A brief description of the department:
The Columbia Classics Department prides itself on its distinguished international faculty and their wide variety of interests and approaches. Situated in New York City, we are uniquely able to take advantage of and contribute to the exciting cultural and intellectual life of the city.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Archaic and Classical Greek literature; Greek drama and its reception; Latin literature of the late Republic and early Empire; texts and transmission.
Average number of new graduate students per year: About 4 Ph.D.s and 3 M.A.s.For “best consideration for admission”, applicants should have (note that there are always special cases, and that meeting the stated numerical goals will not guarantee admission to any program):
We do not have specific minimum requirements in terms of GRE, GPA, or years of training, though these factors are of course taken into account. Major criteria in our admissions decisions include the quality of the training received; the personal statement; the writing sample; and the letters of recommendation.
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100% of Ph.D.s; 0% of M.A.s.
Number of guaranteed years of funding: Five years (Ph.D.s only).
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: Three years.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2004: 15 Ph.D.s; 9 M.A.s.
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
Owing to recent and upcoming retirements, the Department is in a state of flux. We expect to make a number of new junior and senior hires over the next few years, so please keep checking our webpage.