by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, General classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics was the 376th most popular major nationwide with 1,267 degrees awarded. This represents a small change of only -0.9% from the prior year's total of 1,279 classical languages degrees awarded.
This year's Best General Classics & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics Schools ranking compares 95 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom classical languages rankings further below.
When studying Classical Languages, you’ll learn that talking to others to convey information effectively will help you be successful in a wide range of jobs. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times and understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents are all required skills for careers related to this major.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific classical languages careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different classical languages degree levels. General Classics & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest classical languages degree you can get. How long it takes to complete some common classical languages degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to classical languages, with approximately 36.7% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to classical languages tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 37.8% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 30.1% |
| Master’s Degree | 21.7% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.6% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 4.3% |
Most workers in classical languages have at least a master's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in General classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the classical languages career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your classical languages degree? General Classics & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics careers are expected to grow 15.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to General classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | 39,100 | 11.7% |
As you might expect, salaries for classical languages graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for General classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers classical languages grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | $79,160 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,230 |
With over 482 different classical languages degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased classical languages school rankings to help you with this.
One of 3 majors within the Classical Languages & Literature area of study, General Classics & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Classics & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics, Other | 68 |
| Latin Language & Literature | 63 |
| Ancient/Classical Greek Language & Literature | 30 |
