Celtic Studies

Immerse yourself in the Celtic world.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Celtic Studies in the College of Letters & Science allows students to immerse themselves in the rich languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the whole of the Celtic world. Celtic Studies is a wide-ranging field with areas of study relevant to those interested in anthropology, linguistics, creative writing, history, book history, folklore, literature, medieval studies, and digital humanities.

UC Berkeley has the first degree-granting Celtic Studies program in North America, starting in 1911. The Celtic Studies Program brings together faculty and students with interests in the cultures, languages, literature, and history of the Celtic regions. As a smaller department, students enjoy small classes, getting to know peers and faculty, and more attention from instructors.

Highlights

Pursuing Celtic Studies has allowed me to feel that I can make a difference in the recognition and conservation of minoritized languages in both my department and the UCB campus.
Class of 2026 student

Undergraduate Program

Curriculum 

The major in Celtic Studies is designed to give students both a broad understanding of the place of Celtic languages and cultures in the world and a firm grounding in one or more of the Celtic languages. In addition to at least four semesters of language study and the other major requirements, students will be required to organize their studies with reference to one other methodological or disciplinary area chosen from Anthropology, Art History, Comparative Literature, Linguistics, History, Rhetoric, Scandinavian, or another language and literature. The program has an innovative linkage of language and literature-in-translation courses intended to allow students maximum flexibility in pursuing their studies. Students are encouraged to pursue independent study and research, as well as study abroad to Celtic destinations such as Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.

Learn more at celtic.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate-major

Study Options

In addition to the major, the Celtic Studies Program offers:

Students who already have an intended major can add Celtic Studies as a second major; frequent pairings for double majors include Linguistics, English, History, and Anthropology.

Declaring the Major

Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the Celtic Studies major, contact the Undergraduate Student Services Advisor as early as possible to review the major declaration process and plan an individualized course of study.

The Celtic Studies Program accepts both first-year admits and transfer students; no prior knowledge of Celtic languages is required. The major is not impacted and welcomes applications from Celtic Studies enthusiasts.

What Can I Do With My Major?

The knowledge and skills you gain with a Celtic Studies degree are applicable to a variety of careers, both academic and non-academic. Celtic Studies majors and minors have gone on to medical school and law school, and to careers in documentary filmmaking, computer programming, literary publishing, banking, and teaching at the high school and university levels. Students have also pursued graduate school in related fields at Harvard, Yale, UCLA, Cambridge, Oxford, St Andrews, Aberystwyth University, NUI Galway, and other institutions.

UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Celtic Studies. The College of Letters & Science spotlights career pathways for students in the Arts & Humanities, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.

Employment

Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include: 

  • Banker
  • Environmental Educator
  • Independent Filmmaker
  • Professor
  • Software Engineer
  • Teacher
  • Technical Editor

Graduate Study

Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:

  • Archeology
  • Celtic Languages & Literatures
  • Comparative Literature
  • English
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies

Spotlight

Fiona, class of 2025

Fiona Murphy transferred to UC Berkeley from Cabrillo College and graduated with a double major in Celtic Studies and English.

How did you become interested in Celtic Studies? A professor of mine in community college assigned some Irish literature and I ended up having a question that no one could answer, so I decided to do it myself.

Highlights, successes, or lessons learned through your Berkeley experience? I've had so many opportunities for research funding and even travel through studying Celtic. The community in this department is also just absolutely supportive and welcoming. I would highly recommend going to office hours for all of your professors and just chatting with them.

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue your career goals 

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

  • Continue with upper division requirements, including language study.
  • Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
  • Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

Undergraduate Advising

Have questions about Celtic Studies or choosing a major?

The Celtic Studies Program offers undergraduate advising for students interested in the major or minor. The Undergraduate Student Services Advisor is available for in-person and remote appointments for help with major, double major, and minor planning and declaration; study abroad course and requirements planning; and other matters. Email issaug@berkeley.edu for advising hours, contacts, and additional information.

The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.

Related Programs

Looking for programs similar to Celtic Studies? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs: