A brief description of the department:
A big, top-10 department in a big state university in a big, bad city. Taps into the university's strengths in Archaeology, Art History, Indo-European Studies, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (including Egyptology), Philosophy, Women's Studies, LGBT Studies, Theater, and Film. 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).
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Latin and Greek literature, late antiquity and Renaissance studies, archaeology, philosophy, reception studies
Average number of new graduate students per year: 5 new students per yearFor “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):
GRE scores: minimum 650 verbal; minimum 5.0 writing; but we're looking for 700+ and 5.5+
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 writing
modern languages: completion of elementary level of French, German, or Italian -- at least one, preferably two
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100% of students are fully funded
Number of guaranteed years of funding: Contingent on satisfactory progress to degree, two years fellowship + up to 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 are plentiful, as are 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 (everyone teaches when not on fellowship; summer teaching is also available).
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2004: 9 Ph.D.s since January 2004.
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
New hires expected: one junior, probably in Greek literature; one senior (endowed chair), field open
retirements expected: in Classics, none; in Roman history, one
changes in degree requirements and curriculum: none anticipated
