THE M.A. IN CLASSICS  with Specialization in Greek (or Latin) is a terminal degree program. This degree does not lead to a Ph.D. in Classics, but it can be linked to graduate study in another field (e.g. Religious Studies or English). If your intent is to pursue a Ph.D. in Classics, then apply to the Masters Program in Classics.

Discover more about the program

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION:

• B.A. (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (=B), based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed. In exceptional cases, a student may be admitted with a GPA of 2.75 (=B-)
• 20 hours of course work in the appropriate language (Greek or Latin). We do not accept applicants lacking significant experience in Greek and/or Latin.
• Language deficiencies which can be remedied within one year will not necessarily disqualify a promising applicant.
• All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL iBT or Academic IELTS score report. The test must have been taken no more than 2 years prior to your first semester at Illinois. Minimum score requirements for admission to Classics are 103 total on the TOEFL iBT or 7 total on the IELTS. All applicants whose native language is not English must pass the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 24, or the speaking section of the IELTS with a minimum score of 8, or pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a minimum score of 50.

TO APPLY:

• Complete the Graduate College online application by January 6, 2025.
• Submit 3 recommendation letters via the online application by including email addresses for all of your references. They will automatically receive an email from Apply Yourself with instructions on how to upload their letters of reference to your online application. If they don’t receive this email or have trouble uploading their letters, they should contact SLCL Grad Student Services
• We no longer require GRE scores for admissions.
• Submit a Personal Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample(s), a CV or Resume, and other Academic Documents via the online application. The personal statement should be two to three (2-3) pages detailing your field of interest. It should explain the relation between your studies and/or work experience to date, your current interests, and your reasons for wanting to obtain a graduate degree in the Classics from our department. The writing sample may be a paper or excerpt of moderate length (20 pages), or two shorter papers (about 10 pages each). The sample should showcase the applicant’s ability to work in original classical languages and incorporate relevant secondary sources as appropriate. Also provide scanned copies of your transcripts (a complete list of all courses taken and grades received), as well as any certificates of degree completion or diplomas, for all the post-secondary schools you have attended (undergraduate and graduate programs). English translations should be provided when applicable, preferably a translation provided by the school attended. Official documents (original or “attested” copies) will be required if you are admitted.