Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Classics
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Classics at UB is a 30-credit hour program that aims to provide students with both depth and breadth in their knowledge of classical languages, history, and archaeology, alongside critical research experience. Students typically complete the program in one to two years. It offers various concentrations, including Classics (for those with advanced Greek and Latin), Ancient History (with an emphasis on history and material culture), and Latin (geared towards those preparing to teach Latin at the secondary level or pursuing further study). The program requires students to strengthen their command of classical languages and survey the methods, content, and issues of the field.
Curriculum: The 30-credit M.A. in Classics curriculum includes core courses and electives, culminating in either an M.A. project or an M.A. exam, and a translation exam in a modern language. For the Classics track, required core courses typically include "History of Greek Literature," "Greek Syntax and Stylistics," "History of Latin Literature," and "Latin Syntax and Stylistics." Students also take diagnostic sight translation exams in Greek and Latin upon arrival. The curriculum allows for specialization while ensuring a broad foundation in ancient Mediterranean cultures, with options for courses in ancient history and archaeology.
Research Focus: The Department of Classics at UB is renowned for its faculty's research and scholarship across various fields, including Roman archaeology, ancient religion, Greek and Latin epic poetry, linguistics, epigraphy, and Greek urbanism. The program fosters a research-intensive environment where graduate students engage with cutting-edge scholarship. Students choose a special area of interest in their second year to undertake independent investigation, leading to a Master's project. This project often involves further developing a paper written in a seminar, allowing for focused research on a specific topic within classical studies. The department also houses the UB Artifacts Collection and the leading journal Arethusa, further supporting scholarly endeavors.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Classics is primarily an academic degree, the skills developed are highly valued in various professional fields. The program's emphasis on analytical thinking, meticulous research, precise language, and effective communication prepares graduates for roles that require strong intellectual rigor. Although direct "industry engagement" in the form of corporate partnerships might not be a primary feature, the program's outcomes highlight career placement in areas where an advanced degree in the humanities is beneficial. Students gain training that is applicable to fields such as education, publishing, library and archival work, and cultural heritage management.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Classics at UB inherently possesses a global perspective through its study of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, whose influence extended across vast geographical regions and profoundly shaped Western and other cultures. The department facilitates this by encouraging students to travel to Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Israel to assist with faculty research projects and through various study abroad programs. Faculty research interests, such as Roman archaeology of the Mediterranean and ancient Greek democracy, inherently engage with diverse cultures and historical contexts. As the sole Classics department in the SUNY system, UB attracts a diverse student body, further enriching the global exchange of ideas and perspectives within the study of classical antiquity.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Classics from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a deep and rigorous understanding of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, including their languages, literature, history, and archaeology. This program cultivates highly transferable skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, meticulous research, and persuasive communication, making its graduates valuable assets in a diverse range of fields beyond traditional academia.
Secondary School Teacher (Latin/Classical Languages): There is a consistent demand for qualified Latin teachers at the middle and high school levels. An M.A. in Classics, especially with a Latin concentration, provides the necessary linguistic and cultural expertise to teach classical languages and civilizations, often requiring additional state teaching certification.
Museum Curator / Collections Manager: Graduates can leverage their knowledge of ancient artifacts, material culture, and historical contexts to work in museums, art galleries, or archaeological institutions. They may be involved in curating exhibitions, managing collections, conducting research, and educating the public on classical antiquity.
Archivist / Special Collections Librarian: Classics graduates possess strong research and organizational skills, which are highly beneficial in archival and library settings. They can work to acquire, preserve, and make accessible historical documents, rare books, and special collections, often specializing in ancient texts or early printed materials.
Academic Researcher / PhD Candidate: For those passionate about scholarly inquiry, an M.A. in Classics serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, or related fields. This path aims for a career in university-level teaching and research.
Publishing Editor / Editorial Assistant: The rigorous training in textual analysis, grammar, and clear, concise writing makes Classics graduates well-suited for roles in the publishing industry. They can work as editors, proofreaders, or editorial assistants for academic presses, trade publishers, or even digital content platforms.
Journalist / Content Writer: The ability to research complex topics, synthesize information, and articulate ideas effectively is a hallmark of Classics graduates. These skills are highly valuable in journalism, technical writing, creative writing, or content creation roles for various media outlets, websites, or corporate communications.
Lawyer / Legal Professional (with further study): While not a direct legal degree, the analytical rigor, logical reasoning, and close textual analysis required in Classics provide an exceptional foundation for law school. Many Classics graduates successfully pursue J.D. degrees and excel in legal careers, benefiting from their unique perspective on argumentation and historical context.
Government Analyst / Policy Advisor: The study of ancient political systems, historical developments, and societal structures equips graduates with valuable analytical skills applicable to public service. They can work for government agencies, research institutions, or non-profits, analyzing policies, conducting historical research, or advising on cultural heritage issues.
Heritage Manager / Preservationist: Graduates with an interest in the built environment of the ancient world can pursue careers in heritage management. They work to conserve and interpret historical sites, monuments, and landscapes, often for government heritage organizations, non-profits, or archaeological trusts.
Consultant (Research/Strategy): The strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills developed in a Classics program are highly valued in consulting roles. Graduates can apply their analytical abilities to diverse business problems, market research, or strategic planning for a range of industries.
