Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced language training in Latin and Ancient Greek with literary, philological and linguistic methods for the study of the ancient Mediterranean. Early years emphasise coursework in classical languages, literary genres (epic, tragedy, historiography, lyric), textual criticism, paleography and epigraphy, as well as historical linguistics and theory. Students regularly take seminars in areas such as Latin prose and poetry, Greek lyric and drama, reception studies, ancient philosophy, and socio-linguistics of the ancient world.

Programme structure typically includes a period of taught courses, qualifying or comprehensive examinations, demonstration/teaching experience, and dissertation research and writing. Language training includes advanced reading and composition in Latin and Greek and may also require competence in one or more modern research languages (for example German, French, or Italian) depending on dissertation needs. Opportunities exist to pursue interdisciplinary work with departments such as History, Theology, Archaeology or Digital Humanities, and to undertake museum, manuscript or inscription-based research locally and in broader fieldwork contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor's or master's degree with strong academic performance in classics, ancient languages, linguistics or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated proficiency in Latin and/or Ancient Greek is required; many successful applicants present advanced undergraduate or graduate coursework and substantial reading ability in both languages. A typical application includes a statement of purpose outlining research interests, an academic writing sample (often in classics or linguistics), curriculum vitae, and several academic references.

Standardised test requirements and specific language prerequisites vary and are confirmed by the department. Candidates without a master’s degree but with a strong honours degree and exceptional preparation in classics may be considered. Funding for doctoral students is commonly available in the form of teaching assistantships or fellowships awarded by the university and department.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a variety of careers. Many enter tenure-track or adjunct teaching and research positions in higher education, teaching classical languages, literature, and ancient history. Others work in secondary education, curriculum development, museums, archives and cultural heritage institutions where language skills and textual expertise are valued. Additional pathways include publishing, academic librarianship, digital humanities and computational philology projects, translation, and consultancy for cultural organisations or media that require specialist knowledge of the ancient world.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a small, research-intensive environment within a major metropolitan area, enabling close mentorship from faculty and easy access to Chicago’s rich library and museum resources. The university’s Jesuit mission emphasises critical inquiry, interdisciplinary engagement and public scholarship, which benefits students pursuing both traditional philological research and applied or community-facing projects. Proximity to collections and research institutions in Chicago supports work on manuscripts, inscriptions and material culture, while collaborative opportunities across departments and centres make it straightforward to develop digital, historical or theological dimensions to your doctoral research.