Application Procedure

The application is an online process — all policies, procedures, instructions and answers to frequently asked questions as well as access to the application can be found at the links below.

In addition to the general application requirements (recommendation letters, transcripts etc.), applicants to programs in Classics and combined programs with Classics are asked to submit a writing sample of 10-15 pages (double-spaced). The writing sample can be uploaded under “additional questions” on the application website.
In addition to the writing sample, applicants to the combined degree in Classics and History are asked to write a short book review (maximum two pages) to accompany the application. It should cover the book that has most shaped the applicant’s understanding of the kind of work he or she would like to do as a historian.
Applicants to all programs are asked to explain in a statement of academic purpose why they are applying to Yale Classics for graduate study: what are your research interests and preparation for your intended field of study (bearing in mind that this field may grow or change), and how will the faculty, research, and resources at Yale contribute to your goals?

PLEASE NOTE: Since 2021, the Department of Classics does not accept GRE scores.

Deadlines can be found here.
Apply here now.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Classics, P.O. Box 208266, New Haven, CT 06520–8266; email dgs.classics@yale.edu.

Post-baccalaureate study in Classics

For students looking for a post-bac program, ESI Prep (Emerging Scholars Initiative (ESI) Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program) is worth considering. Yale Classics has hosted/mentored several students through this fully funded program and welcomes applications; the program is flexible and can be designed to meet your needs.

The ESI PREP is intended to be a one-year program and provides participants the knowledge and skills necessary for success in PhD programs. Participants experience life as graduate students at a major research university, taking courses, doing research, and receiving mentoring alongside first year PhD students. This initiative is open to recent college graduates in all divisions (i.e., humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and engineering) who have a strong desire to pursue a PhD. Apply and read more here: https://gsas.yale.edu/programs-of-study/post-baccalaureate-programs

Please note: to participate in any of the post-baccalaureate programs:

You must be a US citizen or US permanent resident.
You must have earned your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field prior to the mid-June start of the program, but no more than three years before the start of the program.