Department of Classics

Why Study Classics at SFSU?

Classics is an exciting interdisciplinary program that combines intensive training in Greek and Latin language and literature and the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean. You’ll have opportunities to travel to historic excavation sites, publish your research and become part of a close-knit community of peers and faculty with the same interests as you.  

Offering the only M.A. in Classics in the California State University system, SFSU’s Department of Classics offers a deep focus on archaeology and art of the ancient world, in addition to language and literature. We are also one of only two universities in California to offer the teaching credential in Latin. 

Studying Classics creates a pathway for you to teach at the high school and community college levels and to pursue a doctoral degree. 

Endless Opportunities

Every summer we travel to Pompeii, Italy, where we document, interpret and investigate in an ongoing project in the ancient city, working closely with an international team of archaeologists. This is an unparalleled experience to learn cutting-edge methodology and techniques of modern archaeological research. 

Our Classics Students Association puts on lectures, films and its own academic journal, Pithos.