Program Overview
The Master of Arts in classical studies at the University of Kansas offers an in-depth exploration of ancient civilizations, languages, and cultures. This classical studies degree provides students with advanced knowledge of Greek and Roman history, literature, philosophy, and material culture while fostering critical thinking, philological precision, and sustained research skills. As one of the established classics graduate programs in the region, the program prepares students to engage deeply with the intellectual traditions of antiquity and their enduring influence on the modern world.
Students pursuing classical studies at KU undertake rigorous training in ancient Greek and Latin while developing expertise in historical analysis, literary interpretation, and the study of classical civilizations. Coursework emphasizes close reading of primary texts in the original languages, contextual study of ancient Mediterranean societies, and interdisciplinary approaches to classical culture, including archaeology, art history, religion, and political thought. This balance of linguistic mastery and cultural analysis distinguishes the KU classics degree as both traditional in foundation and expansive in scholarly scope.
The curriculum within the masters in classics program allows students to tailor their studies to individual interests while maintaining strong grounding in ancient languages. The curriculum within the master’s in classics program allows students to tailor their studies to individual interests while maintaining strong grounding in ancient languages. KU offers two curricular tracks:
- Classical Languages: centered on advanced study of Greek and Latin texts across the major literary genres
- Classical Art & Archaeology: designed for students who wish to pair language study with deeper research into the material remains of the Greek and Roman worlds.
Within either track, students may stress Latin, Greek, or a combination of both. Both tracks are available as a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis pathway is particularly well suited for students preparing for doctoral study, while the non-thesis option supports those pursuing careers in education, public humanities, or related fields. Through seminars and directed research, students learn to design research projects, evaluate scholarly debates, and contribute original insights to the field.
Faculty in the Department of Classics are active scholars in Greek and Latin literature, ancient history, archaeology, and reception studies. Their mentorship ensures that students in classical studies gain individualized guidance as they refine research questions and prepare conference papers or publishable work. Small class sizes foster discussion-based learning and close collaboration between faculty and graduate students, strengthening the intellectual community within KU’s classics masters programs.
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Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Classics, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master of Classics is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in Classics Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the classics graduate programs will:
- Read and translate ancient Greek and Latin texts at a graduate level of proficiency
- Communicate knowledge of the field in writing, producing sustained and well-supported scholarly arguments
- Present complex interpretations of ancient texts, artifacts, and scholarship effectively in oral settings
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the field encompassing ancient history, material culture, and the reception of classical antiquity, alongside advanced language study
- Apply and reflect on skills in classics pedagogy, including the teaching of Latin, Greek, and ancient cultures at the university level
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Classics?
Graduates with a masters in classics often find rewarding careers in fields such as:
- Secondary and postsecondary education
- Museum curation and preservation
- Publishing and editing
- Public history and cultural organizations
- Legal, medical, and business fields where analytical skills are valued
According to Lightcast, professionals with a classical studies degree demonstrate strong competencies in research, writing, and complex problem solving. For students considering doctoral education, this classical studies program provides preparation for competitive Ph.D. pathways in ancient history, archaeology, philology, and related disciplines.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU’s MA in Classics is a fully funded program. Financial support is available in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships, which provide funding in exchange for teaching in Latin, Greek, or courses on ancient Greek and Roman culture taught in English.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact the department directly to learn more about available funding. For additional information about financial aid, scholarships, and loans, visit KU Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the masters in classical studies requires:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Submission of official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement of purpose detailing academic goals and interests
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample (25 page maxmimum)
- GRE is no longer required, though applicants are welcome to submit scores as supplementary documentation
Please visit the Department of Classics for more information on the application process.
Student Life and Learning Experience
KU’s classics graduate programs emphasize immersive and research-driven learning. Students have opportunities to participate in archaeological fieldwork, collaborate on faculty-led research, and engage with rare texts and scholarly resources in KU’s research libraries.
As a student in classical studies, you will join a vibrant intellectual community. The Department of Classics promotes close mentorship, conference participation, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Campus lectures, language groups, and collaborative seminars further enrich the graduate experience and deepen engagement with classical culture.
Master’s in Classics Sample Courses
Students in the classics masters programs can expect to take courses such as:
- Graduate Seminar in Greek Prose
- Rise of Athens and Sparta
- Greek Archaeology and Art
- Pompeii and Herculaneum
For a full course listing, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Classics Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications received by January 5 receive fullest consideration for fall enrollment; October 1 for January enrollment.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.