MA program

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

The Department of Classical Studies works together with the Waterloo Institute for Hellenistic Studies, a combination which creates a unique and intense research environment for faculty and students.  Students receive substantial individual attention from an expert in their subject(s) of specialization and benefit from an interdisciplinary approach.  With regular guest speakers, research days, and colloquia, which bring together our international partners, the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Waterloo offers a unique and full experience for graduate students.  The department promotes international experiences for students through travel awards, course offerings, and research opportunities.

Program of study

The Master of Arts in Classical Studies is a 16-month program fulfilled through course-work, a modern language exam and either a Major Research Paper or a Thesis. Courses emphasize research techniques as well as ensuring a sound knowledge of primary sources. Those undertaking the Major Research Paper complete six (6) graduate courses, while those undertaking the Thesis option take four (4) graduate courses. The program may be taken with no ancient language courses to facilitate entry into programs of different study, or the program may be taken with ancient language courses for those who wish to continue their studies in Classics.  For the latter students they should take one graduate level Greek course and one graduate level Latin course.  All students must take the research methodology course.  

Please ensure that you have reviewed all appropriate information on the Graduate Studies Office website, along with the Graduate Academic Calendar.

Program procedures and guidelines

This information is a guide to those students pursuing the thesis based option for an M.A. In Classical Studies. This guide should help you complete your degree in a timely manner, but as always, please check with the Graduate Chair, the Administrative Assistant and/or your supervisor with any specific questions or concerns.

  • Regulations for uWaterloo Master's Theses can be found on the Graduate Studies Office website.
  • After the thesis has been successfully defended, the student must submit an Intent to Graduate form to the Department.
  • When the thesis has been accepted, and all other requirements for the degree have been met, a PDF file must be submitted for approval to the GSO through UWSpace. Once the submission has been approved by the GSO, students will receive acknowledgement of approval via email from the GSO.

Term-by-term program of study

For those pursuing a M.R.P. 

Make sure that you read all of the above information. Your term by term progress will be a little different.

Term 1 (Fall)

Enroll in CLAS 600 and one of a GRK 6XX, LAT 6XX or CLAS6XX. Write your second modern language exam – write this exam every term until passed. Please see the Language Requirements section. Consult with your supervisor about possible M.R.P. topics.

Term 2 (Winter)

Enroll in two of GRK 6XX, LAT 6XX or CLAS 6XX. In conjunction with your supervisor, set and meet with your committee members for general approval of your M.R.P. topic. Complete literature review and formulate research plan for thesis.

Terms 3 and 4 (Spring/Summer)

Normal progress. Enroll as full-time student and work on research with the goal of finishing in the Fall term. Begin to draft M.R.P. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with your supervisor and committee members over the summer to monitor your progress.

Term 5 (Fall)

Enroll in two of GRK 6XX, LAT 6XX or CLAS 6XX. Keep in constant communication with your supervisor and your committee over the term. The department suggests the following deadlines:

  • Complete Draft of your M.R.P. provided to supervisor: November 1.
  • Corrected Draft of your M.R.P. provided to your other committee members: November 30.

For those pursuing a Thesis

Term 1 (Fall)

Enroll in CLAS 600 and one of a GRK 6XX, LAT 6XX or CLAS6XX. Write your second modern language exam – write this exam every term until passed. Please see the Language Requirements section. Consult with your supervisor about possible thesis topics.

Term 2 (Winter)

Enroll in two of GRK 6XX, LAT 6XX or CLAS 6XX, excluding the choice you took in Term 1.  In conjunction with your supervisor, set and meet with your committee members for general approval of your thesis topic. Complete literature review and formulate research plan for thesis.

Terms 3 and 4 (Spring/Summer)

Normal progress. Enroll as full-time student and work on research with the goal of finishing in the Fall term. Begin to draft thesis. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with your supervisor and committee members over the summer to monitor your progress.

Term 5 (Fall)

Complete and defend thesis. Keep in constant communication with your supervisor and your committee over the term. The department suggests the following deadlines:

  • Complete Draft of your thesis provided to supervisor: October 1.
  • Corrected Draft of your thesis provided to your other committee members: November 15.
  • Defend your thesis: No later than December 15.
  • Correct and upload your thesis: No later than December 22.

You will receive your degree at the Spring convocation of the following year. Should you need one, a letter may be written by the Graduate Chair to state that you have completed all requirements of the degree prior to convocation.