by our College Data Analytics TeamGreek and Latin language and literature has been influential for centuries. Greek Mythology has lived on and still is a part of our culture today. The study of Classical Language and Literature educates students in the written and spoken traditions of ancient Rome and Greece. Students will be instructed in myths, stories, dialects and writings of the Greek and Latin language.
This program focuses on the development and origin of Greek and Latin Literature and Language. Students will not only be taught about the language itself, but also learn the culture and history of the Classical era. Some of the classes you will take include Beginning, Intermediate, and Advance Language Courses, Ancient Civilization and Cultural History, Mythology, Philosophy, Linguistics, and Folklore.
A degree in Classical Languages & Literature involves the study of Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics. Continue reading for the essential details every classical languages & literature student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering classical languages & literature programs.
In the U.S., classical languages & literature is a widely-pursued major, with 1,385 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Classical Languages & Literature Schools ranking analyzes these 218 schools to determine the best overall colleges for classical languages & literature students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of classical languages & literature programs later in this article.
Programs in Classical Languages & Literature emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations classical languages & literature graduates commonly enter.
An open mind and a love for storytelling is crucial as students delve into ancient myths and stories. There is a very rich library of classic literature available to students who master the language. Someone with an interest in culture, history and sociology would find this major very intriguing and exciting.
In order to prepare for this major before college, it is recommended that students take Latin or Greek in high school if it is offered. Other classes that would be beneficial are World Geography, Philosophy, Western Civilization, and Humanities. These classes will help students learn the fundamentals before for majoring in this field. Some universities offer study-abroad programs in this major.
The skill set developed in a classical languages & literature program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a classical languages & literature major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several classical languages & literature degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,064 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 239 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 79 |
People currently working in careers related to classical languages & literature tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 45.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.3% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in classical languages & literature careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Education is a popular career path for graduates who majored in Classical Languages and Literature. You would be well prepared to teach Latin, Greek, English or History in a high school setting. You may also continue your education in order to become a University Professor.
Graduates also find work as a curator, managing and organizing collections at museums. They can inform and educate visitors on the historic, artistic and cultural value of significant items in the museum. You may also find work as a Translator or Interpreter. These individuals are the bridge of communication between two cultures. With the growing demand for worldwide business and travel, opportunities in this career are promising. Your salary will differ depending on what career you pursue and whether or not you continue your education.
Majoring in classical languages & literature can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to classical languages & literature.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to classical languages & literature.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of classical languages & literature graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 4 years | $39,272 |
| 5 years | $47,653 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for classical languages & literature graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers classical languages & literature grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,627 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $39,815 |
With 218 different classical languages & literature programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased classical languages & literature school rankings to help you.
Those considering classical languages & literature, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
