Ancient Languages and Cultures - MS, MA

College of Arts & Sciences

About This Degree

The MA and MS in Ancient Languages and Cultures focus on the historical methods and ancient languages necessary to prepare students for admission to and success at doctoral programs in fields that require those skills. These fields include classics; ancient, medieval, and early modern history; religious studies; and related disciplines in literature, theology, divinity, philosophy, and art history. For students who wish to build on their undergraduate education in ancient languages and cultures, this degree offers a chance to gain access to premier universities and lay the foundation for a successful academic career.

What You Will Learn

Our classics faculty have specialties in ancient history, intellectual history and classical drama. Other faculty members participating in the program have specialties in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, early modern Europe, as well as African, Latin American, and environmental history. Professors work with students individually to design a course of study tailored to the students’ needs.

REQUEST INFORMATION
ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Arts & Sciences

Department: History, Cultures, and Ideas Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

The ALC program develops expertise in ancient languages and the discipline of history as well as broader skills in the liberal arts. Thus, the curriculum not only provides specialized academic training but also prepares students to work in a variety of fields after completing a PhD. In general, historical study develops one’s ability to investigate problems, identify reliable sources, analyze information, contextualize complex questions, and communicate conclusions in a clear and thoughtful manner.

Students who complete a master’s degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures and then go on to pursue a Ph.D in a related field can find work in: academic programs, historical societies, museums, archives and libraries and databases.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Mark Damen

Professor, Classics Program Coordinator
Email: mark.damen@usu.edu
Office: MAIN 307

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

The History Department recommends that applicants have an undergraduate major in History or another Humanities discipline.

Application Requirements:

  • USU application
  • $55 fee
  • Statement of Purpose: Describe why you want to earn a graduate degree (including your professional goals), your historical fields of interests, and the experiences and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for advanced study. If applying to study part-time, please indicate this here as well. (1,000 word limit).
  • Writing Sample: The writing sample should be a paper or essay that displays your historical analytical and research skills, especially use of primary sources and interpretation of secondary sources. It is usually a paper written for an undergraduate class, between 10 and 30 pages (but no more than 40 pages). Ideally, the writing sample will relate to whichever field applicants are pursuing in graduate study.
  • Transcripts of all college/university credits
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 3.0 or higher GPA on your final 60 credits (semester system)

International students have additional admissions requirements.

It is important that students be aware of the areas of expertise of Department faculty. If students wish to study a field not covered by faculty at USU, they may not be admitted to the program.

Deadlines

The Department accepts new students each fall and has the following application deadline (for both admission and funding):

  • Fall semester – January 15

Program Requirements

Students may complete up to four credits of internship (professional, editorial, teaching, museum). Internships are not required for the degree.

Plan Options

Students can earn the Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree by pursuing one of two options:

  • In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and write a thesis.
  • The Plan B option takes many forms (for example, lesson plans or a digital exhibit) and requires an accompanying paper. Plan B projects are expected to reflect equivalent academic standards as Plan A.

Financial Aid

The Department offers various types of graduate financial assistance:

Graduate Assistantships. Offered annually on a competitive basis, graduate assistantships entail approximately 20 hours of work a week assisting the faculty in large courses taught by the department. The award carries a stipend and tuition award. A GA must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled as a full-time student to keep an assistantship, which can be held for a maximum of two years while enrolled in the master's program. Your application for admission to the program also serves as your application for a Graduate Assistantship.

Professional Fellowships. In lieu of a Graduate Assistantship,admitted students may apply for multiple professional fellowship positions, each of which carries a stipend and tuition award. Current fellowships are based at the Hill Aerospace Museum in Riverdale, Utah, and Merrill-Cazier Library on the USU campus in Logan.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

Take The Next Step

How to Apply

View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.

Request Information

Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.

Cost and Funding

Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.