KU expands accelerated master's programs with new track in classics

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas continues to expand opportunities for students to complete advanced studies with the addition of an accelerated master’s degree program in classics.

Students in the Department of Classics’ program will be able to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years rather than the usual six. It marks the third accelerated program added in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in less than two years: The Department of Philosophy introduced an accelerated master’s program in the spring semester, and the College and School of Law welcomed the first class of their accelerated law degree program in fall 2013.

“It’s an ideal fit for our advanced students to transition smoothly to graduate study,” said Tara Welch, chair and associate professor of classics. “KU classics graduates will have a strong competitive edge in the job market and entry into prestigious doctoral programs.”

KU added the program in response to student interest. Graduating seniors in classics often require additional training in Greek and Latin as they prepare to become Latin teachers or as they approach the graduate admissions process at other universities in the discipline, or other doctoral programs, such as law, library sciences or medicine.

The accelerated degree prepares KU classics undergraduates for the next phase in their careers a year earlier than graduates of many other programs. The program is unique in the state and among few in the region.

Requirements for the program are rigorous. Students in the program will complete a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s degree in one year. To be admitted, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA in that major and obtain strong recommendations from faculty in the department. Applicants will be expected to complete a minimum of six hours of graduate-level coursework as a prerequisite. Eligible students may begin applying in fall 2014.

For more information, contact the Department of Classics at classics@ku.edu or 785-864-3153.

The Department of Classics is in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, which encourages learning without boundaries in its more than 50 departments, programs and centers. Through innovative research and teaching, the College emphasizes interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.