11 Fully Funded Master's Programs in Classics in the US
Washington University in St. Louis Programs Offered:MA in Classics Location:1 Brookings Drive / St. Louis, MO 63130 Admission: Admission to the program is extremely competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive Master of Arts program in Classics.
It is designed to provide students with a rich and multifaceted educational experience. The two-year, full-time program leverages the university's strengths in interdisciplinary studies and its extensive resources, including notable collections of ancient coins and papyri.
The Department of Classics boasts a strong faculty team, complemented by experts from related fields across the university. This diverse academic environment fosters a holistic approach to classical studies, encouraging students to explore connections between disciplines and develop a well-rounded understanding of the ancient world.
While the program is academically rigorous, it also emphasizes practical skill development and career preparation. Students are encouraged to consider a wide range of professional paths, both within and outside academia. The department facilitates discussions about career options throughout the program and provides opportunities for students to hone their research presentation skills, network with professionals, and access career-planning resources.
Financial support for MA students is comprehensive and guaranteed for up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. The package includes full tuition coverage, an annual stipend of $10,000, and a substantial health fee subsidy. Additionally, students can earn extra income through teaching assistantships, research work, or departmental administration roles.
Funding for the program comes from various sources, including named fellowships and dedicated funds. The Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences typically provides an additional summer stipend to support academic travel or living expenses.
The MA in Classics at Washington University in St. Louis is designed to be both intellectually stimulating and professionally valuable. By combining in-depth academic study with practical skills and career guidance, the program aims to prepare graduates for success in a variety of fields, whether they choose to pursue further academic study or embark on non-academic career paths.
University of Notre Dame Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:Department of Classics249 O'Shaughnessy Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Admission: Admission to the program is extremely competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The University of Notre Dame's Department of Classics offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Arts program in Classics, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the Greco-Roman world. This fully-funded program covers a broad spectrum of topics, including language, literature, history, archaeology, and cultural studies, as well as the reception of classical antiquity in later periods.
The primary goal of the M.A. in Classics is to prepare students for doctoral studies in related fields. However, the program also offers a rich and valuable educational experience for those seeking a comprehensive grounding in classical antiquity for its own sake.
The department boasts a diverse faculty of over a dozen specialists, covering a wide range of disciplines within classical studies. Their expertise spans from Archaic Greece through Late Antiquity, encompassing Greek and Latin literature, linguistics, archaeology, and material culture.
Students in the program benefit from Notre Dame's interdisciplinary academic environment, with strong connections to related graduate programs such as Early Christian Studies, Medieval Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Theology. A recently established Byzantine Studies group further enhances the academic landscape.
The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in classical studies. It includes survey courses in Greek and Latin literature, seminars in Greek and Roman history, and a course on research methods in classical studies. Students also take advanced language courses and electives in various aspects of classical civilization.
To complete the program, students must either write a Master's thesis or pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. They are also required to demonstrate proficiency in Greek and Latin translation, as well as reading competence in French, German, or Italian.
The program typically admits two to three students annually, offering full tuition waivers and annual stipends ranging from $15,000 to $25,600, depending on teaching responsibilities. Health care premium subsidies are also available. Despite its small size, the program benefits from a vibrant community of graduate students in related fields, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
Tulane University Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Tulane University's Master of Arts program in Classics offers a comprehensive and well-supported academic experience for aspiring classicists. The two-year program provides full tuition fellowships and annual stipends to top applicants, who serve as teaching assistants during their studies.
The curriculum is structured to balance coursework with research opportunities. First-year students typically enroll in three departmental courses per semester. In the second year, students either focus on their M.A. thesis while taking two courses per semester or revise two seminar papers into qualifying papers while maintaining a three-course load.
A unique feature of the program is its emphasis on travel and fieldwork. Funded students receive $3,000 for summer research trips between their first and second years. Options include participating in programs at prestigious institutions like the American School of Classical Studies at Athens or joining archaeological excavations led by Tulane faculty. Students may also opt for intensive language study programs.
Additional funding is available for conference attendance, presentations, and extra research travel. This comprehensive support ensures students have ample opportunities to enhance their academic and professional development throughout their time at Tulane.
University of Maryland Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:Department of Classics 1210 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The University of Maryland, College Park offers a Master of Arts program in Classics through its Department of Classics. This program provides specialized study in Latin or a combination of Latin and Greek, focusing on advanced language skills and literary analysis within the broader context of ancient Greek and Roman culture.
The curriculum is designed to accommodate diverse career goals. Graduates may pursue doctoral studies in related fields such as Classics, ancient history, art history, or archaeology. Others choose to teach Latin at the secondary school level or explore careers outside the field of Classics.
To cater to working professionals and students with daytime commitments, advanced language courses are scheduled in the late afternoon, evening, or as Saturday workshops. This flexibility allows for both full-time and part-time enrollment options.
The department offers five funded teaching assistantships, which include tuition remission and a living stipend. Teaching assistants typically take three courses per semester while leading discussion sections for undergraduate courses taught in English.
This program structure provides a balanced approach to classical studies, combining rigorous language training with broader cultural understanding, while offering practical experience through teaching opportunities.
Indiana University Bloomington Programs Offered:M.A. in Classical Studies Location:Ballantine Hall 616 Indiana University 1020 E Kirkwood Ave Bloomington, IN 47405 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Indiana University Bloomington offers a rigorous Master of Arts program in Classical Studies designed to prepare students for advanced careers or further academic pursuits. The curriculum requires 30 credit hours, with at least 22 hours focused on Latin or Greek language studies. Students must also complete at least one course involving a substantial term paper.
Admitted students receive comprehensive financial support, including a minimum annual stipend of $22,000, fee remission, and benefits. This funding package typically covers three years of study for M.A. students. Teaching assignments, either as assistants in large lecture courses or as instructors for independent sections, form part of the support structure. Additional summer grants and fellowship opportunities are available to facilitate study and travel abroad.
The College of Arts and Sciences and the University Graduate School offer various fellowships for recruitment and dissertation research. The department's graduate committee nominates eligible students for these competitive awards.
Notably, summer travel fellowships to Greece or Rome are accessible to students at all degree levels, with the most competitive candidates having the best chances of securing these opportunities.
This program structure ensures a solid foundation in classical languages while providing ample financial and academic support for students to excel in their studies and gain valuable teaching experience.
The University of Arizona Programs Offered:Master of Arts in Classics Location:Learning Services Building 203 · 1512 E. First Street · PO Box 210105 · Tucson, Arizona 85721-0105 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Arizona in Tucson offers a prestigious Master of Arts program in Classics, attracting students from across the United States and internationally. Established in 1985, the program has grown significantly and is now considered one of the leading M.A. programs in the country.
The curriculum offers several areas of specialization, including Classical Philology, Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, Ancient Religion, Latin Pedagogy, and Latin Philology. Students benefit from a diverse faculty with expertise in various aspects of classical studies, as well as associated faculty from related departments.
The program boasts an impressive track record of graduates securing positions in top doctoral programs at prestigious universities. It provides comprehensive training in ancient languages, literature, archaeology, and history, preparing students for further academic pursuits or teaching careers.
One of the program's distinguishing features is its generous funding package, considered among the most competitive for terminal M.A. programs in Classics nationwide. Eligible students typically receive two years of funding, including teaching assistantships with stipends ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per academic year, full tuition waivers, and health insurance coverage.
The department encourages interdisciplinary study and offers opportunities for fieldwork in Mediterranean archaeology. Students can also pursue teaching certification in Latin while completing their M.A., benefiting from courses in language pedagogy and practical teaching experience.
Prospective students should have a background in classical languages, ancient history, and archaeology, though promising candidates with less comprehensive preparation are also encouraged to apply. The program typically takes two years to complete and maintains a supportive environment for student development and success.
University of Colorado Boulder Programs Offered:Master of Arts in Classics, Location:Department of Classics 248 UCB, Boulder, CO Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive Master of Arts program in Classics with four distinct tracks, catering to diverse academic interests and career goals. These tracks include:
1. Classics with concentration in Greek or Latin: This track provides intensive language training, often preparing students for doctoral studies in Classics.
2. Classical Art & Archaeology: Offering rigorous training in ancient art, architecture, and archaeology, this track is suitable for those aiming to pursue Ph.D. studies in these fields.
3. Classical Antiquity: This flexible track allows for a broader range of coursework, accommodating interests in ancient history, religion, philosophy, or interdisciplinary approaches.
4. Teaching of Latin: Designed for aspiring educators, this track can be combined with courses from the School of Education for teaching certification.
Students are admitted to a specific track but have the option to change their focus until the end of their second semester. Any subsequent changes require approval from the Graduate Committee.
The program offers various funding opportunities, including nominations for campus-wide fellowships such as the Chancellor's Fellowship and the Center for Humanities and the Arts Fellowship. Additionally, the department employs M.A. students as graduate student teachers for undergraduate classes. These competitive positions typically include a stipend, tuition waiver, and contributions towards fees and health insurance.
Teaching responsibilities may include assisting in large lecture classes, leading discussion sections, teaching beginning or intermediate language courses, or instructing courses that fulfill the university's undergraduate writing requirement. Some students may also work as Research Assistants, collaborating with faculty members on projects of mutual interest.
This structure provides students with both academic training and practical experience, preparing them for further studies or professional careers in classics-related fields.
The University of Vermont Programs Offered:M.A. in Greek and Latin Location:Department of Classics 85 South Prospect Street, Waterman 517 Burlington, VT 05405 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Vermont's Department of Classics offers a Master of Arts program in Greek and Latin, designed to provide students with a strong foundation in classical languages and literature. The program typically admits three to four new students each year and offers two completion options: a thesis track and a non-thesis track. Additionally, in collaboration with the College of Education, the department offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Latin for those interested in pursuing a career in education.
The M.A. program is characterized by its rigorous philological approach, focusing on developing students' proficiency in Greek and Latin languages and cultivating their skills in scholarly research. This comprehensive preparation equips graduates for further academic pursuits or teaching careers.
Financial support is available for qualified applicants through Graduate Teaching Assistantships and the department's Prindle-Myrick-Kidder scholarship. Classics students have also been successful in securing graduate fellowships from the College of Arts and Sciences.
The program's learning objectives emphasize advanced knowledge of Greek and Latin morphology, syntax, and vocabulary, as well as a deep understanding of the historical and literary contexts of key classical texts. Students are also expected to engage with contemporary scholarship and research methods in the field of Classics.
Graduates of the program have achieved notable success in their academic and professional pursuits. Many have secured fully-funded positions in prestigious Ph.D. programs at institutions such as the University of Chicago, Princeton, Yale, and Cornell. Others have found employment as secondary school teachers across the United States, with several working in Vermont.
This combination of rigorous language training, scholarly preparation, and successful outcomes makes the University of Vermont's M.A. in Greek and Latin an attractive option for students seeking to advance their studies in Classics.
University of Oregon Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:Department of Classics 311 Susan Campbell Hall 1431 Johnson Lane Eugene, OR 97403 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Oregon offers a Master of Arts program in Classics, providing students with two primary focus areas: ancient languages and literature or classical archaeology and material culture. This fully-funded program is designed to prepare students for successful progression to doctoral studies or careers in related fields.
The curriculum combines coursework with either a thesis or translation exams, tailored to individual student interests. The program emphasizes Greek and Latin languages, as well as classical archaeology and material culture studies.
Graduates of this program have pursued diverse career paths, including secondary education language teaching, archaeology, museum curation, and data science. The department boasts a 100% acceptance rate for alumni applying to Classics and related Ph.D. programs.
Qualified students are eligible for Graduate Employee positions, typically at 0.40 full-time equivalent. These competitive funding opportunities are awarded to students demonstrating potential for timely degree completion and academic progress.
The program's structure and funding options reflect the department's commitment to supporting students' educational and vocational advancement, preparing them for successful careers in various classical studies-related fields.
University of Kentucky Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:1037 Patterson Office Tower University of Kentucky Lexington KY 40506-0027 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Kentucky's Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers a comprehensive Master of Arts program in Classics. This program provides a diverse curriculum encompassing Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures, complemented by courses in ancient and medieval history, philosophy, archaeology, and art.
The program's primary objective is to prepare students for careers as Latin teachers or to equip them with the foundational knowledge necessary for pursuing doctoral studies in related fields such as Classics, History, Philosophy, or Divinity.
A unique aspect of the program is its emphasis on the Latin heritage from antiquity to the present day, with a particular focus on Neo-Latin studies. This approach offers students extensive opportunities to explore the classical tradition across various disciplines and cultural contexts.
The curriculum adopts a communicative approach to Latin, treating it as a living language for teaching, scholarly work, and engagement with classical authors. This method fosters a personal connection to the language and provides valuable preparation for future classroom instruction. Similarly, the study of ancient Greek emphasizes written production through composition courses in both prose and verse, supplemented by seminars in papyrology, paleography, historiography, epigraphy, and poetry.
The program aims to provide superior instruction in Latin and Greek at an advanced level, offer opportunities for research and presentation skills development, and instill a deep understanding of classical heritage and its relevance to contemporary society.
Financial support is available through competitive university fellowships and teaching assistantships. Teaching assistants are considered teachers-in-training, receiving careful supervision, evaluation, and access to teaching development resources. Assistantships include a stipend of approximately $17,698 annually, full tuition coverage, and health care benefits.
The University of Kansas Programs Offered:M.A. in Classics Location:1021 Wescoe Hall 1445 Jayhawk Blvd. Lawrence, KS 66045-7590 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Kansas Department of Classics offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Arts program with full funding opportunities. The program is designed to provide advanced study in Greek and Roman civilizations, encompassing languages, literatures, art, and archaeology.
Students can choose from three distinct tracks:
1. Classical Languages
2. Classical Art & Archaeology
3. Combined BA/MA in Classics
Each track offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their specific interests and career goals. The program is structured to be completed in four semesters for students entering with the recommended preparation.
The department provides several Graduate Teaching Assistantships, offering valuable teaching experience and financial support. Teaching assistants typically lead sections of beginning Latin or assist with the Greek and Roman Mythology course, which is offered in various formats including lecture, online, and hybrid models. Occasionally, assistants may also teach Greek or intermediate Latin courses.
Financial benefits for Graduate Teaching Assistants include:
- Full tuition waiver
- Health benefits
- Annual stipend of approximately $17,750
Additional scholarships and research positions are also available to support students' academic pursuits.
While there is no strict application deadline for the MA program, submitting applications by January 5th ensures fullest consideration. For those interested in Graduate Fellowships, including the Graduate Teaching Assistantship for Diversity and the Honors Fellowship, applications should be completed by early January.
The department does not require GRE scores for general admission, but they are necessary for Graduate Fellowship nominations.
This program structure offers students a rich academic experience in classical studies while providing substantial financial and professional development support.
Admission to the program is extremely competitive. 
Admission to the program is highly competitive.
Admission to the program is more competitive.