The Graduate Program
The department offers graduate work in Greek and Latin languages, literatures, linguistics, history, and philosophy, and also in Sanskrit, all leading to the degrees of M.A. and Ph.D. in Classics. The graduate advisor is Pura Nieto. The work of the department is carried on in formal courses, seminars, and guided research, with considerable flexibility in the case of students' special interests and programs. An overall command of Greek and Latin language, literature, and history is stressed. Students are encouraged to select their courses from a reasonably wide area of interest, and to take account of appropriate study in related departments and programs, such as Comparative Literature, Egyptology and West Asian Studies, History, Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World , Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies.
Applying to Graduate School
Applications are due in January (see application for deadline). Applicants to graduate study in Classics must submit results from the GRE General Test . Foreign applicants must also take the TOEFL. All applicants are also required to submit a personal statement and a writing sample.
Applying on-line: on-line applications are available through the Graduate School. The Admissions Office prefers the use of the online application.
Applying with paper application: The Admissions Office prefers the use of the online application, but a paper application may also be obtained, either at the web site mentioned above or by written request to The Graduate School, Box 1867, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.
Contact for applicants: Pura Nieto
Funding and Financial Aid
Doctoral students in the Department of Classics are eligible for a range of funding and stipends from Brown University. General information on funding is available from the Graduate School.
Types of Support
In the first year, fellowship support means that the student may concentrate entirely on coursework and preparation for the translation exams. In the second year, the student begins work as a teaching assistant or proctor, for not more than 20 hours per week. The stipend is obtained through this type of work normally through the fourth year. Upon completion of the oral preliminary examination the student may apply for a dissertation fellowship from the University.
Stipends & Funding
Different appointments (teaching assistant, teaching fellow, proctor, etc.) carry different stipends. The minimum level for stipends is now $18,000, plus tuition, health insurance, and fees. Doctoral students are also guaranteed $2,500 in funding for three summers.
In addition, funding is available from a variety of outside sources, especially for students who wish to pursue study abroad for a summer, semester, or year.
Support for Attending Conferences
Graduate students are eligible for financial support to defray the cost of presenting at academic conferences.
Related Studies
Graduate facilities at Brown are particularly rich in the fields of Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, history, epigraphy, and archaeology. Students may take related courses offered in the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World, Comparative Literature, Egyptology and West Asian Studies, History, History of Art and Architecture, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies.
Study Abroad
Brown University is a supporting institution of both the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the American Academy in Rome. Periods of study at one of these institutions are regularly undertaken by graduate students in the department. Substantial financial assistance to attend these programs is available for qualified graduate students. Opportunities also exist for students to spend a semester at the University of Saint Andrews, the University of Freiberg, and other institutions abroad.