A brief description of the department:
The UVM Department of Classics dates back to our founding in 1791. We offer an MA in Greek and Latin with thesis and non-thesis options, and, in conjunction with the School of Education, an MAT in Latin. The Department's curriculum and faculty interests focus on philology and excellence in both languages with strong emphasis on literature, philosophy, and history.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Philology, Criticism, History, Reception
Application deadline: To be considered for a University Fellowship or any other Fellowship or a GTA, applications must be received by the last day of Ferbruary. Applications will, however, be accepted at any time prior to the end of the Spring semester for admission in the following Fall.
Unusual features of the application: We consider our niche to be the following: for students who have not had the chance to take extensive language classes, we can bring their languages up to a competency level at which they can take full advantage of a subsequent PhD program. We also train Latin teachers, especilly for the state of Vermont.
GRE scores required: GRE's are not required, but to be considered for University-wide Graduate Fellowships, they must be in the 700 range for each category.
Writing sample required: We do not require one, but one may help your application.
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):
Ideally students will have studied both Greek and Latin as undergraduates and be proficient enough to enter the equivalent of an upper-level undergraduate reading course (which usually requires 2-3 years of study); a reading knowledge of a modern foreign language, usually French, German, or Italian, is also advisable. GRE scores in the 700 range for each category make our applicants competitive for University-wide Graduate Fellowships. Students who have not had 3 years in each language must exhibit great intellectual ability otherwise.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 2-4 (half MAT, half MA)
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 25%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 4
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: Students who receive a University Fellowship are fully funded: we have good luck with our applicants. This year we have one student entering with such a fellowship as well as a second-year graduate student who also has such a fellowship.
Number of guaranteed years of funding: Varies based on what we can offer that year.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: We have a TA'ship each year: students are not required to take it, but those to whom it is offered usually do.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 6
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: No such changes expected in the next few years. We anticipate being able to offer a Graduate Certificate in Greek and Latin Proficiency, which is a one year program focused exclusively on Greek and Latin language abilities.
Best contact person for questions: Prof. Jacques Bailly, Graduate Coordinator: jacques.bailly@uvm.edu
2007 Survey Answers