Classical Studies, MA

Program Category: MA Programs
Chair: Ellen Morris
Director of Graduate Studies: Dhananjay Jagannathan
Website: classicalstudies.columbia.edu
Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing MA

Classical Studies (CLST) is an interdepartmental graduate program dedicated to integrated, interdisciplinary study of Greece, Rome, and the greater ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world.

The Classical Studies program is committed to its traditional core fields of historical, art historical, archaeological, and literary research while extending its range into the study of ancient thought broadly conceived: ancient philosophy, historiography, medicine, religion, and the later reception of ancient ideas. Its faculty, housed in a variety of departments, continue to strengthen the program's interdepartmental approach.

Each student follows an interdisciplinary program designed in consultation with their faculty advisor(s).

The MA program is intended both for students who are seeking a free-standing MA in Classical Studies, and for students interested in receiving further training before applying to PhD programs.

Special Admissions Requirements

Applicants should have a reading knowledge of Greek and Latin and one modern language (German, French, or Italian); some undergraduate work in classical literature, philosophy, art, or history is desirable. Students interested in taking the free-standing MA option may be considered for admittance with a background in only one of the ancient languages.

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term paper, etc.), a personal statement, and three letters of evaluation from academic sources.

All applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit English proficiency exam scores. The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

*To be eligible for admission in GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders. You may include up to four letters in your application, regardless of the number required by your program of interest.