Best institutions to study Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Any instructional program in classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics not listed above.
15 U.S. institutions graduated 74 Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 16.1299, a specialization of Classics and Classical Languages (CIP 16.12), and leads most directly to the Interpreters and Translators occupation (BLS SOC 27-3091).
About Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs
Any instructional program in classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Classics and Classical Languages program focuses on the study of ancient languages, literatures, and the cultural contexts in which they developed. This program is ideal for students interested in exploring the foundations of Western civilization through the lens of classical texts and languages. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with historical materials and develop critical analytical skills. Students in this program can pursue various academic credentials, including a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate. With a small number of colleges offering this specialized field, students can expect a personalized learning experience that fosters a deep understanding of classical languages and their relevance today.
Core coursework in the Classics and Classical Languages program includes the study of ancient languages, literature analysis, and linguistic theory. Students develop essential skills such as speaking, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing, which are crucial for effective communication and translation in various contexts.
Credentials awarded
What Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree40 graduates / yr · 3 institutions54%
- Bachelor's degree30 graduates / yr · 12 institutions41%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 1 institution5.4%
Graduates over time
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2014 | 75 |
| 2015 | 45 |
| 2016 | 42 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 73 |
| 2025 | 74 |
Top 15 institutions for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villanova University Villanova, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 21 | 92% | $33,774 |
| 2 | St. John's College Santa Fe, NMPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 18 | 55% | $22,042 |
| 3 | Wheaton College Wheaton, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 85% | $23,461 |
| 4 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicBachelor's | 5 | 65% | — |
| 5 | University of Tulsa Tulsa, OKPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 4 | 72% | $23,470 |
| 6 | University of Evansville Evansville, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 64% | $19,593 |
| 7 | Benedictine College Atchison, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 62% | $24,826 |
| 8 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 89% | $21,956 |
| 9 | Lee University Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 63% | $18,918 |
| 10 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor's | 2 | 93% | — |
| 11 | University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MAPublicMaster's | 2 | 49% | — |
| 12 | Xavier University Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 69% | $31,119 |
| 13 | Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 66% | $31,022 |
| 14 | Furman University Greenville, SCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 79% | $24,932 |
| 15 | Austin College Sherman, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 67% | $23,152 |
Offered in 13 states
Where Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates come from. Each state links to all Classics and Classical Languages programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 21 | Villanova University21 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 18 | St. John's College18 / yr |
| Ohio | 2 | 7 | Ohio University - Main Campus5 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 2 | 5 | Boston University3 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 5 | Wheaton College5 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 4 | University of Tulsa4 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 3 | University of Evansville3 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 3 | Benedictine College3 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 3 | Lee University3 / yr |
| California | 1 | 2 | University of California - Los Angeles2 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 1 | Eckerd College1 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | Furman University1 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | Austin College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3091, Interpreters and Translators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as interpreters and translators, secondary school teachers, or postsecondary foreign language and literature educators. The job outlook for related occupations shows little or no change, with an annual opening of about 6,900 positions and a median wage of $59,440, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 16.1299
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Interpreters and Translatorsprimary SOC 27-3091 | $60,170 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~6,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1124 | $79,350 | -0.2% Little or no change | ~1,900 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
Tools and technology used
Other Classics and Classical Languages specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Classics and Classical Languages (CIP 16.12).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Possible careers include interpreters, translators, and language teachers.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 6,900 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics?+
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics is CIP 16.1299 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Classics and Classical Languages (CIP 16.12). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics not listed above.
How many institutions offer Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs?+
15 U.S. institutions reported Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 74 credentials in the year. That is 6.5% of all Classics and Classical Languages graduates.
How much do Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Interpreters and Translators occupation, which Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics most directly leads to, pays a median of $60,170 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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