A brief description of the department:
We are interdisciplinary: archaeology, history, and literature are all represented. Thanks to the Semple endowment, we have the finest Classics library in the world and conduct fieldwork in the Mediterranean (Albania, Cyprus, Greece [Knossos, Pylos, Isthmia], and Italy [Pompeii]). The American Society of Papyrologists is headquartered here.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department:
Aegean prehistory, Greek and Roman art and
archaeology, Hellenistic history and literature,
Papyrology, Indo-European linguistics
Application deadline: 15 January
Unusual features of the application:
Two-part application: on-line University Graduate School application and supplemental materials sent to the Department
GRE scores required:
Writing sample required: Yes. One long paper or several short papers is fine. No more than 20 pages. Evidence of research skills preferred.
For “best consideration for admission”, applicants should have (note that there are always special cases, and that meeting the stated numerical goals will not guarantee admission to any program):
GRE: 600 minimum, but higher verbal scores for philologists, higher quantitative scores for archaeologists. GPA: 3.5 minimum. We expect students to come in with a minimum three years for one ancient language and two for the other except for archaeologists who take only one ancient language. The personal statement and letters of recommendations are equally important.
Average number of new graduate students per year:
6-7 total, usually 1-2 of which are MA only, but can vary.
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 5-10%
Number of new students entering program this fall:
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding:
Ph.D.: 7 years or 6 if students enter with an M.A. from another institution
M.A.: 2 years
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: TAs: 1-2 years; RAs: 1-2 years; teaching undergraduate courses in Greek, Latin, and/or Classical Civilization: 1-2 years
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 18 Ph.D.s, 19 M.A.s
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
Hiring and retirement of faculty will occur; moving to semester system (from quarters) in 2012 or so.
Best contact person for questions: See website.
2007 survey answers