Classical Studies
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Take your love for Homer beyond the Simpsons
Where do many of the world’s central ideas come from? Delve into the roots of Western civilization and gain a deep understanding of ancient Greece and Rome — cultures that continue to shape our thinking and society today.
Discover the enduring thoughts of greats like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle by majoring in Classical Studies. Or major in Classics and take Greek and Latin courses so you master enough knowledge to read ancient texts in their original language. (Yes, it’s totally okay to Greek out over dead languages.)
Explore the many facets of antiquity: from history, religion, and philosophy to art, science, and technology.
Meanwhile, you’ll have lots of room to round out your education with courses in other subjects and with work experience through co-op. Or study overseas and place yourself at the heart of it all in Greece or Rome.
Once you’ve graduated, the broad thinking demanded by the program will serve you well in a range of careers, including law, policy, culture, education, and more. Carpe diem!
Choose from two majors
- Classical Studies
- Classics (includes learning Greek and Latin)
What courses will you take in Classical Studies?
First-year courses
As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.
You will also take an Arts First course in either the fall or winter term of your first year. In this course, instead of going to a lecture hall, you and your classmates will work together to respond to an intriguing challenge. With only 25 students in this course, you might address topics such as The Science of Happiness, Are We Erasing History?, Games and Culture, and Writing About Poems and Songs.
You can choose to study Classical Studies through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Honours Arts
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
Honours Arts and Business
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
40% of the classes you’ll take will be Classical Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo or fulfill additional requirements for your chosen entry program.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular choices include History and Peace and Conflict Studies.
What courses will you take in Classics?
First-year courses
As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.
You will also take an Arts First course in either the fall or winter term of your first year. In this course, instead of going to a lecture hall, you and your classmates will work together to respond to an intriguing challenge. With only 25 students in this course, you might address topics such as The Science of Happiness, Are We Erasing History?, Games and Culture, and Writing About Poems and Songs.
You can choose to study Classics through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Honours Arts
September to December
- One course from
- One course from
- Arts First Requirement or elective
- Prospective major #2
- One elective (if only taking one CLAS 100 course)
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
Honours Arts and Business
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
40% of the classes you’ll take will be Classical Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo or fulfill additional requirements for your chosen entry program.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular choices include History and Peace and Conflict Studies.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies or Classics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Study overseas. The Acropolis is calling! Take advantage of study-abroad opportunities in the Mediterranean, or do an internship with the Canadian Institute in Greece.
Enjoy great discussions. Do more than just take notes. In our small classes, you’ll have lots of opportunity for debate and discussion.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Development assistant
- Technical writer
- Marketing and development intern
- Media relations assistant
- Web design and maintenance
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
If you choose to study Classical Studies through Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January - April 2027).
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after second year (May to August 2027) if you choose to study Classical Studies through Honours Arts.
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
What can you do with a degree in Classical Studies?
Graduates typically pursue careers in education, art, writing, law, and culture working in schools, museums, libraries, and publishing companies.
Recent graduates
- Systems Librarian — Wentworth Libraries
- Technical Writer — Optech
- Teacher — Blessed Mother Teresa S.S.
- Minister — Bethesda Baptist Church
Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.
Tuition fees
First-year tuition
Type of fees | Tuition (8 months of school) |
---|---|
Domestic (Ontario residents) | $9,000 |
Domestic (Out of province students) | $9,000 |
International (visa students) | $57,000 |
- Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
- Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Classical Studies as your major at the end of first year.
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.