

The Master of Arts in Classical Studies at the University of Michigan offers a deeply structured academic environment for students who want to explore the ancient Mediterranean world through literature, history, language and cultural interpretation. The program guides learners through foundational and advanced approaches to Classical civilizations, allowing them to study Greek and Roman texts in their historical contexts while developing a strong understanding of linguistic structures, archaeological insights and intellectual traditions. Through rigorous reading, critical analysis and scholarly research, students gain the ability to examine ancient sources with precision and academic sensitivity. This framework encourages the development of interpretive skill and historical awareness, which are essential for meaningful engagement with classical scholarship.
Students become part of a scholarly community that values meticulous research, interdisciplinary perspectives and long term academic growth. The curriculum is designed to help learners connect ancient ideas with broader cultural, philosophical and literary developments, fostering an appreciation for the complexities of historical interpretation. Opportunities for seminars, guided research projects and textual analysis introduce students to a wide range of scholarly methods, encouraging them to develop a clear academic voice and strong critical reasoning abilities. With its focus on intellectual depth and evidence based inquiry, the program prepares graduates for both advanced research and career paths where historical understanding, textual analysis and cultural literacy are highly valued.
Semester 1 - Foundations in Classical Languages and Culture
• Advanced Greek or Latin Language Study
• Introduction to Classical Literature
• Ancient Mediterranean History
• Methods in Classical Research
Semester 2 - Interpretive Approaches and Scholarly Development
• Textual Analysis in Greek and Roman Studies
• Classical Philosophy and Cultural Thought
• Archaeology and Material Culture of Antiquity
• Graduate Seminar and Research Project
Graduates of this program acquire strong analytical, interpretive and research based competencies that prepare them for a wide range of academically oriented and culturally focused careers, including positions in education, museum studies, cultural research and archival work. These skills are valuable in institutions that require careful textual evaluation, historical contextualization and precise communication, such as libraries, heritage organizations, academic departments and cultural foundations. Students develop the ability to work with complex primary sources, contribute to scholarly discussions and support research initiatives that emphasize cultural understanding and historical accuracy. This preparation also opens doors to roles in publishing, editorial work, policy analysis and other fields where strong writing, critical thinking and cultural insight form the basis of effective professional contribution.
This program is an excellent choice for students seeking a curriculum that immerses them in classical texts while offering structured scholarly training that strengthens linguistic and analytical expertise. Learners benefit from a supportive academic environment where faculty guidance, seminar discussions and research opportunities come together to promote intellectual confidence and methodological precision. The program encourages students to engage deeply with ancient materials, explore different interpretive frameworks and develop the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and convincingly. With its focus on high quality instruction and advanced academic development, the program provides a rich educational experience that supports meaningful scholarly growth and prepares graduates for future studies or culturally oriented professional paths.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA