How to Apply
Applicants interested in our graduate programs should apply using this online application.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Director of Graduate Admissions Zsuzsanna Varhelyi (varhelyi@bu.edu).
All applicants for the Department of Classical Studies must follow the application procedures as described on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions page. Please pay close attention to the deadlines posted in the Bulletin. Important factors in the department’s ranking of applicants are the breadth and quality of the undergraduate experience –particularly the language components, the quality of the essay and writing sample, the strength of the letters of recommendation, and the suitability of the department’s programs to the particular applicant. We apply a holistic approach to our evaluation of each applicant, and we encourage students from non-traditional Classics backgrounds (i.e., with less Latin or Greek training) to consider applying. We are happy to discuss informally with prospective applicants whether they are ready to apply for a PhD program or might consider either a post-bacc or MA program first. We also particularly welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in Classics.
GRE scores are no longer required for the PhD and MA programs.
The deadline for Fall admission is January 15th.
BA/MA Programs
BA/MA in Classical Studies Application Process
Applications must be received by April 1 of the junior year. If the application does not meet the deadline, a Request for Waiver of Application Deadline must be completed and signed by the department chairperson and submitted with an application. The applicant must include the BU transcript, two faculty recommendation letters, a writing sample (10 pages, usually drawn from previous coursework), a plan of study, and a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program. The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission.
BA/MA in Classics & Archaeology Application Process
Applications must be received by April 1 of the junior year. If the application does not meet the deadline, a Request for Waiver of Application Deadline must be completed and signed by the department chairperson and submitted with an application. The applicant must include the BU transcript, two faculty recommendation letters, a writing sample (10 pages, usually drawn from previous coursework), a plan of study, and a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program. The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission.
MA in Classical Studies
MA in Classics & Archaeology
PhD in Classical Studies
MA/PhD Program
MA in Classical Studies/PhD in Philosophy Application Process
Dual-Degree applicants for the PhD in Philosophy and the MA in Classical Studies will submit one application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. However, this application will be reviewed by both departments independently of one another. Applicants must be accepted into both programs in order to be recommended for admission to the Dual-Degree program.
Prospective students interested in this dual-degree program should select the following choices from the online application:
- Choose the MA/PhD program
- Choose the MA/PhD in Classical Studies
- Choose the semester
- Choose the PhD in Philosophy
The choices must be made in this order because as each choice is selected, the next drop-down menu appears for the next choice – they do not all appear in one screen simultaneously.
Please pay close attention to the deadlines posted on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions page. Students applying to the program need to satisfy general eligibility requirements for study at the graduate level. To find out more about the policies and procedures of the Graduate School, go to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences site.
