About PhD Program,
The University of Chicago Classics Department offers a doctoral graduate program in Classical Studies; it also collaborates with the University of Chicago’s Division of Humanities to allow students in the Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) to concentrate in Classics.
Two features characterize our graduate program. The first is flexibility to meet the interests of a wide range of students who wish to explore the Classics from many different points of view. We have two Joint Programs, with the Committee of Social Thought and the Committee on Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS), although we also allow joint degrees with other departments, tailored to the interests of our graduate students.
The second notable characteristic of our program is the range of opportunities and resources that we afford to students: one of the best libraries of the country, as well as an intensive program of workshops and lectures, both within and without the department of Classics; funding for travel and research, both archival and archeological; as well as a range of teaching opportunities. The fluid relationships between departments allow students to venture beyond the department into other areas and disciplines.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
We expect our applicants to have a strong background in Greek and Latin and an inquiring mind. We encourage students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than Classics to apply and explain in their application their plan for achieving language readiness.
A similarly strong background in modern languages is not a requirement. All of our students are expected to demonstrate competence at reading French and German by the end of the third year.
Detailed statements of program requirements, timetables for satisfactory progress, and the Department’s pedagogical training plan are contained in the Graduate Handbook, which is provided below. Available as well are the reading lists for exams in primary and secondary literature.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Commencing in summer 2020, doctoral students who matriculate in Classics will be fully supported by the University—with tuition, annual stipend, and individual health insurance—for as long as they remain in good standing, up to the University’s limit on registration. This guarantee of funding throughout one’s graduate career is an expression of the University’s and the Department’s commitment to the training and research of all its doctoral students.
Further information on the funding package may be found on the website of the Division of Humanities.
Doctoral students in Classics receive instruction in language pedagogy as well as the teaching of courses in translation, from resources within the Department as well as Chicago Language Center and the Chicago Center for Teaching. During their graduate career, students train as teachers in the first-year language curriculum in Greek or Latin; in the second-year language curriculum in the other language; and in one course on classical material taught in translation. Details regarding both training and teaching opportunities may be found in the Department’s Pedagogical Training Plan in the Graduate Handbook.
Application Requirement,
A writing sample of 15-20 pages.
Three letters of recommendation
A supplemental document listing
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
An application fee of $90.
