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Modern Greek

Degree: BA

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

The modern Greek major is offered by the Department of Classics and includes courses in the language, culture, literature and linguistics of the Greek world. Students studying modern Greek progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language to oral and written fluency. Once students have mastered basic patterns of speech and grammar, they are introduced to the literature of one of the world’s richest cultures. 

Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in modern Greek within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the modern Greek undergraduate advisor in the Department of Classics.

Students design a major program of at least 30 hours from courses in language, culture and literature. Details of the program should be discussed with a student’s major advisor. 

Students should begin considering and planning for a study abroad program as soon as they decide to major in modern Greek. Students interested in studying abroad during their junior or senior year can get specific information about various programs from their advisor in the Department of Classics.

The Department of Classics encourages participation in study abroad programs such as the College Year in Athens. The Department of Classics also offers courses that include short-term study abroad programs to Greece. 

Modern Greek is applicable in a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. Mastery of modern Greek allows students to consider careers in fields such as education, government, international trade, banking, print or electronic media, or tourism. 

Careers in which modern Greek is the primary emphasis include teaching modern Greek at all levels; interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government, or for private and public organizations; and a variety of positions in the travel and tourism industry at home or abroad, such as flight attendant, travel agent and tour guide.

Careers in which proficiency in modern Greek is a good secondary tool include banking and finance, business, sales, export purchasing, foreign market analysis, journalism, foreign correspondence, science and research, library science, hotel management, publishing, radio broadcasting, and teaching English to Greek speakers. 

Ohio State graduates with modern Greek degrees have chosen jobs such as tax auditor with the Internal Revenue Service, marketing director at Ohio Bank and Savings and trade specialist with the Ohio Department of Development.

Students can explore career options by utilizing Career Connection as well as the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office. Providing complimentary services, Career Connection focuses on helping students establish a career direction, while Career Services assists students with finding internships—experiences that are essential to testing out the suitability of career fields they are considering.