B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Classics
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Classics at Queens College is designed to cultivate sophisticated analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills by engaging students with foundational texts and ideas that have profoundly shaped Western intellectual and artistic traditions. The program emphasizes a rigorous study of ancient Greek and Latin languages, alongside a broad exploration of classical civilization. Students develop superior abilities in close reading, textual analysis, and persuasive writing, which are highly valued in various professional fields. The program prepares graduates not only for advanced academic study in Classics, archaeology, or related humanities but also for professional schools in law and medicine, or careers where a strong liberal arts foundation is paramount.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive, requiring students to study both ancient Greek and Latin languages, beginning with introductory courses and progressing to intermediate and advanced levels where they read original texts. Beyond language, core courses delve into various aspects of classical civilization, such as "Greek Civilization," "Roman Civilization," and "Classical Mythology." Students also explore classical literature through courses like "Greek & Latin Classics in Translation" and "Ancient Epic and Tragedy." The program incorporates a wide array of electives in areas like ancient history, philosophy, religion, and art, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. The emphasis on rigorous textual analysis and critical interpretation throughout the curriculum is a hallmark of the program.
Research Focus: While specific dedicated research centers for undergraduate Classics are less common than in graduate programs, the Department of Classics and the broader History Department at Queens College are home to faculty with diverse and active research interests. These interests encompass ancient Greek and Roman history, literature (e.g., Latin love elegy, Greek epic), ancient philosophy, religion, art, and archaeology. Faculty members' ongoing scholarship in these areas directly informs their teaching, exposing students to current debates and methodologies in classical studies. Undergraduate students, especially those pursuing honors or independent study, may have opportunities to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship, exploring topics ranging from ancient texts to archaeological evidence. The college's library resources, including access to the digital Loeb Classical Library, support in-depth research.
Industry Engagement: An undergraduate degree in Classics might not have direct "industry partners" in the same way a business or engineering program does, but it provides highly transferable skills that are valued across a wide array of professional sectors. Classics majors consistently score high on standardized tests like the GRE and LSAT, demonstrating their strong analytical and verbal reasoning abilities. The program at Queens College emphasizes these skills, preparing students for careers in law, medicine (through strong pre-med advising and the rigorous academic training), education, journalism, publishing, libraries, museums, and various non-profit organizations. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships assists students in identifying and securing experiential learning opportunities, leveraging the rich cultural and professional landscape of New York City for internships in museums, archives, publishing houses, and legal firms.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Classics inherently cultivates a profound global perspective by focusing on foundational civilizations that had extensive interactions and influences across the ancient world and continue to shape global thought. Students explore the historical and cultural connections between Greece, Rome, and other ancient civilizations, as well as the enduring legacy of classical thought in subsequent global intellectual and artistic traditions. The study of ancient languages also fosters an appreciation for linguistic diversity and the nuances of cross-cultural communication. Furthermore, Queens College's exceptional cultural diversity, with a student body representing numerous linguistic and national backgrounds, creates a truly global learning environment where students can connect the ancient past to contemporary global issues and diverse cultural perspectives.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a distinguished liberal arts institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Classics that provides students with a unique and rigorous intellectual training.
Lawyer/Legal Professional: Classics majors consistently demonstrate strong performance on the LSAT and in law school. The intense focus on logical argumentation, textual analysis, persuasive writing, and understanding complex systems in Classics provides an excellent foundation for legal careers, from paralegal roles to becoming an attorney (after further legal education).
Educator (K-12 or Higher Education): Graduates can pursue careers as teachers of English, history, or Latin/Greek at the secondary school level (often requiring additional education certification). For those interested in advanced academic pursuits, a Classics degree is a strong stepping stone to graduate programs (MA, PhD) leading to university professorships.
Journalist/Writer/Editor: The rigorous training in close reading, research, and clear, concise writing makes Classics majors excellent communicators. They can find roles in journalism, publishing (as editors, proofreaders), technical writing, or content creation, where the ability to synthesize information and craft compelling narratives is key.
Archivist/Librarian: With a passion for historical records and an understanding of information organization, Classics graduates are well-suited for roles in archives, special collections libraries, or research institutions. They help preserve, organize, and provide access to valuable historical documents and artifacts.
Museum Professional/Cultural Heritage Specialist: A Classics degree provides a deep understanding of ancient art, archaeology, and history, which is invaluable for careers in museums (e.g., collections assistant, registrar, educator), historical societies, or cultural heritage organizations. They contribute to preserving and interpreting the past for public engagement.
Public Policy Analyst/Government Service: The ability to analyze complex historical contexts and their implications for present-day societies makes Classics majors strong candidates for roles in government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations focused on public policy, international relations, or cultural affairs.
Management/Consulting: Employers in business and consulting value the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills inherent in a Classics degree. Graduates can enter management training programs or consulting roles, where they apply their adaptable intellect to solve diverse organizational challenges.
Human Resources Specialist: Understanding human behavior, communication, and organizational dynamics, cultivated through the study of diverse ancient societies, can be highly beneficial in human resources roles, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, or organizational development.
Translator/Interpreter (especially for academic/historical texts): While perhaps a niche area, the deep linguistic training in ancient Greek and Latin provides a unique skillset for translating historical, philosophical, or literary texts, or for working with specialized terminology in various fields.
Arts and Cultural Management: Graduates can apply their knowledge and passion for the arts in administrative or management roles within theaters, opera companies, historical societies, or other cultural institutions, assisting with programming, fundraising, marketing, or general operations.
