A brief description of the department:
A big department in a big state university in a big, richly multi-ethnic city. Taps into the university's strengths in Archaeology, Indo-European Studies, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (including Egyptology), Philosophy, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies. We emphasize control of languages and theory, mastery and range of teaching skills, and job placement. We love L.A., "this city of dreadful joy" (Aldous Huxley). We are proud to say that we currently have eleven dissertating or pre-dissertating students working with nine different faculty members.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department:
philosophy, cultural studies, linguistics, literary theory, material culture
Application deadline: JANUARY 15, 2010
Unusual features of the application:
We expect students to show specifically why their needs match what we offer -- not that this is all that unusual.
GRE scores required: Yes
Writing sample required: Yes; about 20 pp.; we would like to see one paper demonstrating ability to translate and analyze both Latin and Greek, with original thought, professionally presented.
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):
GPA: minimum 3.5 in major courses and overall
languages: at least 3 years in both Latin and Greek; 2 years in one language sometimes acceptable, but only with evidence of acceleration or intensive study plus strong recommendations plus compensating strengths (e.g., second major in related field)
evidence of proficiency in modern languages: completion of elementary level of French, German, or Italian -- at least one, preferably two
Average number of new graduate students per year:
5 new students per year; problems in the California economy will make incoming classes smaller for a while. We do accept students who already hold M.A.s in Classics; these students move directly into the Ph.D. program. But most of our students enter without an M.A. and complete that degree with us during their first two years in the program, moving into the Ph.D. program in year three (the total program takes six years).
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 7-10%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 3; all are in the M.A. program.
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding:
Contingent on satisfactory progress to degree, two years fellowship + four years T.A.ship; a third fellowship year is often available for dissertation or other research. Summer money and stipends for travel and research have been plentiful, along with various research assistantships and readerships.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like:
3-4 years as T.A.s, usually in years two, three, and five. Everyone teaches when not on fellowship; summer teaching is also available. We have a full program of T.A. training with excellent support at the university level.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Unfortunately we cannot fund international students.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: ca. 10 PhDs
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
New hires expected: one senior (endowed chair), field open
Retirements expected: in Classics, none; in Roman history, one
Changes in degree requirements etc.: none anticipated
Best contact person for questions: Amy Richlin, Graduate Adviser richlin@humnet.ucla.edu
2008 survey answers