PhD in Classics

In order to earn the PhD in Classics, Ancient History focus, students must:

• Complete 72 credit hours of course work (42 credit hours beyond the 30 credit hours required for the MA)
• Complete four specific courses, only required for students entering without an MA in Classics (CL 527: History of Greek Literature; CL 590: Greek Syntax and Stylistics; CL 538: History of Latin Literature; CL 595: Latin Syntax and Stylistics)
• Complete graduate courses sufficient to provide basic proficiency in two areas of ancient history (Greece, Rome)
• Complete one graduate seminar within the two areas of ancient history
• Complete one graduate course focusing on an ancient historian
• Complete one graduate seminar in each of the following three areas: Mediterranean archaeology, historiography, history or anthropology outside the ancient period (the latter two may be taken outside the Department of Classics.)
• Pass a translation exam in two modern languages (two of French, German, Italian or modern Greek) (i.e., a translation exam in one language in addition to that passed for the MA)
• Pass a set of three general exams 
• Complete a dissertation

In order to earn the PhD in Classics, Language and Literature focus, students must: 

• Complete 72 credit hours of course work (42 credit hours beyond the 30 credit hours required for the MA)
• Complete four specific courses, only required for students entering without an MA in Classics (CL 527: History of Greek Literature; CL 590: Greek Syntax and Stylistics; CL 538: History of Latin Literature; CL 595: Latin Syntax and Stylistics)
• Complete one graduate seminar in both ancient Greek language and literature and Latin language and literature
• Complete one graduate survey or one graduate seminar in each of the following three areas: ancient history, Mediterranean archaeology, linguistics or literary theory (the last may be taken outside the Department Classics)
• Pass a translation exam in two modern languages (two of French, German, Italian or modern Greek) (i.e., a translation exam in one language in addition to that passed for the MA)
• Pass a set of three general exams
• Complete a dissertation

PhD in Classics: Mediterranean Archaeology

Beginning with the 2027–2028 admissions cycle, applicants to the Mediterranean Archaeology track will follow the application structure outlined below.

The Mediterranean Archaeology track is designed for students who wish to develop an independent doctoral research project in Greek or Roman archaeology within the structure of a five-year PhD program.

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation in archaeology and relevant knowledge of Greek or Roman history. Admission places particular emphasis on the applicant’s ability to formulate a clear research question, identify appropriate archaeological evidence and methods, and develop a feasible plan for doctoral research.

Research Pathways

Applicants may apply through one of two routes.

Project-Defined Research Area
In selected admissions cycles, the Department may advertise a research area connected to an active faculty or departmental project. Applicants develop their own research question and methodology within that area. The advertised project provides the research context, but the dissertation remains an independent project designed and developed by the student.

Applicant-Defined Research Proposal
Applicants may propose an independent research project that fits the Department’s areas of expertise, available supervision, research resources, collections, methods, and current research programs.

Application Requirements

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate School, applicants to Mediterranean Archaeology should submit:

• curriculum vitae and academic transcripts
• a scholarly writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• a Statement of Preparation and Departmental Fit, maximum two pages
• a Doctoral Research Proposal, approximately 1,500–2,000 words, excluding bibliography
• a Language and Skills Profile describing current preparation and any additional language, field, laboratory, digital, archival, or technical training that may be required

Applicants may also submit a provisional five-year work plan, presented as a Gantt chart or equivalent timeline. This is optional at the application stage.

Students admitted to the program will be required to develop a formal five-year research and training plan, normally presented as a Gantt chart or equivalent timeline, no later than the end of their first year in the PhD program.

The Statement of Preparation and Departmental Fit should explain the applicant’s academic preparation, intended area of supervision, and the Department resources relevant to the proposed project.

Doctoral Research Proposal

The research proposal should include:

• a provisional title and primary research question
• the research context and relevant current scholarship
• the relationship of the project to departmental expertise or to an advertised research area
• the archaeological materials, datasets, collections, archives, or other evidence to be examined
• the proposed methodology
• the expected scholarly contribution
• relevant previous preparation and additional training needs
• feasibility, access requirements, potential risks, and alternative strategies
• a short bibliography

Applicants should be prepared to explain how their research design might change if new evidence challenges their initial hypothesis or methodology.