Classical Studies, PhD

Program Category: PhD Programs
Chair: Ellen Morris
DGS: Dhananjay Jagannathan
Website: classicalstudies.columbia.edu
Degree Programs: Full-Time: MA, MPhil, PhD

Classical Studies (CLST) is an interdepartmental graduate program dedicated to integrated, interdisciplinary study of Greece, Rome, and the greater ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. Participating departments include Art History and Archaeology, Classics, History, and Philosophy.

The Classical Studies program is committed to its traditional core fields of historical, art historical, archaeological, philosophical, and literary research. Students are also encouraged to explore academic interests with affiliated faculty in religion, reception, and in areas of ancient thought broadly conceived. By virtue of pursuing an interdisciplinary, individually-designed program of study, students emerge well-prepared to teach and apply for academic positions in multiple departments. The dissertations they produce benefit from the wide range of scholarly approaches they encounter in the program and from attentive mentoring.

Fellowships are awarded to students in the PhD program in recognition of academic achievement and in expectation of scholarly success. Teaching and research experience are considered an important aspect of the training of doctoral students. Thus, PhD fellowships include some teaching and research apprenticeship.

Special Admissions Requirements 

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a personal statement, and three letters of evaluation from academic sources.

Application Requirements

*GSAS will accept up to four recommendations, regardless of the number required by your program of interest. However, to be eligible for admission at GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders.