A major in Classics & Early Christian Literature is an excellent foundation for a successful career and for a life informed by the highest ideals of western and Catholic culture. The heart of the major is the study of the Greek and Latin languages through the close reading of works from various genres of ancient literature. We are proud that at AMU our students encounter not only the notable authors of pagan antiquity, but also the intellectual pillars and Fathers of the Catholic Church in the original Latin and Greek.
The fruits of this study are many: students gain access to the origins of western culture and society; they hone the skills of analysis, critical thinking, observation, accuracy, and careful writing, which are highly prized by employers and professional schools. The mastery of Latin and Greek grammar leads to a deeper understanding of English grammar, and the acquisition of a solid vocabulary in Latin and Greek enriches the understanding of countless English words. Students find that the classical languages are an excellent foundation for the study of modern languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian.
According to The Princeton Review,
We can’t overestimate the value of a Classics major … according to Association of American Medical Colleges, students who major or double-major in Classics have a better success rate getting into medical school than do students who concentrate solely in biology, microbiology, and other branches of science … Furthermore, according to Harvard Magazine, Classics majors (and math majors) have the highest success rates of any majors in law school … Even furthermore, Classics majors consistently have some of the highest scores on GREs of all undergraduates.
Those who major in Classics at AMU have gone on to graduate degrees in Law, Medicine, Classics, and the Humanities; some have entered the seminary and religious life; others have undertaken careers in teaching (a resurgence of interest in classical education has led to a great need for Latin teachers at the primary and secondary levels as well as in homeschooling groups). For all these reasons, a Classics major is an excellent preparation for a career in business, politics, publishing, library science, diplomacy, government, or any occupation in which critical thinking and a superior command of language are prized.
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For those looking for jobs in teaching Greek or Latin, the American Classical League hosts a placement service here. Recent university-level job openings can be found at the American Philological Association’s website here.
