A post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) is a program for students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree (such as a BA or BS). Most post-baccs, which are usually credential/certificate-granting non-degree programs, take only one or two years to complete. Students enroll in post-bacc programs with a variety of educational and professional goals, for example:
- to continue their studies for personal satisfaction and intellectual growth;
- to sharpen their research, writing, and/or language skills;
- to augment their studies while deciding whether to apply for professional or graduate programs (e.g., MA, MAT, PhD); and,
- to complete prerequisite courses for admission to professional or graduate programs.
The structure and costs of post-bacc programs in classics (and other fields) vary considerably. Some programs have a fixed curriculum, meaning that students must take certain classes; other programs offer flexible curricula based on individual interests and needs. Some have fixed costs per academic term, while others have tuition based on the number of credit hours students choose to take. Some post-baccs can cost nearly $10,000 per semester for just two classes (not including room & board); others can cost less. The amount and type of financial aid available also varies a lot. It’s important for you to do your research to see whether pursuing a post-bacc is right for you and, if so, which program might be the best fit.
Post-baccalaureate programs in classics
Below are links to many of the post-baccs in classical studies, Greek, and Latin.
- Columbia University
- Baylor University
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Iowa
- Georgetown University
- Loyola University Chicago
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- University of Pennsylvania
- Rutgers University
- The Catholic University of America
- William & Mary
Funded Bridge programs, MAs, and pre-doctoral programs in classics
Below is a link to information about various funded and partially-funded programs for students who would like to continue their classical studies past the bachelor's degree. "Bridge" programs can include post-baccs but also longer programs leading to MA and PhD degrees.
List of MA-only programs
Many departments offer terminal MA programs in classics, Greek, Latin, classical archaeology, and Latin pedagogy. ("Terminal" means that you can receive the MA without having to continue to the PhD.) Not all programs update their information every year; in those cases, you may benefit from contacting those departments directly. "MAT" indicates a master of arts in teaching, as opposed to a research-focused MA.
- List of programs offering MAs and MATs
- Brandeis University (a newer MA not listed on the above site)