This program is designed for students who have a BA but do not have sufficient skills in Latin and/or Greek to continue on in graduate school, seminary, or other programs that require multiple years of both languages. Students in the postbaccalaureate program take classes at the University of Iowa in areas that are appropriate for their long-term goals. The program is typically one year in length, but students may continue if deemed appropriate by the faculty.
Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to demonstrate:
- intermediate to advanced comprehension of classical languages such as ancient Greek and Latin; and
- improvement in writing and communication skills for graduate school applications or other advanced studies focusing on the ancient world.
The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Classics requires 18 s.h. in Department of Classics courses numbered 2000 or above. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.00 to remain in good standing and complete the program.
The program is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and would like further study in Greek and Latin in order to be competitive for admission to a graduate program in classics. Entry to most graduate programs requires the study of both Latin and Greek, normally a minimum of three years in one language and two years in the other. The certificate is designed to be completed in two semesters by students who enter with two years of Latin and one to two years of Greek, or vice versa.
At least 12 s.h. of the required credit must be earned in Greek and Latin language courses; the remaining 6 s.h. may be earned in approved advanced courses taught in English (prefix CLSA). Transfer credit is not accepted toward the certificate.
A suggested plan of study for a student who enters the program with two years of Latin and one year of Greek is as follows.
A suggested plan of study for a student who enters the program with two years of Latin and two years of Greek is as follows.
Students who complete the program successfully receive a certificate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a letter from the Department of Classics.
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two years of language study (two years of Latin or two years of Greek, or one year of each). In unusual circumstances, students with less language preparation may be admitted.
Applicants who are not enrolled in a graduate or professional program may apply to the University of Iowa as undergraduate transfer students; they must state on their application that they are applying to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for admission to the classics postbaccalaureate certificate program. They must submit transcripts confirming preparation for certificate language study, a statement of purpose, scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation from faculty members at their baccalaureate institution.
