Classical Studies
Looking Forward
Students earning a major in one of the areas of Classics examine ancient Greek and Roman cultures - their languages, literature, history, religion, art, and philosophy. The academic programs offer essential knowledge of the traditions of Western Europe, as well as traditional grounding in the Classics. Students acquire important foreign-language study skills that include careful reading, thoughtful writing, and persuasive speaking. There are four emphases from which students can choose.
Classical Studies Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Classical Studies program can expect to develop strong competencies:
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Cultural Navigation
Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Common Career Fields
Classical Studies students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields!
Some of those include: Law, Libraries and Archives, Museum Curation, Editing, Tourism, Education/Academia, Administration
Jobs in these career fields:
Would you like to know about specific jobs in these fields? Check out this pamphlet.
Search for jobs online
ONet Online: This database helps you explore jobs, find similar jobs under related job titles, search for jobs in specific locations, and connect to professional organizations.
- Read about Marketing jobs
- Read about Legal jobs
- Read about Museum Curation Jobs
- Read about other jobs you can do with a Classics degree
Handshake: The ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies.
BYU Career Services: This office offers many job search resources for your job search, including job and internship fairs, networking events, resume reviews, and online resources. Check it out here.
Meet with your advisor!
Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Cielle Davis!
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment!
Meet with your Career Director:
Your Career Director can help you strategically look for jobs, get connected to alumni, find companies that are hiring, and hone your resume. Set up an appointment with Christian Sagers here.
Articulating the Value of Your Degree
What professional competencies have I developed by studying Classical Studies?
Learn more here about the professional competencies that you have and employers want!
Meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Cielle Davis (you can contact her here) to discuss how to communicate your competencies and skills to employers.
Who can help me create a resume, cover letter, and/or LinkedIn profile that highlights my strengths and skills?
There are many people on campus who can help you create a resume, cover letter, or professional profile! You can use the Career Studio, your Academic and Professional Development Manager, your Career Director, or career fair prep events.
Who is my career director?
Christian Sagers. You can contact him here.
Who is my Academic and Professional Development Manager?
Cielle Davis. You can contact her here.
Follow these tips to get started creating your resume:
- Start with your contact info at the top—name, phone, email, and LinkedIn (if you have one).
- Use a clear, easy-to-read format with consistent spacing and fonts.
- List your education near the top, including your major and expected graduation date.
- Include all relevant experience— part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Use bullet points to describe what you did. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb
- Highlight competencies and skills that match the job description—like communication, teamwork, or software tools.
- Keep it to one page
Professional Certifications
BYU Foreign Language Certification
Museum Certificates
Professional writing certificates: Best Professional Writing Courses & Certificates [2025] | Coursera Learn Online
Project Management - Start Certificate Now | BYU-Pathway
Mediation Certificate
Student Success Stories
Read how Classical Studies grads have used their degree in their chosen career fields! Check out these: Classics | Student Testimonials
Erin: “Studying Classics means studying not just the languages the Ancient Greek and Romans spoke or the events that happened in their history, but also understanding the culture and people that were alive during that time. As an employee at a public library and someone applying to get a degree in Public Administration, this is what I use most in my everyday life: the understanding I gained that all people are different, but also that we are all the same.”
Patrick: “My degree has helped me to write lengthy legal briefs and prepare prospectuses for business ideas.”
Rachel: “My current job does not [directly relate to] Classics, but it did require a bachelor's degree. I knew when I came to college that having a degree would give me more opportunity in life and that has proved true. … The Classics program specifically helped me strengthen my love of learning, my attention to detail and my dedication. All of which are helpful tools in every aspect of my life.”
Grad School
Are you considering grad school? Your best resource is your faculty. Reach out to your professors about exploring grad schools, gaining the proper experience, and building a strong application. Faculty contact info can be found on the CAL department website.
You can also talk with your Academic and Professional Development Manager about grad school. Is it necessary for your career goals? What types of programs should you consider? How can you best prepare for that program? What is your application timeline? Do you need to take an entrance exam? You can talk through all of these questions and more with your advisor.
Pre-Professional Advisement Center
Beyond the Office
I'm not planning on working full-time. How can I use my Classical Studies degree in meaningful ways outside of being employed full-time?
Freelance Resources
How to Start a Side Hustle
Volunteer Resources
Manage A Household
Parent Strategies for Improving Their Child's Reading and Writing
- Model good habits by reading and writing in front of your child.
- Make reading materials—ones they will truly care about—readily available for your child
- Talk with your child. Children expand their vocabulary and understanding of sentence structures through conversations with others.
- Give your child authentic writing tasks to help them find their voice and develop their sense of power
Helping Parents Get a College Education Helps Children Succeed
FAQs
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Toggle ItemI need job search resources and strategies. Who can help?
Start with your Career Director, Christian Sagers.
You can check out these online resources from Careers Services to help you be strategic in your job search and application process.
You can also take a class on job search strategies: STDEV 317.
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Toggle ItemI want to work for a year or two before going to grad school. What kind of job could I even get?
There are many ways to make the most of the years between undergrad and grad school! Your Career Director, your Academic and Professional Development Manager, your professors, and the advisors at Pre-Professional Advisement can all help you find meaningful work that will move you toward your goals.
Handshake: The ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies. You can find jobs that will prepare you for grad school!
ONet Online: This database helps you explore jobs, find similar jobs under related job titles, search for jobs in specific locations, and connect to professional organizations.
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Toggle ItemI’m very busy with school and don’t have time to look for jobs. Who can help me be efficient in my job search?
There are resources on campus to help you find time to apply for jobs and still be successful in your classes.
You can check out these online resources from Careers Services to help you be strategic in your job search and application process.
Your Career Director can give you personalized resources to make your job search productive and efficient.
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Toggle ItemI’m graduating soon. What resources are available to me after I graduate?
Career Services resources are available to all alumni for 2 years after graduation.
Prep-Professional Advisement offers services to alumni.