors earned an annual salary of $55,940 or $26.89 per hour in 2012.
For those who relish places, things and cultures of ancient times, a degree in classical studies is certainly an option for higher education aspirations.
All one needs is genuine curiosity and a desire to delve into the various treasures of ancient civilizations--the rest is elementary.
When planning a journey through ancient history with a degree in classical studies, it is wise to pack lots of determination and persistence.
One also has to plan for the occasional pessimist one might encounter on the classical studies path--those who might belittle the pursuit of a degree in something other than business.
Be self-assured.
Classical studies is a thrilling journey that takes its prodigy through history, that they might see how the present was born, and teach others of it--the act of which translates into a job.
Researched and compiled by the blog author.
Copyright © 2015 by Peggy Hatchet James
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