How to Apply

Degree type

You may apply either for the MA or the PhD program. PhD applicants are occasionally admitted to the MA instead. The Classics MA and RelA MA are terminal degrees, but students who complete the RelA MA can petition to continue into the RelA PhD. In such cases, most of the work completed for the RelA MA can generally be rolled over into the PhD program.

GRE

CNRC no longer requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for application to its graduate programs. 

TOEFL

If your native language is not English, you should arrange to take the TOEFL test. Please self-report your scores in your application. Official score reports are only required upon offer of admission. For detailed instructions on submission of official scores and on requests for exemption, please see the University of Minnesota’s Office of Graduate Admissions page on English Language Proficiency Information.
 

Documents to Upload

Personal Statement

About 1-4 pages (single-spaced) addressing both your scholarly and personal experience and proposed course of study.

Writing sample

Submit a writing sample that best demonstrates your compositional skills and training. Depending upon the program to which you apply, the writing sample should reflect your proficiency in an ancient language, your coursework in ancient Mediterranean or Near Eastern topics, and/or your coursework in the study of religion. The sample should be about 10-25 pages long, but doctoral applicants should submit the higher page count of this range.

Language Experience

Download and complete the Classical Language Survey form (PDF) with your previous coursework and reading in Classical Greek, Hebrew, and/or Latin. This information helps us to assess your training in the respective language

CNRC Classical Language Survey

Transcripts from all previous colleges attended

Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Should you be offered admission, Graduate Admissions will then solicit official transcripts.

Diversity Statement

A diversity statement is only required for those who wish to be considered for the Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) fellowship. The Office for Diversity in Graduate Education (ODGE) administers the DOVE Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to approximately 15 first-year students from underrepresented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents). For more information please visit the DOVE Fellowship website.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation, from people who know your work and can write in detail about you, what you've done, and what you propose to study. Letters should be submitted directly online by the letter writer. List your references in the application and provide an e-mail address where each can be contacted. They will receive instructions on how to submit their letters.