A brief description of the department:
The MA prepares students with varying levels of initial preparation for PhD programs in Classics and related areas or HS Latin teaching, with 100% placement record in both. We stress Greek and Latin language and literary criticism; philological and archaeological methodologies; intensive training in teaching language and civilization classes; editing experience (AJP and Intertexts); career-planning with one-on-one mentoring, and field trips abroad. Students are encouraged to present their scholarly research to the department and at conferences.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: language skills; literary criticism; theories and methods of archaeology; pedagogy; professional development.
Application deadline: for first round of funding, Feb 1, but later applications are considered
Unusual features of the application: students must apply to the Texas Tech Graduate School (online application) and to the Classics MA program
GRE scores required: recommended
Writing sample required: yes; about 10-12 pages. Two short papers are acceptable.
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):
We prefer at least 3 years of preparation in either Greek or Latin and, ideally, at least a start should have been made on the other language. We will consider individuals with less, depending on recommendations. For GRE, we are primarily concerned about the writing score (4.5 or above is desirable), although we do consider the verbal. Applicants should send a good writing sample. Applicants who may be able to serve as editorial assistants for AJP and/or Intertexts are welcome. Letters of recommendation from reputable sources carry a great deal of weight.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 4
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 40%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 4
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: 2 years (4 full semesters), plus usually some summer teaching; pay is higher
in 2nd year
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: Year 1 as TA.
Year 2 as Graduate Instructor (higher rate of pay).
1 person is also paid (at same rate as above) as the student assistant to the
Editor of AJP.
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: We have hired a Greek Archaeologist and expect to have a Roman Archaeologist soon. We offer three degree "tracks": Latin and Greek, Latin and Pedagogy, Archaeology. With The American Journal of Philology and Intertexts now being edited here, we offer significant training in editorial practices to interested students.
Best contact person for questions: Prof. David Larmour (david.larmour@ttu.edu)
2008 Survey Reponse