A brief description of the department:
CAMS is an interdisciplinary department integrating the study of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Graduate study is collaborative with the history dept.; relations with other relevant graduate programs (anthropology; art history) are close. CAMS graduate study emphasizes continuing language studies in conjunction with seminars and advanced courses on ancient history and material culture (archaeology).Current graduate students work on a wide range of Biblical, Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, Roman and early Christian topics.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Egyptology; Assyriology; Levantine archaeology; Biblical studies; Greco-Roman history.
Application deadline: January 15
Unusual features of the application: All aspects of our application are electronic now except for transcripts; TWO official copies of the transcript should still be mailed to the department.
GRE scores required: Yes
Writing sample required: ONE sample is required. We are looking for evidence of intellectual engagement; openness to new ideas and methods; capacity for originality; the ability to think critically and to write clearly. The applicant should submit whatever writing sample they think best displays those criteria.
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):
The committee takes test scores, recommendations, and GPA into account, of course. Most successful applicants score above 1,300 on the verbal and quantitative GRE and score 4-5 on the analytical portion, in addition to an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 2-3
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 5-6%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 1: MA-PhD
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: PhD student entering with BA: 5-7 years, PhD student entering with MA: 3-5 years.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: 3-4 years as a TA/RA and 1-2 years as an instructor.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 3 PhDs, 3 terminal MAs
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: Additional hires in Greek language and literature.
Best contact person for questions: Jennifer Gilbert jlg28@psu.edu
