Entering into a bachelor's degree program for Ancient History is a relatively simple process, and one which does not require any outstanding prerequisites. A student must have a high school-level degree, and must pass the admission requirements of the school they wish to study at.
An average degree program at a university for Ancient History requires approximately 120 classroom hours of study. Of those hours, approximately 1/4 of the credits earned will be in classes that make up the core of the Ancient History degree. The remaining hours will be spent in electives within the major, general electives, and mandatory non-major study.
The core study of Ancient History programs are the two most influential societies of the Western world, the Greeks and Romans. Additionally, other ancient civilizations are pursued, and students can frequently choose units which focus on specific empires, regions or time frames in their electives. Throughout their courses the students will study both the civilizations and philosophies of the civilizations.
A bachelor's degree in Ancient History is most commonly used as a first step toward earning a master's degree in Ancient History. A degree in Ancient History can be used in conjunction with a teaching certification for those looking to teach history at the high school level or lower, or can be applied in fields such as law practice as well, where an understanding of philosophy can be helpful.
A master's degree is granted to those who complete additional study after their bachelor's degree is earned, and is required for those looking for a more intensive job in the field. After completion of a master's program, and the more thorough study of the field it requires, a graduate can pursue a career as a historian, or even as a professor of Ancient History, preparing the next generation.