The master’s degree in classics is intended for students who wish to advance their understanding of ancient Mediterranean languages, literatures, and cultures. Although it is primarily intended for students who wish to teach classics—Greek, Latin, mythology, biblical studies, Mediterranean archaeology, ancient philosophy, and classical literature—at the high school level or continue on to a PhD program, many students bring their advanced education to such careers as law, counseling, publishing, library science, grant writing, nonprofit organizations, and university administration.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to demonstrate:

• understanding of advanced Greek and Latin vocabulary and grammar;
• broad knowledge of ancient Greek and Latin literature;
• comprehension of ancient Mediterranean states, geography, and history;
• synthesis of the interplay between economics and trade, politics, warfare, class, race, ethnicity, gender, and rhetoric; and
• application of ancient concepts to modern problems.

The Master of Arts program in classics requires a minimum of 30 s.h. in courses numbered 3000 or above. Students may count a maximum of 12 s.h. earned in courses numbered 3000–4999 toward the degree. They must maintain a UI cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.

Students must pass the foundations exam and two field exams.

MA Examinations

MA students must take the foundations exam at the end of their first year. They may take the remaining exams in any sequence during year two.

Foundations Exam

The foundations exam draws on a set reading list of broad themes in ancient Mediterranean history, literature, and culture. The exam consists entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions, which students have four weeks to complete.

Field Exams

Students take two field exams in either Greek literature, Latin literature, biblical studies, early Christianity, Mediterranean history, Mediterranean archaeology, or ancient world digital humanities. The scheduling of field exams occurs on an individual basis, either one or two per semester, and the exams draw on a set reading list. They consist entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions, which students have four weeks to complete.

Students pursuing the master's degree in classics who have had no Greek or Latin must include at least elementary Greek or Latin in their programs. Additionally, students must complete either Greek Composition or Advanced Latin Composition. They may satisfy this requirement by examination.

Courses taken to complete the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Classics do not count toward the degree.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Classics, MA

a

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

b

This requirement may be satisfied by examination. A sight-reading examination in both languages must be taken before the final written comprehensive examination.

c

Choose from CLSG or CLSL courses numbered 6011-6014, or CLSA:6100.

d

Taken at the end of the first year, the foundations exam draws on a set reading list of broad themes in ancient Mediterranean history, literature, and culture. The exam consists entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions, which students have four weeks to complete.

e

Students take two field exams in either Greek literature, Latin literature, biblical studies, early Christianity, Mediterranean history, Mediterranean archaeology, or ancient world digital humanities. The scheduling of field exams occurs on an individual basis, either one or two per semester, and the exams draw on a set reading list. They consist entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions which students have four weeks to complete.

f

Written comprehensive examination on Greek and Latin (Roman) history and literature.