Overview

The Classical Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides an interdisciplinary approach to the languages, literature, and history of the ancient world. Students engage with a broad curriculum that examines the foundations of Western civilisation through a modern lens. This major is designed for those who seek a challenging academic environment within a supportive community.

The department fosters a nurturing atmosphere similar to a small liberal arts college while maintaining the extensive resources of a large research institution. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct interaction with a dedicated faculty. Regular public lectures and social events further enhance the academic experience by connecting students with guest speakers and experts.

Why Classical Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Choosing this programme allows students to work closely with distinguished teaching faculty who are experts in their respective fields. The university provides a unique environment where humanities students receive individualised attention and participate in a vibrant intellectual community. The curriculum is designed to be demanding yet rewarding, ensuring students develop high-level academic discipline.

The programme also emphasises the importance of research and critical analysis. Beyond the classroom, the university organises frequent social and academic gatherings that bring together faculty and students. These interactions help build a strong network and provide opportunities for collaborative learning and professional development within the humanities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a diverse range of subjects related to the ancient world. Modules may include:

Ancient History
Classical Literature
Ancient Languages
Culture of the Ancient World
Research Methods
Art and Culture

Careers with Classical Studies

Graduates from this programme develop sharp analytical and critical thinking skills that are highly valued across various professional sectors. The rigorous training in research and writing prepares students for advanced academic study or immediate entry into the workforce. Many alumni choose to pursue graduate degrees in related fields to further their specialisation.

The skills acquired during the course are versatile and transferable to numerous industries. Recent graduates have successfully established careers in the following areas:

Teaching and Education
Law and Law Enforcement
Publishing and Writing
Business and Management

The comprehensive understanding of language and appreciation for cultural history provides a solid foundation for success in any field requiring sophisticated communication and problem-solving abilities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Greek Drama

Greek Poetry

Prose Authors

Roman Poetry

Prose Authors

Cleopatra to Constantine: Greek and Roman Egypt

Women and Gender in Ancient Egypt

Temple and City: The Egyptian New Kingdom and the City of Thebes

When Cities Were New: the Rise of Urbanism in the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean

Athenian Democracy

Age of Augustus

Genesis: A History

City of Rome

Social World of Roman Palestine

Art of the Book in Western Europe 500-1600

Greek Myths Antiquity to the Present

Roman Eyes: Visual Culture and Power in the Ancient Roman World

Byzantine Visual Culture: Politics and Religion in the Empire of Constantinople, 330-1453 A. C

Constructing Cleopatra: Power, Sexuality, and Femininity Across the Ages

Ancient Literature in Cross-Cultural Perspective

Ancient Political Thought

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Classics View 377 other Bachelors in Classics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Classical Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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