Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Classical Studies
(BA in Classical Studies to MA in Classical Studies)
Bachelor’s-to-master’s programs are linked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in which the two degrees are conferred sequentially. The bachelor’s-to-master’s program in Classical Studies is designed to allow undergraduates concentrating in Ancient Greek, Latin, or both to achieve advanced skills in language and critical methods by satisfying, in addition to undergraduate requirements, all requirements for the MA in Classical Studies. The program prepares students for the teaching of Latin or Ancient Greek language, literature, and culture at the secondary level; for the pursuit of a PhD in classics (if both ancient languages are studied); or for advanced study in related humanistic fields. The usual completion time is five years. Advanced-level study in one or both classical languages is required.
Students in this bachelor’s-to-master’s program must complete all bachelor’s degree requirements before enrolling as master’s students, although they may take graduate courses while enrolled as undergraduates. Students must register for and earn a minimum of 24 units while enrolled as master’s students. Students may apply up to 8 units (500 level or above) from the undergraduate degree to the master’s degree, subject to any conditions described below. For this bachelor’s-to-master’s program, the bachelor’s degree is conferred by the College of Arts & Sciences and the master’s degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Students should consult with the Financial Assistance office to learn how entrance into this bachelor’s-to-master’s program might impact their financial aid.
Learning Outcomes
For learning outcomes for the BA portion of the program, see the learning outcomes for the BA programs in:
The learning outcomes for the MA portion of the program are as follows:
- Demonstrate the ability to read standard texts in Ancient Greek and Latin with an understanding of idiom, nuance, and complex levels of meaning.
- Demonstrate mastery of a corpus of important texts in Ancient Greek and Latin, and of modern critical approaches to those texts.
- Conduct scholarly activities at a high level and in a professional and ethical manner.
- Teach classical subjects effectively at the undergraduate level.
Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for one of the following degree programs:
Students must also complete all requirements for the MA in Classical Studies. Students may apply up to 8 units from the undergraduate degree toward the MA.
Honors in the Major
The department encourages work toward graduation with Honors. The primary requirement is successful completion of a two-term program of directed research and writing in the student’s senior year, culminating in a written honors thesis and oral defense with a minimum of two examiners. The thesis should exhibit knowledge of primary and secondary sources, with bibliography, or the equivalent at the discretion of the readers, and ordinarily it should not exceed 10,000 words. The submission of a detailed outline by the end of the fall term is also required.
In order to qualify for the honors track, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a department GPA of no less than 3.4, must submit an application to their Faculty Project Advisor in the spring of their junior year, and must have approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Department Chair.
Admission
Information about application requirements and deadlines for bachelor’s-to-master’s programs can be found at the graduate school’s Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs information website.
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 chair and submitted with an application. The applicant must include their 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 at least 3.0 to be considered for admission. Students interested in enrolling in the bachelor’s-to-master’s program should contact the director of graduate studies in the Department of Classical Studies.
