sacklunch

I actually looked at WashU, but their website says don't bother applying unless you have 3-4 years of one language and 2 for the other. Let me say my eventual goals are not doing a PhD in Classics. Eventually the plan is to do a PhD in theology (biblical studies of the second temple period). I want to beef up my Greek for comparative purposes. As for Latin, I would like to be fairly proficient at it, but by no means do I need to be great at it (Greek and Hebrew are what I want to focus on). With that said, I would like a program that lets you focus in one language (Greek) while "minoring" in another (Latin). I know I have seen this option at several of the programs listed. Also, I was looking at programs in archeology because 1. Their requirements for languages didn't seem as intense, which would aid me since I am a bit of a late starter and 2. Classical archeology is very beneficial to those studying religion in antiquity (obviously). So in short I am looking for a program that is funded and will let me focus in Greek. Is this possible?

I was going to create another thread, but this one will work just as well. What I am looking for is a problem that will drastically improve my skill in Greek. Further questions: 1. Do I stand a chance of acceptance with only 1 year of Latin? Like I said before, I will have about 3 years of Greek (classical mixed with koine) 2. What programs emphasize only one language (Greek)? Of course I would like to be better at Latin, but my main emphasis would ideally be Greek. I have noticed a few programs that say you can focus in one language or the other. 3. What programs offer full funding, as in a free program? And can I reasonable get into one of these programs. My basic stats: UG 3.72 overall/3.9 major(s) in theology and philosophy at a small Jesuit school in the midwest; Master of Theological Studies at Boston College 3.92 (have another year, will apply to programs this fall). If it matters, I have been compiling a list of schools that offer terminal MA degrees (largely from browsing this section). They are: ANY thoughts on these schools is wonderful MU mastersin Greek UCBerkeley MA Clsasics/MA Archeology Tufts MA in Classical Archeology Tufts MA in Classics Brandeis MA in Classics Cornell MA in Archeology University of Chicago –through their Near Eastern Languages and Civ – Hebrew Bible and ANE MA U of Chicago Master ofArts Program in the Humanities – classical language option BU MA Classics Columbia MA/MPhil in Classics UNC Chapel Hill MA in Classics(Greek focus) Bryn Mawr MA in Classics - focus UVA Classical Art & Archaeology UVA MA in Classics thanks ya'll!

Long story short I am coming from a background in theology and philosophy. My UG didn't have a Classics major (small Jesuit school), so I ended up majoring in two closely related fields. I'm now doing a terminal masters in theology, with an emphasis in biblical studies/languages. Basically I am considering either transferring over to classics (proselyte??) - or getting another masters in classics if I don't get into a biblical studies PhD. My question is: how competitive are MA's in Classics? At top schools in theology they are fairly competitive, where you have several hundred applicants, taking only a couple dozen students. Is it worse than this? After browsing here, speaking with several of you, ect., it seems I may apply to a couple terminal MA degrees, such as: Tufts, UA, UC-Berkeley, BU, WashU (STL). I have several years of classical Greek, Hebrew, ect., but no Latin. I am considering taking Latin this coming year (final year of my theology masters). anyways, thanks ya'll

Actually that is exactly what I'm looking for! And strangely enough I have been wanting to move back to Arizona for several years. I hate Boston weather! I see ASU-Tuscon has a program: http://classics.arizona.edu/ma_ancient_history Is this the same one?? thanks mate

Figured I would start a topic in this section!I'm doing a masters in theology right now (ancient Judaism). This fall ill start applying for PhD programs, mostly in theology, but I figured I would also apply to a couple MAs just in case I don't get in. What schools should I look at? Also, and perhaps most important, which schools will actually 1. Give you scholarships and 2. Let you loan for tuition (if full tuition scholarships are not available)? If I need to supply more information about my interests let me know! *Also, I'm also looking into NES programs! thanks ya'll

Time off might help you, it might not? I have friends who went straight through, some who didn't. Some seem happy about it, others do not. If I were you I would apply and if you don't get in, oh well? Then take some time off, build your application, GRE, ect.

Thanks! I added the MA in Archeology to my "list" for this coming season. Hopefully if I don't get into a PhD program I can get into something like this. thanks mate

I'm trying not to...sadly I am already in a decent amount of debt from UG. What can I do? It's a sad reality that most of us can't do much with just a master's degree in the humanities. *sigh* thanks

I'm doing a masters in theology right now (ancient Judaism). This fall ill start applying for PhD programs, mostly in theology, but I figured I would also apply to a couple MAs just in case I don't get in. What schools should I look at? Also, and perhaps most important, which schools will actually 1. Give you scholarships and 2. Let you loan for tuition (if full tuition scholarships are not available)? If I need to supply more information about my interests let me know! thanks ya'll

Will do, thanks. I'm doing an MTS degree now at BC. I figure I might have to get a second masters to be competitive enough to get into a PhD. I would consider a second degree in theology, but I would want something to supplement my study, such as history, classics, or philosophy.

I'm doing a masters in theology right now (ancient Judaism). This fall ill start applying for PhD programs, mostly in theology, but I figured I would also apply to a couple MAs just in case I don't get in. What schools should I look at? Also, and perhaps most important, which schools will actually 1. Give you scholarships and 2. Let you loan for tuition (if full tuition scholarships are not available)? If I need to supply more information about my interests let me know! *Also, I'm also looking into NES programs! thanks ya'll

I think that problem is generally restricted to smaller Protestant schools who will not take a "weird" Catholic. I seriously doubt you would have much problem going from a well known Catholic institution (ND/BC) to a well-known Protestant school for doctoral work, such as Vandy or Emory. I have been told by certain professors this becomes an issue once you are done and looking for a job. Supposedly, many Protestant schools (again, smaller ones...how many of us will actually work at the above) do not like hiring Catholics, since they believe you might teach something not in line with their mission. I guess this isn't necessarily the case at many, even small, Catholic schools. So in theory it might be "safer" to do your PhD at a Protestant school, but I really doubt this will become an issue if you are wanting to be an purely an academic, and not work at a seminary. At the level many of us are wanting to study it becomes a moot point in many cases where you study. Many school, Protestant or Catholic, have excellent faculty from a variety of backgrounds. In theory, you are going to that institution because that faculty(s) member has a specialty that interests you. I have rarely had a professors personal beliefs interfere with a course. Again, at a seminary setting this would vary.

If you can swing the upfront money go with off-campus housing. I have many friends here in Boston that their first year lived in student housing, who ended up paying like 1200 a month for a one bedroom, and then now are realizing it was a terrible idea. You can get something much cheaper, even in Cambridge (or move to Somerville). I pay 710 plus utilities a month to live in a furnished house by BC (for theo grad students, although not payed through BC).

Most of my UG professors didn't seem to realize how things have changed. These days, it is almost essential to have an MA in place before applying to PhDs. I'm doing the same thing. Like you said, many of us need a lot more language experience (I'm in ancient Judaism). At least in theology/religious studies, a half tuition scholarship is pretty standard/good. Most smaller, less well-known programs, don't offer any (or much) scholarship money. I don't know anything specifically about that MA program, but I do know they have a GREAT religious studies department, some say better than any other, ect. I would take the offer and get the degree. Honestly your chances of getting accepted into a PhD program in that field straight out of UG is pretty uncommon. Imagine how much more qualified the other applicants are, some of them having two master's degrees, years of language training, ect. My .2 cents, take the offer and be thankful you got into a great school.

For those considering Boston schools, they just sent out an email saying Hebrew College has been added to the BTI. Another good school added to our available courses!

If it helps, I know two people at ANTS who seem to think it's not all that great. I have heard it's too geared toward pastoral stuff, without the academic rigor one would expect. Go to Harvard, and if you want to take something at ANTS do it through the BTI. In the end, HDS has a much bigger name than ANTS. good luck.

The students I know that were accepted last year vary quite a bit. One of them was home schooled, Midwestern, ect...the others went to expensive private liberal arts schools, ect. I don't think they have any sort of agenda as you propose. I think they just had a ton of applicants, especially in light of the recession, so they get the students they want (that varies I'm sure, just depending on interest, program applied, ect). The fact that it is "Harvard" makes their applicant pool pretty large, I'm sure much larger than most of the other divinity/theological schools (guess).

You would know. Just asked my roommate, who applied for the program, and if you haven't heard then you are presumably rejected. Sorry, mate.

I have pretty similar stats, but from a smaller Jesuit school. I even double majored in theo/phil, but didn't seem to help. Rejected a second time. I really don't know what they want. It's funny because I have met many people who attend HDS, and am taking a class there through the BTI this semester, and many of them didn't seem to have stellar stats, or attend stellar UG institutions. I guess "fit" might be a solution??? Also, a couple of the people I know from HDS don't really care too much about theo/religious studies, know what they want to do, ect...they are just kind of "going with the flow," getting the degree for something to do, ect....Oh well, eh?

Congrats! Just goes to show GPA isn't everything, eh?

Rejected from HDS-MTS (Jewish Studies) My stats: 3.75 UG overall, 3.9 graduate MTS (BC). Oh well.

CONGRATS!!!!

gah! freaking out.....!!!

Well hopefully that doesn't mean those that didn't get a call are rejected

Depends what you want to study. I have half a dozen friends at BC who got into HDS/YDS but came to BC for specific reasons.