PhD Classical Philology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

A doctorate offered only in classical philology, requiring advanced work in Greek and Latin. Learning outcomes prepare students to teach college-level courses and to know alternative non-academic career paths.

What you will study

Advanced work in Greek and Latin including CLCV 550 Intro to Teaching of Classics, GRK/LAT 595 Intro to Classical Studies, advanced prose composition, language seminars and thesis research; Greek and Latin translation exams, history of literature, special author exam, preliminary oral exam (dissertation prospectus); reading knowledge of German and French or Italian.

Career pathways

College-level teaching and alternative non-academic careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Master's degree in classics or equivalent; minimum GPA 2.75; GRE required; 2-3 page personal statement; resume or CV; transcripts; writing sample of about 20 pages; three letters of recommendation. Prior MA coursework ordinarily 20 semester hours in one language and 15 in the other. TOEFL iBT minimum 79 with speaking sub-score 24 for non-native English speakers. Fall admission only.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,908 a year (2026-27). Illinois resident rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Non-Illinois U.S. resident tuition for this programme: $32,204. Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insura Source

International applicants: USD 32,204 a year (2026-27). International rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insurance, housing and other expenses as the source states them separately Source

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply

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