Classics (BA)
Program Overview
The Department of Classics explores all aspects of the Greek and Roman worlds, including their languages and literatures, art and archaeology, history, philosophy, religion, politics, economics, and law. We also feature courses on comparative studies of the ancient world beyond the Mediterranean, and the modern reception and transformation of classical literature, art, and philosophy. This broad interdisciplinary approach to these cultures that have had a major role in shaping Western values and thought provides an excellent undergraduate education. Similar to other liberal arts majors in philosophy, history, or English, our graduates go on to careers in education, law, medicine, business, politics, and the media.
The department offers courses in both English translation and the original languages. Several majors and minors are available, some in conjunction with the Departments of Anthropology and Art History and with the Alexander S. Onassis Program in Hellenic Studies. Academic internships, an honors program, the opportunity to participate in an archaeological excavation in Cyprus, study away programs, and individualized study are also available.
Classroom instruction is supplemented by a variety of activities. In addition to film screenings, lectures, and field trips sponsored by a lively Classics Club, students have access to the superb collections of antiquities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the American Numismatic Society, and the Pierpont Morgan Library, as well as to the department's own collection of antiquities. Finally, opportunities for travel and study abroad are available in Greece, Italy, and other Mediterranean sites.
Honors Program
Students may receive a degree with honors in the classics or classical civilization majors. Honors recognition requires a 3.65 average overall, an average of 3.65 in all classics courses, completion of the fall CLASS-UA 295 Honors Thesis, and completion of the spring CLASS-UA 297 Honors Seminar under the supervision of the student’s chosen thesis supervisor. For more information, please consult the department’s website.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.