Classics and Religious Studies

Classics and Religious Studies

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When you major in classics and religious studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll study the languages and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world and civilization’s major religions. Focus on one of three options: ancient Greco-Roman civilization, ancient Greek and Latin or the traditions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Classics, Religious Studies, Greek, Latin 

  • Areas of Focus

    Classics, Classical Languages, Religious Studies

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you with a diverse blend of academic disciplines.

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Flexibility & Choice

Customize your degree with course choices. Add a minor or second major.

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Hands-On Experience

Build knowledge, skills and experience in and out of the classroom.

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Limitless Career Paths

Connect your major, interests and goals to any field.

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Program Features

Focus and Range

Dive deep into your classics and religious studies major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally. 

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

Small Classrooms, Experiential Learning

Get to know faculty and fellow students as you read, interpret, communicate and hone your critical thinking skills.  

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Notable Courses

Classical Antiquity in Popular Culture (CLAS 121)

The representation of ancient Greek and Roman literature, mythology and history in contemporary American popular culture, including film, television and graphic novels.

Ancient Greek Athletics (CLAS 241)

A thousand-year history of the Olympic Games, the role of the gymnasium in ancient society and the important influence ancient athletics have on today's culture.

Women in Classical Mythology (CLAS 321)

Learn about female figures from classical mythology with application of feminist theories to interpret the myths.

Jesus: A Global History (RELG 150)

The historical Jesus, and the variant forms that the memory and theologies of Jesus have taken outside of Christian traditions, including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Yoga, Tantra and Zen (RELG 201)

Exploration of highly influential traditions of Asian thought and practice. Focus on historical, ideological and practical dimensions and dispelling popular misconceptions.

Early Christianity (RELG 307)

Life, literature, thought and institutions of the Christian movement from Jesus to Constantine.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Pathology Associates of North Texas
  • U.S. Strategic Command
  • Southwestern

Careers

  • Policy assistant, Center for Rural Affairs
  • Associate pastor, MiddleCross Church
  • Judicial clerk, Judge Riley, 8th Circuit
  • Reporter, Pitzer Digital
  • Latin teacher, Creighton Preparatory School

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree, Viking and Medieval Norse Studies, University of Iceland
  • Master’s degree, Theological Studies, Harvard University
  • Master’s degree, Museum Studies, University of Leicester
  • Juris Doctor degree, University of California-Los Angeles
  • Ph. D., History, University of Edinburgh

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Classics and religious studies majors regularly engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
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Career Preparedness

  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
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Community

  • Join Classics Club and help plan and run Homerathon, a 24-hour reading of The Odyssey.
  • Work alongside faculty in the Center for Digital Research in the Humanities.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Classics and Religious Studies major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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Phone
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