A brief description of the department:
For over two decades, the Department of Classics at the University of Maryland, College Park, located "inside-the-beltway" in the suburbs of the nation's capital, has offered the MA degree in Latin, and in Latin and Greek. There is funding for full-time students in the form of graduate teaching assistantships; since our graduate curses are all scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening, there is also the option of earning the degree part time. The majority of our students are present and prospective K-12 Latin teachers, but many go on to doctoral programs in classical fields; yet others pursue professional careers in other fields.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Mythology, gender studies; Latin pedagogy; classical reception.
Application deadline: For the fall semester August 15 (February 1 preferred)
For the spring semester October 15 ( August 1 preferred)
Unusual features of the application: Students need to fill out the list of ancient authors and works read in Greek and Latin in detail if they are to be considered for admission. At least five semesters of college-level Latin preparation are expected for all students; at least four of college-level Greek for those pursuing the degree in Latin and Greek.
GRE scores required: Highly recommended.
Writing sample required: Yes: a paper of 8-10 pages.
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 of 3.0; language preparation indicated above.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 5-7 each year, including spring and fall entrants.
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 30-40%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 8
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: Six students per year.
Number of guaranteed years of funding: Two
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: Two
International students eligibility for financial aid: yes
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 15
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: None
Best contact person for questions: Judith P. Hallett, Graduate Director, jeph@umd.edu
2007 Survey Response