Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Classics at Washington University in St. Louis is a 2-year program that requires 36 graduate units of credit. Students must complete a reading list, take a series of examinations, and may choose to write a master's thesis.

Master's Candidacy

To earn a master's degree, students must complete all required courses, maintain satisfactory academic progress, fulfill academic and residence requirements, and apply to graduate via Workday Student.

Program Requirements

• Total Units Required: 36
• Degree Length: 2 academic years
• Grade Requirement: Classics follows the Arts & Sciences minimum grade requirement of C- or better for courses that apply to the program. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in courses that count toward their credit units.

MA in Classics

Candidates may obtain an MA degree in Classics by completing 36 graduate units of credit, completing a reading list, and taking a series of examinations. Students applying to continue in the Classics department's PhD program must also write a master's thesis.

Courses

• Total units required: 36 units, including the following:
  • Specific required courses: 9 units
    • CLASSICS 5030 Classical Studies: Theories, Methods & Practice
    • GREEK 5451 Greek Prose Composition
    • LATIN 5441 Latin Prose Composition
  • Other course requirements: 27 units
    • At least 6 units in Greek
    • At least 6 units in Latin
    • Students writing a master's thesis in their second year may enroll in 0, 3, or 6 research credits
• Research credits: 6 units
  • The master's thesis counts for 6 units. Any student opting not to write a thesis will fulfill these units with additional courses.

Modern Language Competence

This competence can be in German, French, or Italian. The requirement may be fulfilled by courses or examination.

Program Exams

• Greek Reading List
• Latin Reading List Students not planning to go on to a PhD program in Classics may opt to take the Reading List exam in one language (Greek or Latin) only. Those who pursue this option must still complete at least 6 units in the other language at the 5000 level or above, not counting the required Composition course.

Teaching Option

MA students may have the opportunity to assist faculty as paid student workers in undergraduate courses. They are also eligible to enroll in the department’s graduate course in Classics pedagogy.