Master’s Degree

Master's Degree in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

This master's degree explores ancient languages, literatures, and linguistics, preparing students for careers in education, research, and cultural heritage.

1 to 2 years
Length
Master
Level
Bachelor's degree
Entry level
67
Schools
00
Exit level
Master
Length
1 to 2 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Selective
Direct careers
4 métiers
Where to study
67 établissements

About

The Master's Degree in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics is designed for students interested in deepening their knowledge of ancient Greek and Latin languages and cultures. It suits those who enjoy literature, history, and linguistics and want to study classical texts in their original form. This degree allows learners to develop advanced skills in language analysis, textual interpretation, and cultural understanding.

  • The program typically lasts one to two years and corresponds to a master's level qualification in the US education system.
  • It is aimed at students who have completed an undergraduate degree, often in related fields like literature, history, or languages.
  • Graduates can pursue careers in teaching, research, museums, or cultural institutions.
  • The degree also strengthens skills useful for publishing, translation, and archival work.
  • It offers a foundation for those considering doctoral studies in classical studies or related humanities fields.

What you study

The curriculum covers a range of subjects focused on ancient languages and their cultural contexts, combining theory and practical analysis. Students progressively build expertise through coursework and research projects.

  • Core classes include ancient Greek and Latin language studies, focusing on grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
  • Students study classical literature, analyzing texts from authors like Homer, Virgil, and Sophocles.
  • Linguistics courses explore the structure and history of classical languages and their influence on modern languages.
  • Seminars encourage critical thinking through discussion of historical, philosophical, and literary themes.
  • Research methods and textual criticism form an important part of the training, with opportunities for independent projects.
  • While mostly academic, some programs include practical work like manuscript study or digital humanities tools.

How to get in

Admission to this master's degree requires a relevant bachelor's degree and a formal application process typical in the US higher education system. Candidates must demonstrate academic readiness and interest in classical studies.

  • Applicants usually hold a bachelor's degree in classics, humanities, or related fields.
  • They submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose explaining their motivation.
  • Some programs may require proof of language proficiency or prior coursework in ancient languages.
  • Admission committees look for strong academic records and clear interest in classical languages and cultures.
  • Standardized tests like the GRE may be requested, depending on the institution.

Day to day

The academic year involves a mix of lectures, seminars, and personal study, with an emphasis on reading and analyzing classical texts. Students balance coursework with research activities.

  • Weekly schedules include language classes to practice translation and comprehension.
  • Seminars foster discussion on literary and historical topics, encouraging critical thinking.
  • Students often work on research papers or projects related to specific authors or linguistic issues.
  • Some programs offer opportunities for internships in museums or libraries, though this is not always mandatory.
  • Time management is important as students prepare for exams and complete assignments.

Careers this degree leads to

Graduates find opportunities in various sectors where knowledge of classical languages and cultures is valued. The degree supports roles involving research, education, and cultural preservation.

  • Many pursue careers as high school or college teachers specializing in classical studies or languages.
  • Positions in museums, archives, and libraries may involve managing collections or educational programs.
  • Some work in publishing or translation, especially of classical texts.
  • Research roles in universities or cultural institutions are common, often requiring further study.
  • The job market can be competitive, but the degree provides strong analytical and language skills valued in humanities-related fields.

Continuing your studies

After completing this master's degree, students can continue their academic journey or shift towards professional training. The degree opens doors to advanced research or complementary fields.

  • Many choose to pursue a PhD in Classics or related humanities disciplines.
  • Others may enter specialized programs in education to become certified teachers.
  • Some explore fields like archaeology or museum studies through additional qualifications.
  • The degree also supports transitions to careers in cultural heritage management or library science.

Where to study this degree (67)

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Villanova University
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Villanova University
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📍Villanova, 🇺🇸 United States
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St. John's College
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St. John's College
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📍Santa Fe, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Arizona
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University of Arizona
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📍Tucson, 🇺🇸 United States
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Yale University
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Yale University
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📍New Haven, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Colorado Boulder
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University of Colorado Boulder
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📍Boulder, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brandeis University
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Brandeis University
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📍Waltham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Columbia University
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Columbia University
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📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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📍Ann Arbor, 🇺🇸 United States
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Cornell University
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Cornell University
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📍Ithaca, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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📍Madison, 🇺🇸 United States
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Washington University in St Louis
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Washington University in St Louis
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📍Saint Louis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Georgia
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University of Georgia
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📍Athens, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Kentucky
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University of Kentucky
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📍Lexington, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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📍Amherst, 🇺🇸 United States
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Indiana University Bloomington
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Indiana University Bloomington
University
📍Bloomington, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Cincinnati
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University of Cincinnati
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📍Cincinnati, 🇺🇸 United States
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New York University
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New York University
University
📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Chicago
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University of Chicago
University
📍Chicago, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Kansas
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University of Kansas
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📍Lawrence, 🇺🇸 United States
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Princeton University
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Princeton University
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📍Princeton, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Southern California
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University of Southern California
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Florida State University
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Florida State University
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📍Tallahassee, 🇺🇸 United States
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Kent State University at Kent
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Kent State University at Kent
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📍Kent, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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📍Chapel Hill, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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📍New Brunswick, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Maryland-College Park
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University of Maryland-College Park
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📍College Park, 🇺🇸 United States
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Bryn Mawr College
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Bryn Mawr College
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📍Bryn Mawr, 🇺🇸 United States
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The University of Texas at Austin
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The University of Texas at Austin
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📍Austin, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Notre Dame
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University of Notre Dame
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📍Notre Dame, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Missouri-Columbia
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University of Missouri-Columbia
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📍Columbia, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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📍Seattle, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Pennsylvania
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📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Berkeley
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University of California-Berkeley
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📍Berkeley, 🇺🇸 United States
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Tulane University
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Tulane University
University
📍New Orleans, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Massachusetts Boston
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University of Massachusetts Boston
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📍Boston, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University
📍Urbana, 🇺🇸 United States
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Harvard University
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Harvard University
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📍Cambridge, 🇺🇸 United States
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Catholic University of America
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Catholic University of America
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📍Washington, 🇺🇸 United States
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University at Buffalo
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University at Buffalo
college
📍Buffalo, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Vermont
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University of Vermont
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📍Burlington, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
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📍Charlottesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Dallas
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University of Dallas
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📍Irving, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Los Angeles
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Florida
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University of Florida
University
📍Gainesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Santa Barbara
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University of California-Santa Barbara
college
📍Santa Barbara, 🇺🇸 United States
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CUNY Graduate School and University Center
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CUNY Graduate School and University Center
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📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Iowa
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University of Iowa
University
📍Iowa City, 🇺🇸 United States
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Fordham University
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Fordham University
University
📍Bronx, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
college
📍Columbus, 🇺🇸 United States
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Stanford University
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Stanford University
University
📍Stanford, 🇺🇸 United States
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Boston College
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Boston College
School
📍Boston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Houston Christian University
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Houston Christian University
University
📍Houston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Tufts University
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Tufts University
University
📍Medford, 🇺🇸 United States
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San Francisco State University
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San Francisco State University
University
📍San Francisco, 🇺🇸 United States
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Duke University
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Duke University
University
📍Durham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Wayne State University
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Wayne State University
University
📍Detroit, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brown University
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Brown University
University
📍Providence, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Oregon
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University of Oregon
University
📍Eugene, 🇺🇸 United States
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University at Albany
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University at Albany
college
📍Albany, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
college
📍Minneapolis, 🇺🇸 United States
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Loyola University Chicago
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Loyola University Chicago
University
📍Chicago, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Irvine
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University of California-Irvine
college
📍Irvine, 🇺🇸 United States
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Northwestern University
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Northwestern University
University
📍Evanston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Johns Hopkins University
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Johns Hopkins University
University
📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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Marshall University
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Marshall University
University
📍Huntington, 🇺🇸 United States
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Wesleyan University
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Wesleyan University
University
📍Middletown, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California, Riverside
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University of California, Riverside
University
📍Riverside, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 67 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What prior knowledge is needed to apply?

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field and some background in ancient languages or humanities. Basic understanding of Latin or Greek is often expected.

Is this degree more theoretical or practical?

The program is mainly academic, focusing on language study and literary analysis, but some practical work like manuscript study or internships may be included.

Can I work while studying this master's?

Many students balance part-time work with their studies, but the program requires significant reading and research, so time management is important.

Does this degree lead directly to teaching jobs?

It prepares students for teaching at higher education levels, but additional certification may be needed for secondary school teaching.

Are there opportunities for research during the program?

Yes, students often engage in research projects and write papers on classical texts or linguistic topics as part of their coursework.

Is knowledge of modern languages important?

While the focus is on ancient languages, knowledge of modern languages can help with research and accessing secondary literature.

Can I continue to a PhD after this master's?

Yes, this degree is a common step before pursuing doctoral studies in classics or related humanities fields.

Are internships required in this program?

Internships are not always mandatory but may be offered to gain experience in museums, libraries, or cultural organizations.