PhD in Classics - Ancient Philosophy in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

Earning a Ph.D. involves completing six residential semesters and successfully finishing one of the specified programs (the M.A. is not required for admission). Our doctoral curriculum actively encourages interdisciplinary exploration of antiquity. Students can tailor their studies across six specializations: ancient history, philosophy, classical archaeology and art, literature and philology, Greek/Latin languages and linguistics, or interdisciplinary Classics. Key program strengths include: Plato through Augustine's philosophical traditions. Religious studies spanning Classical Greece to Roman Egypt and Late Antiquity. Archaeological research covering Bronze Age to Byzantine periods (including fieldwork opportunities). Scientific methodologies applied to classical studies. Analysis of ancient textual and visual communication.

Cornell's ancient philosophy program is collaboratively run by the Classics and Philosophy departments, with faculty from both areas guiding graduate students. The curriculum prepares scholars to become skilled educators and researchers in ancient philosophy while developing broad expertise in classical studies and philosophical traditions. While specialization tracks differ between departments, students are strongly advised to complement their primary focus with coursework in the complementary discipline.