Among the unique features of the Department of Classics are the faculty, the John Miller Burnam Classical Library, the large number of graduate students and the generous patronage of the Semple Classics Fund.

The Department of Classics at the University of Cincinnati has received significant support from generous patrons. The Semple Classics Fund, a bequest of Louise Taft Semple, was established "for promoting the study of Classics in an endeavor to make vital and constructive in the civilization of our country the spiritual, intellectual, and esthetic inheritance we have received from Greek and Roman civilizations." The ample resources of the fund make it possible to continue the diverse activities of the department. Among these are the Semple and Centennial Scholarships, which carry full in-state tuition, and the Semple Travel Awards, which support undergraduate education in Classics for a period of study abroad.

Historically, the Department of Classics has held an international reputation as a leader in the field of Bronze Age archaeology. It is particularly known for its excavations at Troy and Pylos under the direction of Carl Blegen. This tradition of excellence in archaeology continues today with current field projects in the Mediterranean.

Admission

For admission to the College of Arts and Sciences for study toward the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, start from the University’s admissions website: https://admissions.uc.edu.

Students not enrolling for a degree but wishing to take courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences (non-matriculated students) should follow these instructions to register as a visiting student.

The Department of Classics has the following minimum requirements for admission to our majors in the sophomore year or later:

• Classics Major - Classical Languages concentration: completion of or enrollment in any Latin or Greek course; good standing in the college (2.0 GPA).
• Classics Major - Classical Cultures concentration: Good standing in the College (2.0 GPA).

Requirements for Majors and Minors

Please refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for full details.

 

The Capstone project provides students with an opportunity to integrate their academic training and professional interests. All Classics majors must complete their Capstone project in their senior year (usually in the fall). Before they register, they must consult with the undergraduate advisor and obtain the consent of a project supervisor. In order to meet the requirement students may take an upper-level course (3 credit hours) and write a research paper for it, registering for 1 additional credit hour in 5001. 

Students who entered prior to August 2026 who are majoring in Classics or Classical Civilizations should consult the Undergraduate Handbook for details of the requirements for those majors.

Classics Minor. The minor in Classics is intended for students who wish to focus on Greek and Latin courses. It consists of at least 21 credit hours in Latin (LATN) and/or Greek (GRK). Latin courses below the 3000 level do not count. Greek courses count at every level.

Classical Civilization Minor. The minor in Classical Civilization allows for broad exploration of the languages, history, literatures, and cultures of Greece and Rome. It consists of at least 21 credit hours in Latin, Greek, or Classical Civilization. This must include 6 credit hours in an Introductory Survey Sequence (these are:  Great Books of Ancient Greece and Rome [CLAS 1001-1002], Greek and Roman History [CLAS 1011-1012], and Art and Archaeology of Greece and Rome [CLAS 2022-2023]); and 6 credit hours in CLAS courses at or above the 3000 level. 

In order to graduate, the student must earn at least 120 credits, complete the distribution requirements and the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, and be in good academic standing. 

Courses that count for major or minor credit may also be used for College or General Education requirements. For example, GRK 1001-1002 may satisfy the A&S language requirement and also be used toward the major in Classics.