What is Classical Studies?
Classical studies one of the Humanities exploring ancient Greek and Roman worlds. The studies pertain to wide areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa from ca. 2000 B.C. to 700 A.D.
The multi-disciplinary aspects of classical studies include:
- Literature, languages, linguistics
- History and art history
- Archaeology
- Religion
- Philosophy
What makes Classical Studies at UTSC unique?
The program is accessible and practical. In most courses ancient written texts are studied in translation.
Skills of Classical Studies Grads
- Gather, review, interpret and organize information
- Develop cross cultural awareness
- Edit and proofread material
- Evaluate ideas, theories and evidence
- Observe and compare people/data/things
- Interpret historical ideas in a modern context
- Synthesize a large amount of information
- Understand/interpret other cultures and beliefs
- Write and present information clearly
- Develop the ability to utilize scholarly and cultural materials
- Critically analyze problems and make decisions based on all sides of an argument
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Foreign Service Officer in Federal Government
- Market Research Analyst in Corporations
- Public Relations Officer in Non-Profits
- Copywriter or Biographer in Publishing
- Journalist in Media and Broadcasting
- Social Policy Analyst in Government
- Tour Guide/Planner in Travel Services
Classical Studies Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Softchoice (Sales Account Manager)
- Kobo (Publisher)
- Toronto Public Library (Librarian)
UofT Classical Studies graduates are working in Communication, Community Services, Media and Education.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- History – Master of Arts
- Information/Library Science – Master
- Education – Bachelor or Master
- Classical Studies– Master of Arts
- Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
- Paralegal Studies – Diploma
- Human Resources – Certificate (earning CHRP)
- Marketing – Post-Graduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Classical Studies Grads
- Libraries
- Government Administration (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
- Publishers (Magazines, Newspapers)
- Public Relations, Advertising Agencies
- Art Museums
- Education
- Universities, Colleges, School boards
- Law / Legal Services
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Classical Association of Canada
- Ontario Classical Association
- Canadian Library Association
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- Canadian Museums Association
Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Institute of Classical Studies
- National Committee for Latin and Greek
- Canadian Federation for the Humanities & Social Sciences
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies website.