PhD in Classics in Princeton United States | Princeton University

Princeton's Classics Department Ph.D. program acknowledges the growing variety of methodologies and topics within the field, offering students flexibility to craft a diverse and thorough academic path aligned with their evolving research focus. The department provides four specialized tracks: literature and philology, history (through the Program in the Ancient World), classical philosophy, and classical and Hellenic studies. History-focused students typically join PAW, philosophy students enroll in PCP, while those studying Byzantine and Modern Greek participate in the combined CHS program. While students choose their track upon admission, adjustments can be made later with approval from the graduate studies director and committee. Literature and philology students may opt into PAW, with this choice typically finalized by January of their first year. Regardless of specialization, all candidates must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of Greek and Roman literature and history before their general exams. The program encourages steady advancement through exams and dissertation work, with timelines adjusted for individual preparation and progress. Most students finish general exams by their third-year October and complete dissertations by their fifth year's end.