Classical Archaeology

The Classical Archaeology Emphasis focuses on the development of skills and knowledge related to the Art and Archaeology of the Classical world, including necessary training in Greek and Latin. It is ideal for those interested in further graduate work in Archaeology, Art History, or in Classics with a focus on material culture and in those interested in careers in museums and archaeological services. 

Program of Study

All graduate students in the Classics program at the University of Arizona earn the same degree (Master of Arts in Classics), but each student chooses an emphasis that determines the series of courses and exams they will pursue. All students are required to complete 34 hours of coursework, a thesis, and a reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian, in addition to demonstrating proficiency in Classical Languages. Both Greek and Latin are required in the Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, and Classical Philology emphases; only Latin is required for the Latin Pedagogy and Latin Philology emphases. 

Students who pursue the emphasis in Classical Archaeology develop comprehensive knowledge of Greek and Roman art and archaeology, through coursework both in the Classics program and the Anthropology department. Philological training is also stressed with graduate coursework in at least one ancient language and advanced undergraduate coursework in the other required. Students are offered the flexibility in their elective credits to pursue more training in philology, history, philosophy, or archaeology as their interests and future plans dictate. 

Many students in the Classical Archaeology emphasis also take advantage of the fieldwork opportunities (often with financial support) provided by the department's faculty.

Degree Requirements

Minimum credit hours: 34 

  • Proficiency in French, German, or Italian.
  • 3 units of the Methodology course, CLAS 510A
  • 1 unit of Thesis Preparation, CLAS 510B
  • Qualifying level proficiency in one classical language, upper-level undergraduate proficiency in the other. 
  • 21 units of Greek, Roman, or Egyptian Archaeology courses (see #7 below). 
  • Minimum of 6 seminar units.
  • Up to 9 of the 21 units in #5 above may be substituted with courses in related fields, with approval of Director of Graduate Studies. 
  • Comprehensive Examination in Greek Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, and Ancient History. 
  • 3 units of thesis credit. 

For more information on these requirements, including readings lists for exams, please see the Graduate Handbook.

To explore other emphases, peruse the list here.

Ready to apply? Start your application here! Questions? Contact the Director of Graduate Studies.