This program emphasizes a wide range of knowledge and skills within its seven doctoral tracks: ancient history, Byzantine Greek, classical archaeology, classical philology, classical philosophy, Medieval Latin, and modern Greek. Under the guidance of our renowned faculty, you will take an innovative approach to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds from a variety of fields and methodological perspectives. In addition to benefiting from Harvard's world-class libraries and collections, you will be able to take advantage of the programming and fellowship opportunities at Harvard's Center for Hellenic Studies, Dumbarton Oaks, and the Villa I Tatti.
Examples of student dissertation titles include "Imagined Histories: Hellenistic Libraries and the Idea of Greece," "Between Federation and Empire: The Koina of the Imperial Greek Mainland, 1st to 3rd Century CE," and "Postliminium: Enslavement and Return in the Ancient Novel."
The department emphasizes the acquisition of not only knowledge but also of skills–in teaching, analysis, and research–which prepare you for careers in academia and beyond. Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at Dartmouth College, Villanova University, Colby College, and UMass Boston. Others have begun careers at both private and non-profit companies and organizations like the Factum Foundation, Paideia Institute, Gemic, and Deloitte.
Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of the Classics and requirements for the degree are detailed in GSAS Policies.