PhD in Classics - Classical Literature and Philology in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

Earning a Ph.D. involves completing six residential semesters and successfully finishing one of the programs outlined below (the M.A. is not required for the Ph.D.). Our doctoral program strongly encourages interdisciplinary exploration of antiquity. Students can craft a tailored curriculum within six specializations: ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical archaeology and art, classical literature and philology, Greek and Latin languages and linguistics, and interdisciplinary Classics. Key strengths of our program include: Ancient Philosophy spanning Plato to Plotinus and Augustine. Religious studies from Classical Greece through Roman Egypt and Late Antiquity. Archaeological studies covering the Mediterranean and Near East from the Bronze Age to Byzantium (including fieldwork opportunities). Scientific methodologies applied to Classical studies. Analysis of ancient textual and visual expressions.

The Classical Philology and Literature track, centered on Greek and Latin languages and texts, remains the most popular choice. This specialization allows students to pursue traditional philological training, apply contemporary literary criticism to Classical works, or combine both approaches.