Undergraduate Studies

The Department of Classics offers majors in Classics (Classical Humanities, Greek, Latin, or Greek and Latin) and Modern Greek and an interdisciplinary major in Ancient History and Classics. Courses are listed in the Course Catalog under four headings: Classics, Greek, Latin and Modern Greek.

The Classical Humanities major covers Greek and Roman literature and culture in translation. Reading assignments in Classics courses are entirely in English. The Greek and Latin majors deal with the languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Students in Greek and Latin learn the languages and read ancient literature in the original Greek or Latin. Those in the Modern Greek major are introduced to the language, literature, and culture of Greece during the past two centuries. Some Modern Greek courses require study and knowledge of the language.

Majors in Classics must demonstrate coursework proficiency in both Greek and Latin. Majors in Greek, Latin, and Modern Greek must also demonstrate proficiency in their respective languages. Classical Humanities majors are not required to learn Greek or Latin, although language study is encouraged and can fulfill program requirements. Students interested in Classics and Ancient History may also devise a combined major program of study in consultation with advisors from the Department of Classics and the Department of History.


For OSU students interested in declaring a major or minor, advising on the GE, and planning your degree, please schedule an appointment with Keara Henry, Department of Classics Advisor, by:

Reasons to schedule an advising appointment:

  • To learn more about the undergraduate program
  • To declare a major or minor
  • To plan your courses for the upcoming semester(s)
  • To obtain credit for an internship
  • To obtain credit for a study abroad program
  • To petition for a change in the minor or major curriculum
  • To obtain transfer credit for a course from another university
  • To learn about and plan for GE requirements 
  • To gain assistance with college policies and procedures
  • To file for graduation 


For prospective students, follow the instructions below to study Classics at OSU:

  • For admissions questions and all things Ohio State, contact Undergraduate Admissions.
  • To plan a campus visit, visit the Visit Ohio State website.
  • For additional information about the major, please visit the Department of Classics in University Hall 414.
  • To apply to OSU, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions application webpage.


Department of Classics Faculty Contacts

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor Julia Nelson Hawkins, is available to Classics majors and minors as a faculty contact for questions on undergraduate research, applying to graduate school, and career advice. The Director of the Modern Greek Program, Professor Georgios Anagnostou, is available to Modern Greek majors and minors as a faculty contact for questions on undergraduate research, applying to graduate school, and career advice.