Cultivate the critical, appreciative, and practical knowledge of the classical languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Latin) within the contexts of their histories, cultures, and legacies -- and always in service of Christ and His kingdom. Support a vibrant future career as a specialist or a devoted, life-long learner of any vocation.
Choose from Greek, Hebrew, or Latin studies
Classical languages majors routinely have among the highest scores on GREs and LSATs of students in any majors.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
As a Classical Languages major at Wheaton College, you will study with faculty whose expertise covers the broad range of texts, histories, and legacies of the ancient world. Classical Languages faculty are dedicated to fostering inclusive classrooms in which students can thrive regardless of previous language learning experiences. And as dedicated followers of Christ, our faculty show how knowing the language and culture of ancient Greece, Israel, and Rome can enhance your understanding of Scripture and deepen your faith.
Our introductory language courses are designed to get as many students as possible as far as possible, and to have fun on the way. With the achievement of intermediate competency, the student can look forward annually to advanced original language reading coursework in Hebrew (texts drawn from biblical and extra-biblical sources, including pre-exilic Hebrew inscriptions, Ben Sira, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Mishnah), Greek (classical texts such as Homer and Koiné readings drawn from Judaism, Christianity, and the larger Greco-Roman world), and Latin (texts from both Roman and early Christian authors).
In addition to honing your language proficiency, you’ll explore many aspects of the classical world through core, elective, and special topics courses such as:
Our four faculty are engaged in the full breadth of scholarship on the literary and historical qualities of the Classical Languages—in addition to teaching language acquisition courses. From Aesop to Plato’s apology of Socrates, Ovid to Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus, the topics of our Classical Language courses are sure to make ancient Greek, Latin, and Hebrew come alive in new and unexpected ways.
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages in McAlister Hall is a gathering space for learning and conversation. In nearby Chicago, you'll find a wealth of museums, libraries and research collections to enhance your studies.
The Classical Languages Honors Program gives qualified students the opportunity to pursue advanced study in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, or another approved ancient language through honors-level coursework and a faculty-guided thesis. Those who complete the program successfully receive Departmental Honors on their transcript and recognition at Honors Convocation—an accomplishment that can strengthen preparation for graduate school, ministry, teaching, or other future vocations.
The Certificate in Latin for Classical Christian Education will provide you with a specialized education in the texts, methods, and theory for teaching Latin in a classical Christian environment. The program is rigorous and integrative. It proceeds from the belief that the best preparation to be a teacher of Latin in a Christian school is the intensive reading and analyzing of the monumental works of Latin literature with an eye to how they communicate the great ideas of the past to us today.
Because Classical Languages connects naturally with many fields in Wheaton’s curriculum, the department offers Integrated Majors that combine language study with a companion discipline. Students complete 24 hours in Classical Languages—including the 101, 102, and 201 sequence in Hebrew, Greek, or Latin—and 16 hours in a related field such as biblical and theological studies, philosophy, art, English, or another approved area. This structure allows students to pursue both interests within a Classical Languages degree, with up to 12 companion-discipline hours also counting toward a second major.
Wheaton’s Classical Languages program works hand in hand with Christ at the Core, the College’s distinctive general education curriculum, to form students as careful readers, faithful thinkers, and responsible interpreters. By studying Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and other ancient languages, students engage biblical, theological, literary, and historical texts in their original contexts while developing the habits of close reading, rigorous research, and thoughtful reflection. Christ at the Core gives this study a broader Christian liberal arts framework, helping students connect language learning with questions of faith, culture, vocation, and service. Together, these programs embody Wheaton’s commitment to the integration of faith and learning, preparing students for graduate study, ministry, teaching, and other callings that require both intellectual depth and Christian wisdom.
"Learning the biblical languages at Wheaton gave me tools for studying and teaching God's Word that will last a lifetime. As I now train Ethiopian pastors and church leaders in biblical interpretation, I frequently go back to Greek and Hebrew texts I learned to read at Wheaton." - Jacob Rodriguez, Ancient Languages '09, M.A. Biblical Exegesis '11
Whether you pursue graduate education, teaching, research, or ministry, a strong foundation in classical languages can launch you into a variety of exciting educational and vocational directions. Knowing Greek, Hebrew, and Latin will prepare you for careers in history, medicine, law, archaeology, theology, ministry, linguistics, international relations, and so many more.
Wheaton Classical Languages alumni work in fields such as:
An undergraduate degree in Classical Languages (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) provides exceptional preparation for graduate studies in a variety of fields. These include Biblical Studies, Classical studies, Jewish studies, Early Christian Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. In the last five years, our graduates have been accepted to MA and PhD programs at the following institutions.
For Samantha Ferreira ’25, a third culture kid majoring in Hebrew at Wheaton College, language study is all about discovering anew the nuanced beauty of God’s Word and building closer relationships with those around her.
– Samantha Ferreira ’25“My faith shapes who I am, so I’m constantly trying to find and understand God in his Word and translate that to other people."
If you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
Visit the Classical Languages Department website for information about our majors, minors, faculty, cultural opportunities, and more.
View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying Classical Languages? Request more information about Wheaton's program or start your application today.