Degree Requirements for the M.A.T., M.A., Ph.D.

The Ph.D. candidate is expected to have a knowledge of all major authors; to include work beyond both the Greek fifth and fourth centuries B.C.E. and the Republican and Augustan periods of Rome; to have an acquaintance with the inter-dependence of Greek and Roman literature and culture; to demonstrate an understanding of past and current scholarly trends; and to undertake research in a specific aspect of classics or its related fields.  The Ph.D. candidate is expected to complete at least 48 credits of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree and to demonstrate a reading knowledge of German and either French or Italian.  In the final semester of coursework, candidates for the Ph.D. must take preliminary comprehensive examinations comprising Greek and Latin translation and general knowledge questions on Classical texts, based on the Ph.D. reading list, as well as questions on a special field and a special author.  Upon successful completion of the exams, in the subsequent semester, students must submit a thesis proposal for approval by the department faculty.

The M.A. candidate must demonstrate a general knowledge of the principal ancient authors and may write a thesis (equivalent to 6 credits).  The candidate may elect to emphasize either Greek or Latin, but must have a knowledge of both.  The M.A. student is also expected to demonstrate reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian.  Candidates for the degree must pass the M.A. comprehensive examination, which they are expected to take after completing 30 credits of graduate coursework.  The M.A. examination comprises Greek and Latin translation and general knowledge questions on Classical texts, based on the M.A. reading list.

The master’s program in Latin for teachers (M.A.T.) is designed to train teachers of Latin in secondary schools.  The candidate is expected to pass a competency examination in ancient Greek or, alternatively, to demonstrate a reading knowledge of German, French, or Italian; to complete a total of 30 graduate credits; to complete an expository or critical essay (normally in conjunction with the course work); and to pass the M.A.T. comprehensive examination comprising Latin translation and general knowledge questions on Classical texts, based on the M.A.T. reading list.  N.B. The M.A.T. degree does not offer NJ Certification.

An interdisciplinary Ph.D. in art history and classical archaeology may be worked out with advisers from the art history and classics programs. Students in such a program would have to show proficiency in French, German, Greek, and Latin. A concentration in interdisciplinary classical studies and ancient history is available for M.A. and Ph.D. candidates. Applicants for this option are expected to possess a background in Greek and Roman history in addition to the other qualifications for admission to the classics program. Specialized M.A. and doctoral reading lists are provided for this concentration, and special field/special author examinations for the Ph.D. are focused on classical history. Doctoral candidates are examined on their knowledge of Greek and Roman history, in addition to literature.