Classics is an inherently interdisciplinary field, embracing the study of languages, literature, history, and material culture. Classicists are highly trained in critical thinking, argumentation, research, and writing. These skills are valued by a wide variety of professions--but because there are so many possible pathways, classicists benefit greatly from considering career options early, talking with advisors about them frequently, and trying out different possibilities through coursework, summer activities, and internships.
Some students who graduate from our department stay in the field, but a significant number also choose careers outside of classics, successfully entering such areas as law, business, IT, and government. We enthusiastically support our students no matter where their goals may take them.
Careers in classics
I want to...-
Go to graduate school for a Ph.D.
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Become an archaeologist.
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Teach in a high school.
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Become a librarian.
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Pursue a career in publishing.
- Departmental career commentary on publishing
- Association of University Presses (AUP) Jobs List
- Statistical research on academic careers and the publishing profession
- "Breaking into Publishing" (Demers, CHE 2004)
- "So You Want to Work in Publishing" (Richardson, Medium 2016)
- George Washington University M.P.S. degree program in Publishing
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Work in a museum.
- Departmental career commentary on museum work
- American Alliance of Museums Directory of Museum Studies Programs
- American Alliance of Museums Careers and job search site
- American Institute for Conservation on becoming a conservator
- Society of American Archivists: "So You Want to be an Archivist"
- Current job openings at the Smithsonian (for exploration and reference)
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Get an M.A. in classics and then decide what comes next.
Careers outside of classics
I want to...-
Connect with career advising here at Catholic University.
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See what our national professional organization has to say about "careers for classicists."
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Read a variety of perspectives on careers that value a classics background.
Looking ahead
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Classics graduate programs
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Finding a position in academia
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Scholarships and fellowships
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Professional and other graduate school tests
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Creating important documents (resources from Catholic University)
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Letters of recommendation