Turning a Passion for Classical Languages Into a Graduate Degree

Nearing the end of his seminary degree, 40 year old US Army chaplain, Keith Saare, became interested in the Classics as a possible path for graduate studies. “Whereas my seminary degree offered a rich education in theology, church history, preaching, classical Hebrew, and Koine Greek, I wanted to grow in the historical and cultural backgrounds of the Greeks and Romans which preceded early Christianity,” he says. He even shares his passion for the Classics with his children. “My learning in the post-bacc program is providing an immediate benefit because I homeschool my children and teach them the same things I learn in my post-bacc program,” said Saare.

However, before Saare could apply to graduate schools, multiple academic advisors told him post baccalaureate courses would be necessary to fulfill Latin undergraduate requirements, as well as to supplement his knowledge of New Testament Greek. But few schools offered post-bacc degrees online. Then Saare found the University of Georgia’s online Post-bac in Classical Languages program.

“I finally found the opportunity that would work for me while maintaining my military career,” he says. Saare is married with 4 children, while also juggling 3 jobs.

Online post-bac programs are a very attractive option for students trying to complete graduate school requirements after college. The online format allows flexibility and freedom for those who need it. However, when choosing to take online post-bac courses, it is important for students to verify that potential graduate schools will accept these as transfer credits. Whether or not credits will be accepted is based on the post-bac school’s accreditation status. If the school is regionally accredited, like the University of Georgia, class credits are likely to be accepted by other universities. This way, students can avoid taking classes that they cannot use for degree completion.

“I could apply for a Master of Arts and not have to go back and redo a bachelor’s degree to be qualified for the entry requirements,” says Saare. After completing his post-bac classes, he plans to attend graduate school after completing his military retirement requirements. Following grad school, Saare intends to build a new liberal arts college in his hometown.

This article has been adapted from an article on USNews.