PhD in Ancient Mediterranean Studies

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 72 hours of graduate credit is required for the PhD degree. A maximum of 30 hours of this total may consist of hours transferred from the MA degree. At least 12 additional hours must be taken in the department at the graduate level. A minimum of eight hours of dissertation credit is required.

Language:
Proficiency in one ancient or modern foreign language must be demonstrated by the time of registration for the second year of graduate study; proficiency in a second language must be demonstrated by the time of registration for the third year. Further language requirements may be applicable, depending on the candidate's specific interests and plan of study.

Examinations

Comprehensive: Written

After completing residency, language, and course requirements, PhD candidates must pass area examinations. The area examinations consist of three separate exams, whose parameters and format are decided in consultation with the Doctoral Program Committee.

Comprehensive: Oral

The written area examinations are defended together in a comprehensive oral defense, which is taken within one month of completion of the first area examination.

Dissertation

The Dissertation Proposal

After successfully passing the comprehensive examinations, candidates will defend their dissertation proposal before their DPC to obtain formal approval of their dissertation topic. The format and length of the dissertation proposal will be determined by the advisor and candidate in consultation. The proposal must be submitted to the Doctoral Program Committee at least one month before the oral defense is held.

The Dissertation

After approval of the dissertation proposal, continuous enrollment must be maintained while the candidate completes the dissertation. At least eight hours of dissertation credit are required. A final oral defense of the dissertation is held upon completion of the dissertation.

Admission Criteria

Fall deadline: April 1st
NOTE: Deadline for teaching assistantship applicants: January 15th
Spring deadline: November 1st (Departmental support not typically available)

  • MA with a major in Greek, Latin, classical archaeology, classics, or the equivalent of a minimum of 21 hours of graduate work in the language(s). Reading knowledge of Greek and Latin and a reading knowledge of German and French (or Italian)
  • Minimum TOEFL scores:
    Internet-based test (iBT) Paper-based test (PBT)
    61 500

Required Application Materials

To the Graduate School

  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of interest
  • 10-20 pp. writing sample
  • Transcripts

Application materials that cannot be submitted directly to the Graduate School may be sent to the department of Classics, Archaeology, and Religion.

Admission Contact Information

David Schenker
201 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
schenkerd@missouri.edu

Financial Aid from the Program

Some programs require an extra form or statement from those who wish to be considered for internal assistantships, fellowships or other funding packages. Check the program website or ask the program contact for details.