Graduate Programs

Explore our Graduate Programs

We offer a Master of Arts (MA) in classics. Students choose between a focus on ancient languages and literature or classical archaeology and material culture. Our program prepares students to successfully go on to PhD programs. Our MA students have recently been accepted into top-tier doctoral programs in Classics, such as those of UC Berkeley, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UT Austin, the University of Washington, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. We offer a fully funded MA for qualified students.


archaeological site

The MA degree in Classics prepares students for further training in classics and related disciplines at the PhD level, such as teaching Latin in schools. Students can focus their coursework on Greek, Latin, or both, or students can focus on classical archaeology and material culture. We consider it a priority to help students move up in their educational and vocational journeys. The MA degree is completed partially through course work and partially through writing a thesis or completing translation exams.


Areas of Focus

We offer two areas of focus for our Master of Arts: Language and Literature, and Classical Archaeology and Material Culture. Explore both areas of focus and find your track.


portrait of Leah Atkins

Finding Community in the Department of Classics

“Studying at the University of Oregon has given me the ability, resources, and encouragement to do what I've always wanted: study the lives of the people of ancient Rome.”

—Leah Atkins, Classics M.A., Spring 2022


Courses

Our Classics courses provide students with a deep understanding of the Greek and Roman cultures, as well as emphasize the continued relevance of these cultures to the contemporary world. From art, history, and language courses to anthropology and archeology, students will gain the necessary mastery across the classics and be well prepared to step into either their PhD studies or career field.


Funding your Graduate Studies

The Department of Classics fully funds qualified graduate students through graduate employee positions. All students accepted into the MA program may apply for these funds.

Funding and Research Support


Career

Prepare for the Professional World

Our students graduate fully prepared to step into the next chapter of their careers. From becoming language teachers in secondary education, to archaeologists working at the government level, museum administrators or curators, or data scientists and programmers, our alumni have gone onto a wide breadth of successful careers. We hold a 100% acceptance rate into Classics and related PhD programs.

Career and Professional Development


woman kneeling in library looking at books

Our Graduate Students

The faculty and affiliated members of the Department of Classics strive to create an equitable and inclusive environment for all students with small classes and one-on-one mentorships. We encourage applicants to tour our beautiful campus and to speak with current graduate students to get a feel for the work that is involved and the experiences that they have had at the University of Oregon.

Resources for the Graduate Community


Events

"Los Dreamers"
May30
"Los Dreamers" May 30 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
May31
"Los Dreamers" May 31 Robinson Theatre
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026
Jun1
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026 Jun 1 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter
Jun2
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter Jun 2 Lawrence Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Ed's Coed"
Jun3
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Ed's Coed" Jun 3 Straub Hall
Kishalay Bhattacharya: "The Middle East Crisis in India"
Jun4
Kishalay Bhattacharya: "The Middle East Crisis in India" Jun 4 Student Welcome Center
GrEBES Spring Seminar—Prof. Lillian Aoki: "Conservation Between the Tides"
Jun4
GrEBES Spring Seminar—Prof. Lillian Aoki: "Conservation Between the Tides" Jun 4 Willamette Hall
"Los Dreamers"
Jun5
"Los Dreamers" Jun 5 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
Jun6
"Los Dreamers" Jun 6 Robinson Theatre