From ancient texts to powerful arguments.
The majors in Greek, Latin, and Greek and Latin in the College of Letters & Science offer direct access to the foundational texts of the ancient world. We provide rigorous, ground-up instruction in both languages, enabling you to read works like Homer's Odyssey and Ovid's Metamorphoses as they were written.
You can choose to major in Greek, Latin, or both. Your deep linguistic analysis is enriched by courses in history, art, and philosophy, all led by faculty renowned for their innovative scholarship and dedication to teaching. This comprehensive approach empowers you to move from mastering ancient texts to crafting powerful, nuanced arguments.
Highlights
- Master a year of Greek or Latin through our Language Workshops.
- Contribute to faculty projects with the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP).
- Pursue a thesis as part of the DAGRS Honors Program.
- Publish your work in the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics.
Curriculum
Our major curriculum is designed to take you from foundational knowledge to mastery of the ancient languages. The major is built on three pillars:
- Build your foundation by exploring the rich world of Greek and Roman civilization through courses in history, literature, and culture.
- Master the language with a sequence of increasingly advanced language courses. You will progress from mastering grammar and syntax to reading authentic prose and poetry, culminating in senior-level courses on some of the greatest works of literature.
- Deepen your context with elective courses that connect your language skills to specific interests, further enriching your understanding of texts.
Learn more at dagrs.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/majors-and-minors
Research in AGRS
AGRS students can collaborate on original, faculty-led research through the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP):
- Work with papyri at the Center for the Tebtunis Papyri to reconstruct the social and economic life of the ancient Mediterranean.
- Unearth history with the Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology.
- Gain hands-on experience in digital philology by helping edit and prepare a 14th-century manuscript for online publication.
Declaring the Major
First-year Students: Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you will be admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the major, you must successfully complete one Greek or Latin course at UC Berkeley, and meet with the Undergraduate Major Advisor to write a program plan.
Transfer Students: If you were admitted directly into the major, you do not need to go through a separate declaration process. However, it is recommended that you meet with the Undergraduate Major Advisor to develop a program plan. All other transfers should meet with the Undergraduate Major Advisor as early as possible to write a program plan and officially declare.
A degree in Greek and Latin is more than the study of the ancient world; it is rigorous training in analysis and communication. Our graduates are highly sought after in fields requiring precision and logic such as law, business, and even computer science. Furthermore, your deep understanding of rhetoric, history, and culture provides a foundation for careers in politics, media, and education. The discipline also provides the linguistic roots for the biosciences and serves as essential preparation for graduate study in classics, comparative literature, philosophy, and history.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Greek and Latin. 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 completing graduation. Examples include:
- Administrator
- Archaeologist
- Curator
- Director of Library Services
- Editor
- Foreign Service Officer
- Head of Marketing
- Lawyer
- Manuscript Editor
- Professor
- Programmer
- Senior Manager
- Software Engineer
- Traffic Engineering Assistant
- Teacher
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:
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Ancient History
- Business
- Classics
- Comparative Literature
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Medicine
- Philosophy
- Rhetoric
Shannon, class of 2023
Shannon White graduated with a BA in Classical Languages (now Greek and Latin), receiving Departmental Honors and the Chair’s Award in Distinction. Now a PhD student in Archaeology at Columbia University, Shannon serves as a supervisor for the University of Michigan's excavation at Pella, and has earned a Lead Teaching Fellowship.
“The faculty and grad student teaching staff were great, and having fewer people in language classes and seminars made it easier to form relationships with both students and professors….I worked as a URAP research assistant for the Nemea Center throughout undergrad, which got me interested in archaeology and gave me some of the skills I currently use as an excavation supervisor. I loved my undergrad at Berkeley, and it was a great foundation for my current work.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and first-year guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Greek and Latin majors; enroll in AGRS 10A + 10B and GREEK 1 + 2 / LATIN 1 + 2 (take the Latin Placement Diagnostic if needed).
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, Berkeley Changemaker, or A&H Compass or Gateway course.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Sign up for the DAGRS email list.
- Attend department events such as the DAGRS Undergraduate Reception and the Sather Lectures.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Browse the Art History/Classics Library collection.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities and DAGRS websites.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete any outstanding lower division requirements; enroll in intermediate language (GREEK / LATIN 100); begin study of the second language if majoring in Greek and Latin.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Look into study abroad; see guidelines from the department.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Comparative Literature.
- Meet with the major advisor to declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like The Classical Forum.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Learn about the Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology.
- Check out papyri at the Center for Tebtunis Papryi at the Bancroft Library.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Focus on upper division requirements in the major, including intermediate language, basic reading, and an AGRS course.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus with UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Consider applying to the DAGRS Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Apply to serve as an editor for the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics.
- Serve on the leadership of the Berkeley Classical Forum.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association such as the National Committee for Latin and Greek.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements, including senior reading courses.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Townsend Center or Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Try out for the Rosenmeyer Greek Translation Prize.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics or Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Participate in Golden Bear Advising before your first semester.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like AGRS 10A or 10B.
- Level up your language with a Summer Workshop in Greek and Latin.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP; join an archaeological dig in Greece with the Nemea Center.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs like Digital Humanities and Performance and Culture.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and transfer guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Enroll in at least one language course (take the Latin Placement Diagnostic if needed) and AGRS 10A or AGRS R44.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Meet with the major advisor to declare the major if you were not admitted directly to DAGRS.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Sign up for the DAGRS email list.
- Get involved with a student organization like The Classical Forum.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Attend department events such as the DAGRS Undergraduate Reception and the Sather Lectures.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Begin exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities and DAGRS websites.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with language study; enroll in AGRS 10B.
- Look into study abroad; see guidelines from the department.
- Explore new interests in a Changemaker or DeCal course.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Comparative Literature.
- Consider applying to the DAGRS Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Check out papyri at the Center for Tebtunis Papryi at the Bancroft Library.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Learn about the Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Browse the Art History/Classics Library collection.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to develop skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with language courses and take an AGRS upper division elective course if not yet completed.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus with UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Transfer Peer Advocate or member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Try out for the Rosenmeyer Greek Translation Prize.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Apply to serve as an editor for the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics.
- Serve on the leadership of the Berkeley Classical Forum.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the National Committee for Latin and Greek.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Townsend Center or Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics or Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Participate in Golden Bear Advising before your first semester.
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHETOR 100 Writing at the University.
- Thinking about a PhD? Apply to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship before your first semester.
- Level up your language with a Summer Workshop in Greek and Latin.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP; join an archaeological dig in Greece with the Nemea Center.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Digital Humanities and Performance and Culture.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Greek and Latin, or choosing a major?
The Department of Ancient Greece and Roman Studies offers undergraduate advising to students interested in majors in Ancient Greece and Roman Studies, Greek, Latin, and Greek and Latin. You will receive personalized, one-on-one guidance on everything from course planning and navigating the University, to career exploration and post-graduate opportunities. The Department Undergraduate Advisor is available to answer general questions about DAGRS programs and community, as well as support in navigating the university. Faculty Undergraduate Advisors are available to discuss course content, research opportunities, graduate school, and careers.
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.
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