A brief description of the department:
We are a full-service classics program that emphasizes mastery of the ancient languages but also requires study of material culture and encourages interdisciplinary approaches. It is a young department whose faculty pursue ambitious research programs and are active in regional and national organizations.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Greek and Roman literature, ethnicity, material culture, gender and sexuality, computer applications in archaeology
Application deadline: May 1 for fall admission; November 1 for spring admission. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Unusual features of the application: No.
GRE scores required: No.
Writing sample required: Yes. We ask for a writing sample of 8-10 pages. If the applicant does not have a single suitable paper of that length, several shorter papers may be submitted.
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):
Ideal applicant has three years of one language and two years of the other, but sometimes students with less preparation in one or both languages are “conditionally” admitted.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 3
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 50%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 3
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: M.A. students are not “funded”, but there are a few scholarships and fellowships that can make a modest dent in the student’s expenses. Among these are a year-long teaching fellowship in Greek and another in Latin worth $3000 each for the whole year.
Number of guaranteed years of funding: N.A.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: N.A. Serving as a “teaching fellow” (see above) is an option for two students each year.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 4
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: We have just made three hires in the last four years, making us a young and vibrant department. We expect to make yet another hire in a year or two. Also, we have just set up a new SFSU excavation project at Pompeii, a great opportunity for our students.
Best contact person for questions: David D. Leitao, Professor and Chair, dleitao@sfsu.edu
2007 Survey Response