The Post-Baccalaureate Program in Classical Studies has been in existence since 1984, providing students with the opportunity to follow an intensive program of study in Greek and Latin as well as to experience the benefits of being part of a large, vibrant department at an Ivy League university. We welcome individuals who may not have had the opportunity to complete the necessary years of language training to pursue graduate education in classics, ancient history, archaeology, or other fields that require mastery in these ancient languages. In our program, students can take part in language seminars designed specifically for their needs, and they receive group and individual advising to prepare them for their next steps in academia. In addition, they are invited to make use of all the resources our department and university have to offer, including extra coursework, lectures, and the Penn Museum.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Classical Studies and College of Liberal and Professional Studies offer two fellowships: the Elsie Phare Fellowship and the Masciantonio Fellowship. Each fellowship supports a student in our well-established Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program. The fellowships provide a $25,000 stipend each and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies covers tuition and fees for one academic year at a rate of two courses per semester. We invite applications from students with a diversity of lived experiences and perspectives, including but not limited to individuals from low-income households and first-generation college students.
Applicants must have completed at least one year (2 semesters, or the equivalent achieved through intensive coursework) of either Greek or Latin to be considered for either fellowship. Applicants must apply online to the Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program and, as part of the online application, submit an essay that states how the perspective they bring will broaden the study of the ancient world. Only one essay is required for consideration for both fellowships.
Please note that the application deadline for the program beginning in the fall 2024 semester is April 15, 2024, with rolling admissions thereafter. The application deadline for the Phare Fellowship and the Masciantonio Fellowship is April 15, 2024.
For more information, see here.