Essential Information
Degrees in ancient history are available at the bachelor's and master's levels, generally in the area of Greek and Roman history. Entrance into a master's program requires the successful completion of a bachelor's degree. The two-year master's degree program may also require students to complete a capstone project or thesis prior to graduation.
Earning a bachelor's degree could lead to an entry-level career in a museum or a legal setting; it can also prepare students for graduate study. Earning a master's degree may lead to work as a museum archivist or a community college history teacher, among other careers.
Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History
The most common undergraduate program available for students interested in studying ancient history is a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History degree program. Such a program can go by different names at different schools, including a bachelor's degree in ancient studies, a bachelor's degree in ancient civilizations, or a bachelor's degree in history with a specific focus on ancient cultures. Each of these degree programs gives a solid background in the study of ancient cultures that can then be used to gain entrance into a master's degree program in the field.
Bachelor's degree programs in this field typically include about 120 hours worth of study, 30 hours of which must be dedicated to core ancient history classes.
Ancient history courses lean strongly on lecture and classroom experience, as well as individual study. Some common courses include:
- Elementary Greek and Latin
- Ancient civilizations and philosophies
- Origins of Western warfare
- Greek Imperialism
- Roman republic
- Ancient arts
Master of Arts in Ancient History
Due to the specific nature of an ancient history program, master's degrees in the field are much more common than bachelor's degrees. Many students who earn a generic liberal arts or history undergraduate degree elect to hone their knowledge of ancient cultures in graduate school.
In addition to courses that focus on the political, social, cultural, religious and philosophical backgrounds of ancient Greece and Rome, a master's degree program in ancient history also focuses on research methodologies and historical methods of learning.
Some coursework involved in a graduate program in ancient history might include:
- Ancient Greek culture
- Ancient Roman culture
- Ancient language and literature
- Ancient architecture
- Ancient art and archaeology
Possible Career Options
A graduate of a master's degree program in ancient history will likely pursue a position in academia (which may require that an individual work toward a doctorate) or in research. Examples include:
- Professor of ancient history
- Associate professor
- Secondary school history teacher
- Classics librarian
- Nonfiction author and historian
- Translator
- Historical society administrator
Students with an interest in ancient history can pursue the topic at the bachelor's or master's level. Both degrees prepare students for future careers in museums or academia, or in research-intensive occupations.
