Persons who seek admission to the program should possess a bachelor's degree with a major in Latin or classics (with at least four upper-level Latin courses), at least 12 credits in Classical Greek, and at least six credits in Greek and Roman history, and they must have earned a cumulative average of 3.0 or better in their major and of 2.75 or better in their overall undergraduate course of study. Candidates are also requested to submit at least two letters of recommendation from previous teachers and a well-considered statement indicating a genuine commitment to a career as a teacher of Latin and classical humanities in grades 5–12. Personal interviews are highly recommended.
Persons who have completed state certification requirements in their undergraduate programs in addition to having earned a bachelor's degree in Latin or classics are also eligible for the MAT Program, provided they have met all other requirements and are prepared to undertake the full extent of the pre-practicum and practicum. Strongly recommended but not required is an undergraduate minor (at least eighteen semester hours) in a second teaching area. Spanish/Latin combinations are in especially high demand.
Handbook for 2025 Admissions to Latin MAT Program
Click on the above link to read the MAT Handbook which contains updated information about the program's curriculum and application process. For any additional questions, please contact Prof. Brian Breed, director of Graduate Studies.
The department address is:
Department of Classics
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Box 33905, Amherst, MA 01003-3905
Dept. phone: 413-545-0512.
The University of Massachuestts Amherst Graduate School offers online applications, downloadable applications, and allows you to check the status of your application.
The University's Undergraduate Admissions website provides an overview of the campus and its activites.