Keeline with WashU Classics grad students

Graduate Programs

Graduate Studies in Classics at WashU

Washington University in St. Louis offers graduate study in Classics leading to the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Students benefit from a strong faculty in Classics and related fields, an openness to interdisciplinary work, exceptional research resources (including collections of ancient coins and papyri), and rich opportunities for research and teaching.

The department offers several pathways to the MA in Classics. In addition to the traditional two‑year, full‑time MA, Concordia Seminary students may pursue a part‑time MA in Classics through a joint program with WashU, completing the same degree requirements and coursework as other MA students. Qualified WashU undergraduates may also apply to the Accelerated MA in Classics, beginning graduate‑level work during their undergraduate studies and completing the MA with an additional year of study.

Across all programs, the department aims to make graduate study in Classics intellectually rigorous, rewarding, and professionally meaningful. The MA and PhD programs support preparation for a wide range of academic and nonacademic careers, with opportunities for mentoring, research presentation, and career exploration from the earliest stages of graduate study.

Our Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy in Classics

The Department of Classics at Washington University in St. Louis invites applications to its PhD program from individuals with a strong undergraduate foundation in Latin and Greek and a proven aptitude for research and teaching in Classics. The PhD degree requires completion of coursework, exams, a master’s thesis, and a PhD dissertation. Students may pursue their own areas of special interest or choose from one of four specialized tracks in ancient history, music, performance, or philosophy. To learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy in Classics requirements, please select the link below to the Department of Classics Graduate Student Handbook.

Department of Classics Graduate Student Handbook

Masters of Arts in Classics

Students in the MA program work toward increased language proficiency, a deeper knowledge of Greek and Roman culture, literature, and history, and research experience. They are mentored by faculty with diverse specialties within the field and have opportunities to take courses in affiliated fields such as Comparative Literature, Philosophy, and Art History & Archaeology. Finally, they gain valuable teaching experience through mentored teaching experiences. To learn more about the Master of Arts in Classics requirements, please select the link below to the Department of Classics Graduate Student Handbook.

Department of Classics Graduate Student Handbook

Funding your studies in Classics

PhD Student Funding

PhD students receive full tuition remission plus a University Fellowship (UF) from the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences, guaranteed for six years at the time of admission as long as the student makes satisfactory academic progress. The Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences also typically awards an additional summer stipend to each student, to be used to help the student with academic travel or living expenses.

MA Student Funding

M.A. students in Classics at Washington University in St. Louis receive the following support for up to two years, contingent on maintaining full-time enrollment and making satisfactory academic progress in accordance with degree program requirements:

• 100% full tuition scholarship
• $10,000 annual stipend
• 90% health fee subsidy (includes health, dental and wellness fees)

In addition, our students have opportunities to assist in teaching, research and/or departmental administration, for which they can earn up to $10,200 per academic year and an additional $2500 during the summer after their first year of study.

Funds for M.A. students are provided from various sources, including the Penelope Biggs Fellowship, the Cordelia M. Birch Fund, and the Irma C. Schopp Fund.

Funding Opportunities

How to Apply

Follow the link below to learn more about our application process.

Learn More

Study Abroad

The Department of Classics encourages both its MA and its PhD students to take advantage of opportunities to study and do research abroad. The Department of Classics and the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences have funds available to assist students in taking advantage of these and other opportunities for international study and research. Funding for study abroad is available through the Penelope Biggs Travel Award, Robert Lamberton and Susan Rotroff Fund and Kevin Herbert Memorial Fund. After completing the PhD, Washington University graduate students can apply for postdoctoral fellowships for work in Germany sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation.

Washington University graduate students are eligible to participate in:

The American Academy in Rome, including the American Academy's Classical Summer School and more (both the year-long and summer programs).

The American School of Classical Studies in Athens (both the year-long and summer programs).