Thinking of Graduate School in Classics?
Here is what you should do:
I. Make absolutely sure graduate study in Classics is for you
An academic career in Classics can bring wonderful rewards, but you should not undertake it unless you are very motivated. Be sure that you consider the following:
1. It is hard to get into graduate school in Classics.
2. PhD programs in Classics are difficult and often take six or more years.
3. The job market for university professors of Classics is exceedingly tight.
4. If you would like a career in Classics but would rather not face the
uncertainties of the academic job market, remember that there is a
pressing demand for teachers of Latin at the secondary level in Texas
and elsewhere (see How to Become a Latin Teacher).
5. Remember that your Classics degree brings you skills that will be
valuable in countless professions besides academia, and in law or
professional school.
6. If you would like an opportunity to see what graduate school is like, consider taking part in UT's Pre-Graduate School Internship. This program gives you the opportunity to work with a graduate student mentor for a semester.
7. If you would like to gain knowledge about research in Classics, consider taking part in a Research Apprenticeship, or working with a faculty member on your own.
II. Study lots of language
A. A good knowledge of both Latin and Ancient Greek is essential.
Start the languages as early as you can, take as many courses in
them as you can, and give yourself to the languages heart and soul.
If you are starting your languages late, accelerated programs
like UT's Summer Intensive Greek are probably a good idea. Three
things to remember:
1. The language requirements for our majors should be considered
minimums: take more courses in Greek and Latin than the majors require
if possible.
2. Languages are required not only for those planning to specialize in language and literature. All
respectable PhD programs in ancient history, and most programs in
Classical archaeology as well, require both Greek and Latin.
3. That means the one-language requirements of our majors in Ancient
History and Classical Civilization Major and in Classical Archaeology
will probably not be enough to get you into graduate school: take the
second Classical language as well.
B. You will need a reading knowledge of German, French, and Italian in
order to succeed in a Classics PhD program. Starting these
languages now will boost your chances of admission to graduate school
and save you much trouble when you get there.
III. Write
Almost all graduate programs require a personal statement and a writing
sample as part of the application, and writing will be an essential
part of your graduate work. Hone your writing skills as much as
you can. Take as many substantial writing courses as possible,
especially those that require research and writing in Classics.
If you can, write an honors thesis and start it early so that you
can use part of it as your writing sample.
IV. Get to know your professors in Classics
Letters of recommendation will carry much weight: make sure you have
several faculty members in Classics who can recommend you
enthusiastically.
V. Study for the GRE
A high score in the verbal and writing sections of the GRE will
increase your chances of acceptance, and many schools count the total
score (including math) when they make decisions regarding financial
aid. Note that UT's Sanger Learning and Career Center offers free review classes for the GRE.
VI. Decide where to apply
Because of the competitive job market, you will want to be sure you get
your degree from a program with a good reputation. Just as
important, however, is that the program suit your
interests and needs. Consult with several members of the
Classics faculty for advice on what programs would be best for you.
You may also find the following web sites useful:
1. Classical Journal's Graduate Study in Classics Page
2. PhDs.org.
As you compare schools, be sure to consider such factors as the
time it takes students to finish their degrees, the program's record of
placing its graduate students, the types of financial aid available,
and the courses offered, as well as the program's overall reputation.
VII. Other options
A. Terminal Master's Degree: Several universities offer good graduate
programs in Classics terminating in a Master's Degree. This might
be a good way to start if you feel you are not ready to jump into a PhD
program yet.
B. Post-baccalaureate programs. Several universities, including
the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Iowa, the University
of North Carolina, UCLA, and Georgetown, offer post-baccalaureate
programs in Classics, where you can study Latin and Greek intensively
as you prepare to apply for a PhD program.
C. Some students have stayed on as non-degree-seeking students after
graduation to improve their languages, and have then applied
successfully to PhD programs.
For advice designed especially for those interested in graduate school in archaeology, see Thinking of Graduate School in Classical Archaeology? prepared by Jennifer Gates-Foster
last modified August 29, 2010 by timmoore@mail.utexas.edu