Penn State’s M.A. program in Ancient Mediterranean Studies is a broad, interdisciplinary program focused on the cultures, literatures, and histories of the ancient Mediterranean world. Students combine course work on research methodologies with seminars in their own areas of interest. Possible areas of interest include: the Ancient Near East, Egypt, the Levant, the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, Greece, Rome, Early Christianity, and the modern reception of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Our program prepares students for further academic work in Ph.D. programs, for teaching in secondary schools, as well as other types of careers (e.g., museum work, library studies). Our students explore the ancient world through its literature, history, and archaeology. In addition, we offer a wide array of ancient languages: Latin and Greek, but also Akkadian, Sumerian, Middle Egyptian, Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, Copic, and others. Our highly personalized program is an excellent choice for students interested in engaging deeply with the ancient Mediterranean world in all its complexity.
Funding
Some funding is available on a competitive basis. Students receiving funding will serve each semester as teaching or research assistant. The funding package also includes tuition remission. Some funding is also available for research travel.
Timeline
The program typically requires two years for completion and is a minimum of 30 credits. There are two required courses: CAMS 550 (Proseminar) and CAMS 560 (Research Seminar). In the first year, students typically take 3-4 courses within the department per semester. In the second year, students enroll each semester in CAMS 596 as they work to complete their Master’s paper as well as an additional 2-3 courses per semester.
Degree Requirements
The requirements to complete the M.A. degree are:
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of 400- or 500-level courses, 18 credits of which must be at the 500 level. This includes several required courses:
- CAMS 550: Proseminar (3 credits)
- CAMS 560: Research Seminar (3 credits)
- CAMS 596 Master’s paper (6 credits)
- Master’s paper
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
Master’s Paper
During the second year of study, students will complete a master’s paper. It will be directed by their graduate faculty adviser and one additional member of the graduate faculty chosen in consultation with their graduate adviser. Both members must approve the paper in its final form before the adviser awards it a letter grade.
Sample Plan of Study for the M.A. Program
Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
Year One | CAMS 550
One Additional Seminar (400 / 500 level) One Language Course | CAMS 560
One Additional Seminar (400 / 500 level) One Language Course |
Year Two | CAMS 596 (Master’s Paper Research)
One Additional Seminar (400 / 500 level) One Language Course | CAMS 596 (Master’s Paper Research)
One Additional Seminar (400 / 500 level) One Language Course |
Dual-title M.A. in Linguistics
Students with interests in language study may elect to do a dual-title M.A. in Linguistics. Students who choose this option will have an advisor in both the CAMS and Linguistics departments. To qualify for a dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of AMS M.A., as well as the degree requirements for the interdisciplinary dual-title in Linguistics. These include 6 credits from among the following courses:
- Ling 502: Historical Linguistics
- Ling 500: Syntax II
- Ling 504: Phonology II
Substitutions may be made with approval from both departments.
HOW TO APPLY
Any undergraduate major in Classics, Near Eastern Studies, History, Art History, Archaeology, Religious Studies, and related fields are invited to apply.
Students should apply for admission through the Penn State J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School.
The application includes:
- a statement of purpose
- a writing sample (no more than 30 pages)
- a current C.V.
- 3 letters of recommendation
The department does not require GRE scores.
Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by January 15.