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Classical Studies

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  4. Classical Studies

 

UC San Diego’s Classical Studies major explores the ancient Mediterranean world, from the Bronze Age through late antiquity, with a focus on Greece and Rome alongside neighboring cultures. Students study antiquity through multiple disciplines, including history, literature, philosophy, political science, and visual arts. The major offers two tracks: a Language Emphasis for students who want intensive study of Greek and Latin texts, and a Cultures Emphasis for students who prefer a broader, cross-disciplinary approach using texts in translation. Together, these options help students build a rich understanding of the ancient world and its lasting influence across cultures today.

Program Highlights

  • The Classical Studies major offers an Honors Program for qualified students.

  • The School of Arts and Humanities, including Classical Studies, is the home of renowned faculty, including winners of the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award and the MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship.

Classical Studies

This page is intended to give some highlights about the program. If you are interested in learning more about the major and its curriculum, visit the department website.

CLASSICAL STUDIES WEBSITE

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Co-curricular Programs

Learn how to make the most of your experience at UC San Diego within the context of your major.

Research

Conduct research in your field of study with one of the many research programs available. Research opportunities in this major include, but are not limited to:

McNair

  • Available Winter, Spring and Summer term (8 weeks; 3 quarter commitment).
  • Open to juniors and seniors.
  • Stipend, course credit, and housing available.

Faculty Mentor Program (FMP)

  • Available Fall, Winter, or Spring terms (2-3 quarter commitment).
  • Open to undergraduate students.
  • Course and co-curricular credit available.

UC Scholars

  • Available Summer.
  • Open to junior and seniors.
  • Stipend, course credit, and housing available.
For more details, eligibility, and to explore more programs, visit our Undergraduate Research website and the Classical Studies research and scholarship opportunities page.

Internships

UC San Diego offers strong internship pathways for undergraduates through the Academic Internship Program (AIP) and the Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal. AIP enables students to earn academic credit while gaining professional experience in fields across all majors, supported by faculty mentorship and an academic component. The REAL Portal serves as a centralized hub for finding research, internships, service learning, and other hands‑on opportunities on and off campus. Together, these resources help students explore career interests, build professional skills, and connect academic learning with real‑world experience.

Find a Program

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities which allow students to experience the culture and history of another country and gain a global perspective,  all while earning academic credit toward their degree.

Student Organizations

With over 600 student organizations, students are able to connect with other students who share similar interests. And, if you can't find something that interests you, it's easy to create a new one with just a few other students. Explore UC San Diego student organizations.

Be sure to check out this organization related to your major:

  • Pandora Forum

What can I do with this major?

Learn about how you can apply your major to various opportunities after you graduate by checking out the UC San Diego Career Center. This service helps students explore career paths and prepare for jobs, internships, and graduate or professional school through one-on-one advising, resume and interview support, and education resources. It also connects students with opportunities through Handshake, employer networking, workshops, and career fairs held through the year.