Classics, MA
Master's Candidacy
To earn a master’s degree at Washington University, a student must complete all courses required by their department; maintain satisfactory academic progress; fulfill all academic and residence requirements; and apply to graduate via Workday Student. For the details of master’s degree general requirements in Arts & Sciences, including an explanation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, students should review the Master’s Degree Academic Information page of the Arts & Sciences Bulletin.
Program Requirements
- Total Units Required: 36
- Degree Length: 2 academic years
- Note: Students must be enrolled in 9 graduate credits each semester to retain full-time status. As students complete their course work, if enrolled in fewer than 9 graduate credits, they must enroll in a specific Arts & Sciences graduate course that will show 0 units but does count as full-time status. Students should connect with their department to ensure proper enrollment prior to Add/Drop.
- Grade Requirement:
- Classics follows the Arts & Sciences minimum grade requirement of C- or better for courses that apply to the program. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in courses that count toward their credit units.
MA in Classics
Candidates may obtain an MA degree in Classics by completing 36 graduate units of credit, completing a reading list, and taking a series of examinations. Students applying to continue in the Classics department's PhD program must also write a master's thesis. Others may choose to complete the MA with or without a thesis.
Courses
Total units required: 36 units, including the following:
Specific required courses: 9 units
- CLASSICS 5030 Classical Studies: Theories, Methods & Practice (a proseminar on materials, methods, and professional issues in Classics; offered every 2 years)
- GREEK 5451 Greek Prose Composition (offered every 2 years)
- LATIN 5441 Latin Prose Composition (offered every 2 years)
Other course requirements: 27 units
- At least 6 units in Greek (two options are offered every semester)
- At least 6 units in Latin (two or more options are offered every semester)
- Students writing a master's thesis in their second year may enroll in 0, 3, or 6 research credits
Most remaining courses will be in Greek, Latin and Classics. All must be at the 5000 level or above. With the guidance of the director of graduate studies, students may take 3 course units outside of the Classics department.
Research credits: 6 units
The master's thesis counts for 6 units. Any student opting not to write a thesis will fulfill these units with additional courses.
Modern Language Competence
This competence can be in German, French or Italian. The requirement may be fulfilled by courses or examination.
Program Exams
- Greek Reading List
- Latin Reading List
Students not planning to go on to a PhD program in Classics may opt to take the Reading List exam in one language (Greek or Latin) only. Those who pursue this option must still complete at least 6 units in the other language at the 5000 level or above, not counting the required Composition course. The examination will require the student to demonstrate competence in translation and interpretation as well as in knowledge of the relevant scholarship.
Teaching Option
MA students may have the opportunity to assist faculty as paid student workers in undergraduate courses. They are also eligible to enroll in the department’s graduate course in Classics pedagogy.
Contact Info
| Phone: | 314-935-5123 |
| Email: | classics@wustl.edu |
| Website: | https://classics.wustl.edu |