Majoring in Classics at UD
There are two routes for our major: Classics and Classical Philology. For Classics in general, the capstone requirements include comprehensive exams and senior thesis. Comprehensive exams include a History section, a Language section (Greek or Latin), and an Annotated Bibliography. The thesis, due at the end of the spring semester of senior year, includes a 15-20 page paper and an oral presentation. Classical Philology has these same requirements, but in addition the student must write a Junior Paper and fulfill a Modern Language Requirement. Both paths allow students to gain a strong grasp of either Greek or Latin and to explore their own interests through upper level language courses and thesis research. For more specific information about major capstone requirements, see the handout below:
Handout for Junior and Senior Majors
Preparing for Life after UD
The UD Classics Department has been very successful in placing students in graduate and professional programs, teaching positions, and non-Classics jobs. For more details about what our alumni are currently up to, visit the "Alumni Success Stories" section of this website. Our alumni are attractive to graduate programs and employers because they take advantage of the opportunities offered by UD and by the broader world of Classics.
It is never too soon to start thinking about the future and crafting an exceptional resume, so take a look at those ideas from former students!
Graduate School
Many of our students pursue magisterial and doctoral studies in Classics and related fields. If you are thinking about graduate school at UD, see our "Graduate Programs in Classics" page or our "Classics 4+1" page. If you are thinking about graduate school elsewhere, feel free to reach out to any of our professors for application assistance and advice. Even if you are a freshman, you can begin to build your skills and experience - and you can have a lot of fun at the same time!
Primary and Secondary Teaching
Teaching - whether in elementary, middle, or high school - is also a popular choice among our graduates. If you are interested in a career in education, you should ask Dr. Danze about becoming a departmental Classics tutor. Furthermore, the Classics Department often receives requests for private tutors from local families, so tell your professors that you are interested so that they can recommend you for future jobs.
You should also be on the lookout, both during and after your time at UD, for programs and scholarships designated for pre-collegiate teachers and those intending to teach at the pre-collegiate level. For example, Eta Sigma Phi's Bernice L. Fox Teacher Training Scholarship provides funds to develop your teaching skills, and classical associations like CAMWS and SCS offer travel awards so that teachers can attend conferences and keep up to date on current issues in the classical world.
Be sure to let your professors know that you are interested in a career in education! UD frequently receives requests for Classics students to fill Latin and Greek teaching positions at private and public schools throughout the United States, and your professors can put you in touch with these schools and help you to secure a job.
Background photo: Delphi © 2022 by Maria Miller, BA '25