The Ph.D. degree requires six semesters in residence and the successful completion of one of the programs listed below (the M.A. is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D.).

Ancient philosophy. The Departments of Classics and Philosophy cooperate in offering a program leading to a Ph.D. degree in the Field of Classics with ancient philosophy as the major subject. The program of study is based on a reading list of ancient authors and includes courses offered in the Department of Classics of the Department of Philosophy ( or cross-listed in both) on the pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenistics philosophers, and such other authors or topics as the student and Special Committee decide.

Classical archaeology. The requirements differ from those outlined in the Greek and Latin languages and literature concentration (below) in that readings and examinations in archaeology are substituted for some of those in Latin and Greek. Details are available on request. There are also opportunities to participate in excavations during the summer; Cornell currently offers an archaeological project in Lokris, Greece, under the direction of John E. Coleman.

Greek and Latin languages and linguistics. The requirements are eighteen courses in general, Indo-European, and Greek and Latin linguistics, and in Greek and Latin languages and literature; satisfactory performance on a written Greek and Latin translation examination; and a written and oral examination on Greek and Latin languages and linguistics.

Greek and Latin languages and literature. Required for completion of this specialization are fourteen graduate-level courses (including six seminars); a course in advanced prose composition in either Greek or Latin; satisfactory completion of a written Greek and Latin translation examination (the qualifying examination) and a written and oral examination (the "A" exam) on Greek and Latin literature and a minor subject; reading knowledge of French and German; and presentation and public defense of a doctoral dissertation.