Combined BA/MA in Classics

The Department of Classics is delighted to announce a new BA/MA program in Classics. The BA/MA program in Classics is available to current Columbia undergraduates irrespective of major and allows students to complete an MA in Classics within one year of receiving their BA, with the possibility of transferring in up to three courses (9-12 credits) taken as undergraduates.

The BA/MA program in Classics is ideal for students who:

• Intend to pursue graduate study in Classics, Classical Archaeology, History, Philosophy, Art History, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and related disciplines, in which the Classical tradition and Classical reception are central;

• Are contemplating careers in which a Classical education provides beneficial preparation (education, law, medicine, international diplomacy, publishing, theater);

• Wish to acquire advanced knowledge of ancient Greek and Latin literature and languages;

• Are simply fascinated by antiquity and wish to study the subject beyond the undergraduate level.

For details, see https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/bama-option.

Application

The BA/MA program in Classics has rolling admissions. However, applicants interested in the BA/MA option should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they intend to begin taking courses that will count toward the MA. Ideally, students apply during their junior year or during the first semester of their senior year. Applicants who are admitted to the BA/MA program receive permission to commence MA coursework in Classics, with a promise of official admission to the MA program following the conferral of the undergraduate degree. 

MA Program Requirements

• 30 credits comprised of nine or ten courses at the 4000 level or above, seven of which must be taken for graded credit 

• Of these courses, students are required either to attend two semesters of the Graduate Research Colloquium (CLCV GR5010; 2 credits each semester) or to write an M.A. thesis under the rubric of CLPH GR 5000 (4 credits).

• Of the remaining courses, all except two must be in Greek (GREK) and/or Latin (LATN). The other two may be civilization courses offered by the Department or courses on the ancient world in other departments. 

Contact

• For questions regarding the BA/MA program, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Classics, Professor Katharina Volk: at kv2018@columbia.edu

• Questions regarding the BA programs in Classics, Classical Studies, and Ancient Studies, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Classics, Professor Marcus Folch: at mf2664@columbia.edu