About PhD Program,
The Department of Classics, Archaeology, and Religion offers graduate work leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in three (3) main areas: Languages and Literature, Archaeology, and Arts and Humanities. The basis of work in these areas is the study of the literary and material cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. We encourage applications from talented and committed students who have an appreciation of the rich, many-faceted nature of the ancient world and an interest in discovering a place of their own in it. Diplomas for all degrees and tracks are awarded in Ancient Mediterranean Studies.
Our programs in Languages and Literature (Greek, Latin, Classical Languages) and Archaeology are designed to prepare students for careers as teachers and scholars of classical philology and archaeology. To that end we combine a rigorous, research-oriented program of study with a wide array of teaching opportunities that includes assisting and teaching in classes of all sizes and kinds (e.g., lecture, writing-intensive, discussion-based, online, Latin language). To support professional development, we organize annual workshops and colloquia at which our graduate students present their research, and to facilitate their progress in the program, we offer multiple funding opportunities for travel, study, and research at all stages of their graduate careers.
While we offer traditional philological and archaeological training, we also encourage our students to cultivate interests across and outside of these disciplines. We believe that this is not only intellectually healthy (as it better equips them to think critically about the received practices of the disciplines), but is essential for their professional development (as the field of Classical Studies is becoming increasingly diversified and interdisciplinary). Language and literature students, therefore, are required to take a significant amount of coursework in archaeology, and archaeology students in language and literature. Students are also free, however, to pursue other areas of interest, such as Art History, History, Late Antiquity, Medieval Studies, Reception Studies, or Religious Studies, and may earn graduate minors and certificates in these and other areas as well.
A still more interdisciplinary approach is represented by our new graduate area in Classical Arts and Humanities (CAH). This degree program combines the study of the ancient Mediterranean world with an outside area of the candidate’s choice (e.g., Art, Black Studies, Creative Writing, Digital Humanities, Music, Reception Studies, Theatre, Visual Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies) and invites students to pursue interdisciplinary projects in various media in lieu of the traditional written thesis. CAH is open to students who may not have a background in ancient languages (all required coursework may be done in English) and is designed for those who wish to pursue intellectual/artistic careers beyond traditional academic disciplines.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA
72 total credit hours at the graduate (7000+) level, of which a minimum of 30 at MA level
24 hours of required total MA hours in residence at MU, and at least two 9-hour semesters or three 6-hour semesters in an 18-month period in residence at PhD level
12 hours of required total MA hours at the seminar (8000+) level, and 3 additional hours at PhD level
No more than 40% of required total MA hours in research, readings, and problems courses
- Graduate students receiving financial support in the form of full-time (.5) assistantships are expected to register for 9 credit hours of graduate level coursework per semester until they pass their PhD comprehensive examinations. Thereafter, they may maintain “continuous enrollment” by enrolling in AMS 9090: Doctoral Dissertation Research (for credit 2 hours every Fall and Spring semester, 1 hour every Summer semester) until they complete the PhD degree.
MA degree in Classical Archaeology or related field
min. 3.0 Overall GPA
reading knowledge of one modern foreign language (French, German, or Italian preferred)
PhD Funding Coverage,
Degree-seeking applicants pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $75 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $100 (nonresident internationals). Non-degree seeking applicants and graduate certificate applicants pay a $40 application fee. Application fees are paid through the application system at the time of application submission. MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express, Diner’s Club, DinaCard, BCcard, JCB, and UnionPay are accepted. A separate application fee is required for each application. Applications are valid for three semesters after the original application term.
Application Requirement,
Applications to our Languages and Literature and Archaeology programs should include:
a 500-word statement of interest
a 10-20 page writing sample
transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
3 letters of recommendation
Please note: When selecting your academic program in Slate, the online application system, choose the degree program that corresponds to the most advanced degree you seek to obtain with us. If it is the MA, select “Ancient Mediterranean Studies (MA)”, and if it is the PhD, select “Ancient Mediterranean Studies (PhD)”.
Application Deadline,
January 15 2025 annually: for Fall admission with financial support (TAships, fellowships, etc.)
Application Fee,
Degree-seeking applicants pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $75 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $100 (nonresident internationals). Non-degree seeking applicants and graduate certificate applicants pay a $40 application fee. Application fees are paid through the application system at the time of application submission. MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express, Diner’s Club, DinaCard, BCcard, JCB, and UnionPay are accepted. A separate application fee is required for each application. Applications are valid for three semesters after the original application term.
