Greek & Latin Language and Literature, B.A.

Saint Louis University’s study of classical languages is designed for students interested in the sources of Western culture who want to improve their language skills and word power. The B.A. in Greek and Latin Language and Literature from SLU provides a firm interdisciplinary foundation for students pursuing a liberal arts education facilitated by knowledge of classical languages and culture. This includes law, medicine, theology, philosophy, medieval and Renaissance studies, political science, communication, mythology, anthropology, psychology, art history, cultural criticism, history of education, literary studies and comparative literature.

Studying Greek or Latin languages and literature provides the undergraduate scholar a unique coherence, depth and breadth, offering variety, flexibility and scope. Classical studies expose students to a vast range of significant personalities, influential writing and wisdom literature. It is the “royal road” (via regia) to important moments, ideas and movements in the cultural history of the Western world.

Curriculum Overview

A focus on Greek or Latin language and literature can complement almost any undergraduate degree. The B.A. emphasizes the study of ancient texts in their original languages. It is often combined with another major, usually art history, biology, English, philosophy or theology. Students studying classical languages enjoy small classes and personalized attention. Students have flexibility in their programs, with many types of tutorials or independent study possible.

Students will be exposed to many significant writers and philosophers and their works.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Saint Louis University encourages students to enhance their academic experiences by studying abroad. Many students of Greek and Latin choose to reside and take Greek and Latin classes in Rome and other Mediterranean cities.

Students have access to SLU's Vatican Film Library, the only collection outside of the Vatican itself, consisting of more than 37,000 works from the Vatican Library, and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

Careers

Students who graduate with a degree in Greek and Latin language and literature from Saint Louis University are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as:

• Law
• Medicine
• Theology
• Philosophy
• Medieval and Renaissance studies
• Political science
• Communication
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Art history
• Library science
• Linguistics
• Comparative literature

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to interpret authentic materials in Greek and Latin.
2. Graduates will be able to present information, concepts and ideas about Latin literature and culture to inform, explain, narrate and persuade on a variety of topics using appropriate media and adapting to various audiences.
3. Graduates will be able to use Greek and Latin languages and cultures in order to expand their knowledge of other disciplines.
4. Graduates will be able to compare their own culture with the Greek and Latin cultures.

 Greek and Latin language and literature students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students with a major in Greek and Latin language and literature must maintain a 2.00 GPA in courses required for the major.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

¹

Students with prior experience in Latin will take a placement test to determine their level. See Program Notes.

²

Students with prior experience in Greek will take a placement test to determine their level. See Program Notes.

Program Notes

The sequence of courses will vary according to the student’s previous experience with the language and individual preferences.    

SLU’s major in Greek and Latin language and literature requires GK 2010 Intermediate Greek Lang & Lit (3 cr) and LATN 2010 Intermediate Latin: Language & Literature (3 cr), and eight electives (any Greek or Latin upper-division courses, with at least three credits in each language) to equal a total of 30 credits.

SLU Greek and Latin language and literature majors generally complete a second or even a third major in another discipline, such as history, English, biology, psychology, philosophy, communication, etc.

For additional information about this program, please contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881.