About PhD Program
RU Classics focuses on the interpretation of original texts in Greek and Latin in the context of the general humanistic tradition. Our graduate students master the philological methods of the discipline and become familiar with the methods of such related fields as literary theory, ancient history, philosophy, and ancient art history. Full-time students generally finish the M.A. track in two years; candidates for the Ph.D. on average take an additional three years.
We offer six degree tracks leading to three different advanced degrees:
- A. Classics
- A. Interdisciplinary Classics and Ancient History
- A.T. Latin
- D. Classics
- D. Interdisciplinary Classics and Ancient History
- D. Joint program in Classics and Art History (by individual arrangement)
Beginning in Fall 2020, we will, for the first time, be offering funded MA fellowships; see “Admission and Funding” for more information.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- To be accepted into the Rutgers Classics graduate program, an applicant should have the equivalent of at least three years of college-level Latin and two years of college-level ancient Greek. (M.A.T. applicants are exempt from the ancient Greek requirement. For MA applicants, some flexibility may be considered in the matter of language preparation. Please consult the graduate director with any questions in this regard before applying.)
- Successful applicants typically have an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and higher in the major. All available transcripts and other materials should be sent directly to Rutgers Graduate Admissions.
- Competency in French, German, or Italian at the time of matriculation is desirable, though not a requirement.
- Three letters of recommendation are required and should be sent directly to Rutgers Graduate Admissions.
- A writing sample is encouraged.
Those students who seek to enter Rutgers Classics from another graduate program are evaluated on an individual basis. Generally such applicants should expect that no more than 12 credits will be transferred from their previous institution.
Applicants for the PhD are strongly encouraged to apply by January 15 to receive full consideration for funding, though applications will be accepted through February 15. MA applications will be accepted through March 1, though earlier submission (preferably by February 15) is encouraged.
We encourage applicants to visit our department at any stage of the application process. Please contact the graduate director at tcbr@classics.rutgers.edu and let us know when you will be in the area.
All application materials should go to Rutgers Graduate Admissions (https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/). PhD applicants, go here to begin the application process; MA applicants, go here; MAT applicants, go here. (Note that some of the deadlines listed on the Graduate Admissions site may be out of date; please follow the deadlines listed on this page.)
An interdisciplinary Ph.D. in art history and classical archaeology may be worked out with advisers from the art history and classics programs. Students in such a program would have to show proficiency in French, German, Greek, and Latin. A concentration in interdisciplinary classical studies and ancient history is available for M.A. and Ph.D. candidates. Applicants for this option are expected to possess a background in Greek and Roman history in addition to the other qualifications for admission to the classics program. Specialized M.A. and doctoral reading lists are provided for this concentration, and special field/special author examinations for the Ph.D. are focused on classical history. Doctoral candidates are examined on their knowledge of Greek and Roman history, in addition to literature.
PhD Funding Coverage,
A majority of full-time graduate students receive some financial aid and most full-time PhD students receive full support. The level of support often is dependent upon the specific graduate program and your degree status. There are three forms of financial assistance available to graduate students: merit-based, need-based, and non-need based aid.
Merit-based assistance includes fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships. You are automatically considered for university-based fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships. The availability of merit-based assistance varies significantly by field of study.
The university also provides special fellowship opportunities to promote the diversity of university programs.
Many graduate students at the university receive fellowships funded by sources outside the university. You are encouraged to apply for externally funded fellowships and scholarships as early as possible. If you are new to the external funding process, bowse the GradFund website or make an appointment to get personalized help.
Application Requirement
While programs may require additional materials, here are the basic application requirements:
- Online application
- One official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
- Letters of recommendation, as required by the program
- A personal statement
- Current test results, as required by the program
- Supporting materials, as required by the program
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
- $70 nonrefundable application fee
