Department of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies

Master of Arts in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies

Though rooted in the past, classics is a constantly evolving discipline. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the languages, literatures, art, archaeology, religion, philosophy and history of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, consider our exciting master of arts program. You may choose to enhance your studies by doing fieldwork or research in Italy, Israel or Crete.

In addition to financial aid, we offer merit-based course assistantships to give you hands-on experience as an educator. You'll be well prepared for a career in teaching in any number of disciplines, as well as for pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Why Brandeis?

Our unique program enables you to choose between two tracks of study: Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations, and Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures. And because of Brandeis' commitment to excellent, caring teaching, you'll receive close mentoring from some of the finest faculty in the field.

In addition to studying our 800-piece Classical Studies Artifact Research Collection, which is housed on campus, you can visit the rich resources of nearby Boston and Cambridge, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Harvard University museums and the Museum of Science.

Careers and Alumni

Many of our graduates become teachers in a variety of subjects such as art, English, history and Latin at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Many others go on to rewarding careers in museums, libraries and cultural heritage organizations.

Still others go on to pursue a doctoral degree in classical studies, ancient history, comparative literature, religion, anthropology, ancient philosophy or a variety of other fields, including law or library science, in the finest programs in the country: Brown University, Brandeis University, Bryn Mawr College, University of British Columbia, Harvard University, University of California, Santa Barbara, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University, to name a few.

Learn more about some of our former students

Curriculum

For the Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations track, you'll focus more on classical art and archaeology, Greek and Roman history, classical literature in translation and classical mythology, and less on the languages and literatures of ancient Greek and Latin in the original. This track is either for professional development or in preparation for PhD programs in classical art and archaeology or ancient history. You must write a 20-30 page master's thesis. There is no language requirement for admission.

For the Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures track, you'll focus on Greek and Latin philology, languages and literatures. This track is for you if you have already received substantial undergraduate training in ancient Greek and Latin. After completing this program, you'll be well situated for admission to rigorous PhD programs in classical studies across the U.S. and abroad. You must write a 25-50 page master's thesis with a defense, complete a qualifying paper under faculty supervision, or pass a comprehensive exam.

In both tracks, CLAS 200A (a foundational course that delves into the methodologies, perspectives and theories of classical studies) is required, plus seven electives.

Financial Aid and Scholarship

We offer both merit- and need-based aid, as well as merit-based teaching assistantships to help defray tuition costs and provide teaching experience. Visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website to learn more.

Alumni Spotlight

Belisi Gillespie standing next to a column, pointing

Having researched many master's programs Belisi decided that Brandeis "offered everything that I was hoping for." She met with the graduate directors before applying, which "made my decision so easy—they were wonderful!" Most importantly, she realized that the program would prepare her for further study in a doctoral program. "I felt like the program could both fill in remaining gaps in my classical studies education while also edifying my progress as a student in the discipline," she says.

Read more about Belisi