Best Classics Doctoral Programs

The National Research Council (NRC) 1995 ranking of the best doctoral programs in Classics offers a snapshot of the institutions that were regarded as the leading centers of classical studies at the time. The rankings reflect not only the intellectual strength of these departments but also the broad-ranging impact of their research, the quality of their graduate programs, and the scholarly influence of their faculty members. At the top of the list were several prestigious institutions, each with a long-standing commitment to the study of the ancient world, but it is Harvard University that was ranked number one, followed closely by the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan.

Harvard University, ranked first in the NRC 1995 report, has long been recognized as one of the premier institutions for classical studies in the United States. Its Department of the Classics is renowned for its extensive and deep scholarly resources, offering one of the most comprehensive and rigorous programs in the country. The faculty at Harvard are leaders in the field, producing groundbreaking research in areas such as ancient philosophy, history, archaeology, linguistics, and philology. Graduate students benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment where the breadth of classical knowledge is coupled with a tradition of innovative approaches to ancient texts and cultures. Harvard’s Classics program also offers exceptional resources, including the Harvard Art Museums and the extensive libraries of Harvard’s university system, which are essential for students conducting advanced research. The department’s diverse curriculum includes not only traditional areas of classical studies, such as Greek and Latin language and literature, but also interdisciplinary courses that engage with classical reception studies, ancient religion, and comparative ancient studies. This diversity enables students to tailor their academic journeys to their particular interests while still benefiting from the broad foundation in classical scholarship that the program provides.

The University of California–Berkeley, ranked second, is another top institution for the study of Classics in the United States. Berkeley’s Department of Classics has a reputation for its rigorous scholarly approach and its emphasis on the integration of classical languages, literature, and culture with interdisciplinary fields. One of Berkeley’s greatest strengths is its focus on the material culture of the ancient world, which has allowed the department to develop a rich tradition of archaeological and textual research. The department’s faculty members are known for their work in Greek and Roman history, ancient philosophy, and ancient art and archaeology, and students have the opportunity to engage in research that spans the entire classical world, from the Mediterranean to the broader ancient Near East. Berkeley’s interdisciplinary approach to the study of Classics encourages students to explore ancient texts in their historical and cultural contexts, making it an ideal institution for those interested in a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the ancient world. The university’s impressive research facilities, including the Bancroft Library and the numerous resources of the UC system, make it an excellent place for graduate students to conduct advanced research and gain expertise in various areas of classical studies.

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, ranked third, is another leading center for classical studies in the United States. The university’s Department of Classical Studies is renowned for its strong emphasis on Greek and Latin language and literature, as well as its interdisciplinary focus that includes ancient philosophy, ancient history, and archaeology. Michigan’s faculty is known for its research in both ancient Mediterranean studies and the broader ancient world, and the department offers graduate students a well-rounded education in the history, culture, and intellectual traditions of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The program is distinctive for its commitment to both classical philology and contemporary approaches to classical reception, allowing students to engage critically with ancient texts while also considering how these texts have been interpreted and understood in later periods. The University of Michigan’s research facilities, including the Hatcher Graduate Library and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, provide valuable resources for graduate students in both literary and archaeological studies. The department’s collaborative environment, coupled with its world-class resources, makes it an ideal place for students who want to pursue advanced studies in the classics and make significant contributions to the field.

Princeton University, ranked fourth, is another powerhouse in classical studies. Princeton’s Department of Classics is known for its intellectual rigor and its faculty’s expertise in a wide range of areas, from ancient Greek and Roman literature to ancient philosophy, archaeology, and linguistics. The department is particularly strong in its research on ancient philosophy, ancient history, and comparative studies between the ancient Mediterranean world and other early civilizations. Princeton’s relatively small size allows for close relationships between faculty and graduate students, fostering an environment where students can engage in highly focused and individualized research projects. The department’s emphasis on historical context and critical theory has made it a leader in the exploration of ancient texts through a variety of lenses, including historical, literary, and philosophical approaches. Princeton also offers excellent resources for research, including the Princeton University Library, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive libraries in the world for the study of classical antiquity.

Yale University, ranked fifth, has a distinguished reputation in the field of Classics, with a strong emphasis on both the study of classical languages and the exploration of ancient cultures in their historical and intellectual contexts. Yale’s Department of Classics is renowned for its work in ancient philosophy, Greek and Latin literature, and ancient history, and its faculty includes scholars who have made major contributions to our understanding of the ancient world. Yale’s graduate program encourages students to develop expertise in a wide array of classical subfields, and its curriculum emphasizes a balance between philological studies and interdisciplinary approaches to the ancient world. Yale’s research facilities, including the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, provide unparalleled resources for graduate students engaged in advanced research on ancient texts and cultures. The department’s interdisciplinary approach, along with its strong focus on mentorship and academic collaboration, creates an environment that is ideal for students pursuing advanced doctoral studies in Classics.

Brown University, ranked sixth, has also established itself as a leader in the study of the Classics. The Department of Classics at Brown is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study, with a particular focus on the integration of ancient languages, literature, philosophy, and archaeology. Brown’s Classics program is distinctive for its inclusive approach to the study of antiquity, encouraging students to engage with ancient texts from a variety of theoretical perspectives and to explore how these texts have been received and interpreted in modern scholarship. The department’s faculty is recognized for its expertise in both ancient history and ancient philosophy, and the university’s rich collection of libraries and research resources provides graduate students with the support they need to carry out in-depth studies of the classical world. Brown’s collaborative environment and focus on mentorship make it an ideal place for graduate students interested in developing their scholarly careers in the Classics.

The University of Chicago, ranked seventh, has long been recognized for its contributions to the field of classical studies. Chicago’s Department of Classics is known for its innovative research and teaching, with a particular focus on the intellectual history of the ancient world and the relationship between Greek and Roman cultures. The department’s faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, and graduate students benefit from a program that emphasizes the critical engagement with classical texts and an exploration of the intersections between ancient philosophy, literature, and history. Chicago’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to consider the broader cultural and historical contexts of the ancient world, and the university’s exceptional research resources, including the Regenstein Library, provide invaluable support for graduate students conducting advanced research in the field.

The University of Texas–Austin, ranked eighth, is also highly regarded for its doctoral program in Classics. The university’s Department of Classics is known for its strong emphasis on Greek and Latin language and literature, as well as its interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, archaeology, and philosophy. The department has a particular strength in its research on the classical reception in later periods, as well as its exploration of ancient Mediterranean cultures in their broader global contexts. Graduate students at Texas have the opportunity to work with a faculty that is highly regarded for its expertise in both the ancient world and its later interpretations, making it an excellent choice for students interested in comparative and interdisciplinary approaches to classical studies.

The University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA), ranked ninth, has a robust doctoral program in Classics that spans Greek and Latin language and literature, ancient philosophy, and ancient history. UCLA’s faculty is particularly known for its work in ancient philosophy and intellectual history, and the department offers graduate students a rich curriculum that encourages both critical theory and field-based study. UCLA’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore connections between classical antiquity and later periods of history, as well as to engage with modern interpretations of ancient texts.

Columbia University, ranked tenth, is another institution that has earned recognition for its doctoral program in Classics. Columbia’s Department of Classics is known for its strong emphasis on ancient literature and philosophy, as well as its interdisciplinary focus on classical archaeology and history. The department’s faculty are experts in various aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world, and students benefit from Columbia’s extensive resources and scholarly community.