M.A. Program
Our M.A. program emphasizes preparation in Latin and Greek and can include coursework in ancient history, archaeology, philosophy, and ancient religion. The program typically requires two years for completion. In the first year, most students take three courses within the department per semester. In the second year, students might either take two courses per semester and work on the M.A. thesis or take three courses while substantially revising two earlier seminar papers into M.A. qualifying papers.
We offer our best qualified applicants a full tuition fellowship and annual stipend.
The requirements for the M.A. degree are:
- A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate-level credit (typically 10 courses) completed with a minimum grade of B. Typically, students complete 12 – 16 courses during the two-year program.
- Two qualifying papers or an M.A. thesis, either of which must be defended before a committee of three faculty members.
- Satisfactory completion of a reading exam in a modern language (German, French, or Italian). We expect students without preparation in a modern language (excluding English) to enroll in undergraduate language courses as part of their M.A. coursework.
Traditionally, for each semester during their first year, students will take one Latin course, one Greek course, one classics course, and if required one modern language course. In their second year for each semester, students will take one Latin course, one Greek course, one classics course or thesis research, and if required one modern language course.
We encourage our students to travel abroad between the first and second years, either to academic programs like those led by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens or the American Academy in Rome, or to archaeological field projects. Funding is available for such travel to all graduate students in good standing.
How to Apply to the Masters Program:
Undergraduate majors in Classics, History, Art History, Archaeology, and related fields are invited to apply. We particularly welcome applications from students with backgrounds historically underrepresented in Classical Studies. If you have questions about expectations and/or your preparation, please contact the Director of Graduate studies.
- All applicants must complete the graduate studies application form and submit the application fee. The application form is available at the School of Liberal Arts website.
- Applicants must submit:
- a statement of purpose (c. 500 words)
- three (3) letters of recommendation
- a writing sample of no more than 20 pages
Full consideration will be given to applications completed by February 1.
