Hear How Our Alumni Have Used the Classical Languages
Whether students majoring in classical languages go on to graduate school, missionary work, or various other careers, their studies have provided them a strong framework with which they can build on for future endeavors.
Prepared for Graduate School
In the process of applying for M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Classical Languages, Wheaton College students have found the following qualifications are what schools value most in applicants:
- Three-years of college-level Greek or Latin
- Outstanding language skills
- Research experience
- Evidence of an aptitude for independent research and thought
- Non-language coursework in the ancient world
"The strong foundation in the Greek and Hebrew languages not only let me enter a seminary program without deficiencies in the area of languages, but actually put me ahead of many of my classmates in the area of biblical exegesis. I always recommend the study of Greek and Hebrew as a pre-seminary course of study."
"Being able to read Greek, Hebrew, and Latin with ease gave me a real leg up in my doctoral and post-doctoral work and expedited my studies in a variety of other languages."
Prepared for a Career
"For over 40 years I was able to work in unwritten languages and Bible translation in the Philippines. That work included designing an alphabet for the Masbatenyo language, translation of the New Testament into that language as well as being able to compile a dictionary of the language and write a description of the grammar. In addition I was able to function as a language consultant to assist other translators to untangle problems encountered in their translation work."
"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."
"[A way an Ancient Languages major] has proved helpful is in translation and editorial work. A number of years ago, I translated a 16th century Polish document into English; I do not believe I would have been able to understand or even know how to try to figure out the grammatical constructions employed by the authors without knowing the grammar of classical languages."
"My major in Ancient Languages allowed me to take a job working on a homiletics journal at a Christian publishing house. But more than that, it shaped my understanding and appreciation for classical history and literature--the foundation of Western civilization. Nothing compares to reading Plato, Homer, and Virgil in their original languages!"
"My days are filled with solving problems from the smallest technical detail to the highest business level. The Classical Languages department nurtures and forms these sorts of fearless problem-solvers."