Below is a sample timeline for completing the requirements for the Washington University Classics PhD. Coursework will normally be completed between the first and third years of study, with the heaviest concentration of courses in the first two years. Individual schedules may vary, depending on course offerings, study abroad plans, etc.
First Year
Fall Semester
- Diagnostic translation exam
- 12 credit hours:
- Classics 502: Proseminar on materials and methods (3)
- Greek seminar (3)
- Latin seminar (3)
- ancient history course (3)
Spring Semester
- 12 credit hours:
- Greek seminar (3)
- Latin seminar (3)
- Classics 505: Seminar in Classics Pedagogy (3)
- Other course (3)
Summer
- Modern language course or exam
- Reading List Exam preparation
- Preliminary MA thesis work
Second Year
Fall Semester
- 9 credit hours:
- Classics 510 (3)
- Greek or Latin seminar (3)
- Master’s thesis work (3 research credits)
- Mentored teaching (assisting)
Spring Semester
- 9 credit hours:
- Greek or Latin seminar (3)
- Independent study to prepare for exam (3)
- Master’s thesis work (3 research credits) and defense
- Greek or Latin Reading List exam
- Mentored teaching (assisting)
Summer
- Modern Language course or exam
- Greek or Latin Reading List exam
Third Year
Fall Semester
- 9 credit hours:
- Greek or Latin seminar (3)
- Other course (3)
- Other course (3)
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
Spring Semester
- 9 credit hours:
- Greek or Latin seminar (3)
- Independent study course to prepare for Comprehensive Exam (3)
- Other course (3)
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
Summer
- Preparation for Comprehensive Exam
- Preparation for Special Field Exam
- Preliminary dissertation prospectus work
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
- Comprehensive Exam (August or September)
- Preparation of dissertation prospectus (9 credit hours)
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
- Special field exam (December)
Spring Semester
- Dissertation credits (3 credit hours)
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
- Dissertation prospectus colloquium
Summer
- Dissertation work
Fifth Year
Fall Semester
- Dissertation work
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
Spring Semester
- Dissertation work
- Mentored teaching (assisting or instructor of record)
Summer
- Dissertation work
Sixth Year
Fall Semester
- Dissertation work
- Academic job applications or other career research
Spring Semester
- Dissertation
- Oral defense of dissertation
- Academic job applications or other career research