Program Overview

Classics (CLAS)

The Department of Classics offers a graduate program of study with specializations in Latin or in Latin and Greek, leading to the Master of Arts degree. The program provides students with advanced study of Latin and/or Greek language and literature in the context of a broader and deeper understanding of Greek and Roman culture and civilization. Students choose one of two tracks toward the degree: Latin, or Latin and Greek. Students are required to take advanced language courses, but also have the option to take a course in related disciplines outside of the Classics Department.

Abstract

The Department of Classics offers a graduate program of study with specializations in Latin or in Latin and Greek, leading to the Master of Arts degree. The program provides students with advanced study of Latin and/or Greek language and literature in the context of a broader and deeper understanding of Greek and Roman culture and civilization.

Financial Assistance

The department has a number of fully funded teaching assistantships, which provide tuition assistance and a stipend for living expenses. Additional funding is also available for study abroad, conference travel, and other activities.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Supplementary Application
• Writing Sample In addition to the general requirements for admission established by the Graduate School, applicants must demonstrate a proficiency in translating the ancient language(s) at the advanced undergraduate level.

Application Deadlines

Graduate Application Deadlines:

• Domestic Applicants:
  • US Citizens and Permanent Residents: August 21, 2026 (Fall), January 16, 2026 (Spring), N/A (Summer)
• International Applicants:
  • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas immigrants: March 13, 2026 (Fall), September 30, 2025 (Spring), N/A (Summer)

Faculty

• Adler, Eric: Full Member, Chair, Classics, Professor, Classics
• Barrenechea, Francisco: Full Member, Associate Professor, Classics, Affiliate Associate Professor, Comparative Literature, Graduate Director, Classics
• Bravo III, Jorge J.: Full Member, Associate Professor, Classics
• Bucher, Gregory: Full Member, Senior Lecturer, Classics
• Graf, Chiara: Full Member, Assistant Professor, Classics
• Wasdin, Katherine: Full Member, Associate Professor, Classics, Affiliate Associate Professor, Women's Studies

Resources

The Washington-Baltimore region boasts a number of outstanding libraries related to classics: the Center for Hellenic Studies, Dumbarton Oaks, and the Library of Congress are all located in Washington, D.C. The Eisenhower Library is located in Baltimore, on the campus of Johns Hopkins University.