Classical Studies | Undergraduate Programs

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)

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies or Classics

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 can choose to study Classical Studies through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

CLAS 100 – An Introduction to Classical Studies or CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
Prospective major #2
Two electives

January to April

CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology or CLAS 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
Prospective major #2
Three electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
One of CLAS 100 – An Introduction to Classical Studies OR CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology
Prospective major #2
Elective

January to April

ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology OR CLAS 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
Prospective major #2

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.

Sample upper-year courses

CLAS 202 – Love, Life, and Death in Rome
CLAS 325 – Greek and Roman Religion
CLAS 327 – Astrology and Magic
CLAS 384 – Science and Technology of Ancient Greece and Rome

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 can choose to study Classics through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

CLAS 100 – An Introduction to Classical Studies OR CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
LAT 101 - Introductory Latin 1 and/or GRK 101 - Introductory Ancient Greek 1
Prospective major #2
One elective

January to April

CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology OR CLAS 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
LAT 102 – Introductory Latin 2 and/or GRK 102 – Introductory Ancient Greek 2
Prospective major #2
Two electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
CLAS 100 – An Introduction to Classical Studies OR CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology
LAT 101 – Introductory Latin 1 or GRK 101 – Introductory Ancient Greek 1
Elective

January to April

ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
CLAS 104 – Classical Mythology OR CLAS 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
LAT 102 – Introductory Latin 2 or GRK 102 – Introductory Ancient Greek 2

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

Sample upper-year courses

CLAS 202 – Love, Life, and Death in Rome
CLAS 325 – Greek and Roman Religion
CLAS 327 – Astrology and Magic
CLAS 384 – Science and Technology of Ancient Greece and Rome

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.

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 Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

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	-

If you study Classical Studies through Honours Arts, your first work term will be in the spring term after second year.

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	-

Learn more about co-op →

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.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Teacher

You’d teach subjects like history, Latin, or language arts, helping students see how the ancient world connects to modern life. Classical Studies builds strong storytelling and critical thinking skills that translate well into the classroom.

Lawyer

Many law schools value Classics majors because you’ll be trained to read complex texts, analyze arguments, and write clearly. You’d use these skills to interpret laws, build cases, and communicate persuasively - often after completing law school.

Museum educator or curatorial assistant

You would help design exhibits, tours, or educational programs focused on ancient history and art. This role blends academic knowledge with public engagement, making the ancient world accessible to modern audiences.

Archivist or records manager

In this career, you’d organize, preserve, and manage historical documents and records. Your attention to detail and comfort with old texts and languages are especially useful in libraries, museums, or government archives.

Journalist or writer

You’d research topics, evaluate sources, and craft compelling stories for readers. Classical Studies trains you to think critically and write clearly - key skills in journalism, publishing, or creative writing.

Editor or publishing assistant

You would work behind the scenes to review manuscripts, check facts, and polish written work. Employers value Classics students for their grammar skills, sharp eye for detail, and comfort working with complex material.

Academic researcher or professor

If you enjoy in‑depth study, you could continue to graduate school and specialize in ancient history, philosophy, or languages. You’d teach university students and contribute new research on the ancient world.

Public policy or government analyst

You’d analyze reports, write briefs, and help shape policies using strong reasoning and communication skills. A background in Classics helps you understand long‑term political ideas like democracy, justice, and citizenship.

Cultural heritage or heritage site manager

You’d help protect and interpret historically significant sites, such as ruins, monuments, or historic landscapes. This work combines history, public education, and often collaboration with governments or nonprofits.

Nonprofit program coordinator

In this role, you’d plan programs, manage events, and communicate with communities or donors. Your ability to synthesize information and explain big ideas clearly is especially helpful in mission‑driven organizations.

Graduate or professional school pathways

Classical Studies is a strong foundation for many advanced degrees. You’ll already be comfortable with heavy reading, structured arguments, and independent research.

Tourism or travel industry specialist

You might design educational tours, write historical content, or guide visitors through culturally significant locations. Your passion for the ancient world turns into storytelling that enhances travel experiences.

Communications or public relations specialist

You would help organizations craft messages, write speeches or press releases, and manage public communication. Classics students stand out for their clear writing and ability to tailor messages to different audiences.

Ethics or professional standards consultant

You’d help organizations think through ethical questions, policies, and values. Classical philosophy provides a strong foundation for reasoning about responsibility, leadership, and decision‑making.

Business or management careers

Many Classics graduates go into business roles like project management, consulting, or operations. Employers appreciate that you can learn quickly, think strategically, and communicate effectively - even if the field isn’t directly related to the ancient world.

If you enjoy reading, discussion, history, and big ideas - and want skills that apply across many careers - Classical Studies offers both depth and flexibility as a university major.

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.