Graduate Admissions

For the 2026-27 academic year admissions cycle, the Department of Classical Studies will be accepting graduate applications.

For a review of expectations and requirements, please see the PhD in Classical Studies here, the MA in Classics and PhD in Philosophy programs here, and the MA in Classical Studies here. To reach the Boston University Graduate Admissions Office, see here.

Zoom open house events will occur in late October and November and will be posted here.

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.