For students interested in working in academic fields related to writing or the arts, earning a mythology degree can be a rewarding and educational experience. Finding an accredited college or university that offers a mythology-related program and applying for admission is the first step toward earning this degree. After being accepted into a program, the student must complete a course of study and meet all degree requirements before receiving a bachelor’s degree. Some mythology students continue their education after graduation to obtain a teaching certificate or master’s degree, allowing them to teach at the post-secondary level.
Finding the right mythology degree program is one of the most difficult tasks that prospective students face. Not all colleges and universities offer majors or concentrations in this field, and those that do frequently combine mythology and folklore. Other schools offer a classics major that includes elements of Greek and Roman mythology as well as a thorough examination of the Classical Period’s history and languages. Students can create their own mythology degree combining literature, history, and anthropology coursework at colleges and universities that do not offer these types of degrees. Before pursuing mythology as a graduate student, some prospective students may pursue a more traditional liberal arts undergraduate degree, such as English or anthropology.
Once a student has been accepted into a mythology degree program, he must complete the program requirements before receiving a diploma. While the structure of the coursework varies depending on the institution and the mythology department, most undergraduate students will need to pass a series of literature and anthropology courses in addition to the department’s core curriculum. Some undergraduate English programs offer concentrations that allow students to focus on mythology and folklore literature courses. Some students who are interested in mythology may pursue a minor in this field in addition to a more traditional business or science major.
Students who want to pursue mythology research or teaching after college should consider pursuing a graduate degree in this field. This course of study is offered at a number of colleges around the world, with some emphasizing folklore or regional mythology more than others. Students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree through a few of these programs.