Welcome to the certificate section of the Department of Greek and Latin! We offer three certificate programs (in Greek, in Latin, or in Greek and Latin) for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. Each certificate consists of 15 credit hours (5 courses) of language study at the advanced level.

Students with little or no prior background in the ancient languages can also pursue certificates. They can begin during the academic year or make an accelerated start with courses in the Summer Program, in order to bring their skills up to the level needed to take certificate-eligible courses.

  • Use a certificate as a classics postbac.

    For students interested in graduate studies in classics, a certificate program, particularly our Certificate in Greek and Latin, provides the extra year of training of a traditional classics postbaccalaureate program, with an especially intensive focus on the languages.

    But our certificate program also offers the opportunity to enroll for full credit in regular courses that serve both graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. Certificate candidates in our department can thus try out graduate-level coursework and graduate student life as they improve their language skills.

  • Use a certificate to enhance a graduate degree in another discipline--at Catholic University or elsewhere.

    For graduate students currently enrolled in other academic fields, our certificate programs can enhance a degree, help you prepare for a dissertation that uses Greek or Latin texts, or prepare you for other competitive graduate programs or for the academic job market.

    The Certificate in Greek may complement studies in Semitics, ancient history, philosophy, patristics, or historical theology, to name just a few fields. The Certificate in Latin can provide an ideal addition to, for example, a degree in medieval studies, musicology, medieval history, canon law, or library science.

    A special opportunity unique to Catholic University is the chance for interested certificate students to achieve competency in postclassical Greek and/or Latin, which may be especially desirable to those planning to enter fields outside of classics. Our department has a long and distinguished history of training future scholars to read, edit, interpret, and utilize late antique, patristic, and medieval texts in both languages.

    You do not need to be pursuing your graduate degree at Catholic University to study for a language certificate in this department. Since the certificates, while they are formal qualifications, are not academic degrees, you can pursue your degree at your home institution and still acquire a certificate from Catholic University.

  • Use a certificate to study something that fascinates you.

    Many students enrolled in Greek and Latin courses join us simply because they are interested in the languages, literature, and culture of the ancient and medieval worlds. If you have always wanted to take non-degree courses in this field, the certificate programs offer a coherent way to organize your studies so that your abilities deepen and improve quickly.

  • How do I start a certificate program?

    The primary prerequisite for beginning a Certificate in the Department of Greek and Latin is a completed bachelor's degree in any field. Prior experience in Greek or Latin is not required.

    The department offers elementary- and intermediate-level language courses year-round, so a potential certificate student can progress efficiently towards the advanced, certificate-qualified courses. It will, of course, take a little longer to earn a certificate if you have never studied Greek or Latin before, but the departmental faculty will help you plan your program so that you can move forward as quickly as possible.

    Current graduate students can accumulate a certificate as part of their graduate coursework, in much the same way that an undergraduate student might pursue a minor. Postbaccalaureate students, graduate students from other universities, and nondegree students from the community apply for the certificate programs with nondegree status, using the graduate portal for Catholic University. The certificate admissions process involves the submission of standard materials and has comparatively flexible deadlines.

  • Ready to learn more?

    Explore the Certificate programs in Greek, in Latin, or in Greek and Latin in more detail. You may also consult the certificate FAQs page, learn about admissions, or contact the department with any additional questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Greek and Latin (Certificate)

    This two-language certificate may serve as a classics postbac: it provides the strongest possible foundation for further work in the broader field of classical studies. Its students gain high competence in both Greek and Latin that can be highlighted in future applications to masters' and doctoral programs.

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  • Greek (Certificate)

    This certificate provides an opportunity to study ancient Greek--including postclassical Greek, if desired--at the advanced level. Its students gain the high linguistic competence that can be used to enhance a degree program in progress, applied to graduate research, or carried into the classroom to teach.

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  • Latin (Certificate)

    This certificate provides an opportunity to study Latin--from the classical through the medieval periods--at the advanced level. Its students gain the high linguistic competence that can be used to enhance a degree program in progress, applied to graduate research, or carried into the classroom to teach.

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  • Graduate and Certificate Handbook

    Our Graduate and Certificate Handbook gathers into one place most of the departmental information that our students will need throughout their careers at Catholic University.

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