Program Overview

MA in Classics & Archaeology

The Master of Arts in Classics & Archaeology is designed for students who aim to pursue a PhD in Archaeology, Ancient History, Art History, or Classics, or to transition into related humanistic fields. This degree provides comprehensive training in ancient Greek and Latin, archaeological methods, and the study of ancient Mediterranean material culture. It prepares students to be competitive for the best PhD programs in classics and classical archaeology, both in the United States and abroad, and enables them to apply for PhDs in cognate fields such as art history, ancient history, and religion.

Learning Outcomes

Students with a Master of Arts in Classics & Archaeology will be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the history and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East.
• Read with comprehension works of ancient Greek and Latin writers and demonstrate an understanding of genre, style, and cultural context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the material variety of the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East as well as their influence on peoples and places of subsequent historical periods.
• Communicate these understandings clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Produce and defend an original contribution to knowledge.
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner.

Requirements

To enter the program, students must have completed four terms of both ancient Greek and Latin. Successful completion of the program requires 8 graduate-level courses (= 32 units) in classics and archaeology or in related disciplines with an advisor’s permission. Courses must be passed with a grade of B– or better for units. Specific requirements include:

• Two courses in ancient Greek or Latin at or above the 500 level.
• Three of the following four courses:
  • CAS AR 591 Contemporary Theory in Archaeology (4 units)
  • CAS AR 592 Archaeological Ethics and the Law (4 units)
  • CAS AR 594 Scientific Methods in Archaeology (4 units)
  • CAS AR 595 Professional Futures in Archaeology (4 units)
• Three electives at the graduate level in consultation with an advisor. One of these electives may be a Directed Study for the purposes of completing a master’s project. This project should include original research or comprise examples of professional development, such as course syllabi, a museum display plan, or a cultural heritage management plan.

This major is administered in the Department of Classical Studies. Students in this major must consult advisors in both the Department of Classical Studies and in the Archaeology Program.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).