Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies at UMBC is designed to provide a multidisciplinary understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world. The program includes the following components:

1. Core Requirements

• Foundational Courses (Choose one each):
  • Ancient Greek Civilization: ANCS 201 (The Ancient Greeks) or
  • Roman Civilization: ANCS 202 (The Roman World).
• Archaeology: ARCH 200 (Greek Archaeology) or ARCH 201 (Roman Archaeology).
• History: Select one:
  • ANCS/HIST 453 (Ancient Greece),
  • ANCS/HIST 455 (The Roman Republic), or
  • ANCS/HIST 456 (The Roman Empire).
• Language: Proficiency in either Greek (GREK) or Latin (LATN) through:
  • Option 1: Advanced-level study (300 level or above).
  • Option 2: Intermediate-level study (200 level) plus two additional approved courses.

2. Electives

• Open-Level Electives:
  • Three courses (9–12 credits) at any level.
• Advanced-Level Electives:
  • Three courses (9–12 credits) at the 300 level or above.

3. Additional Notes

• All courses applied to the major require a minimum grade of "C."
• Students are encouraged to study both Greek and Latin for graduate study preparation.
• Aspiring Latin teachers should complete five advanced Latin courses (300 level or above) with a grade of "A" or "B."

For further details, visit the UMBC Ancient Studies B.A. Program structure page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, and financial aid options for prospective and current students.

Tuition and Fees:

Based on the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated annual costs for full-time undergraduate students are:

• Maryland Residents:

  • Tuition and Fees: $12,948
  • Housing and Food: $14,204
  • Total: $32,966

• Out-of-State Students:

  • Tuition and Fees: $30,304
  • Housing and Food: $14,204
  • Total: $50,322

These figures are based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits) and on-campus living. Additional expenses include books, transportation, and personal costs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

UMBC offers various financial aid options, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Automatically considered for incoming first-year and transfer students who apply by specified deadlines.

• Need-Based Aid: Determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UMBC's FAFSA school code is 002105.

• Scholarship Retriever: An online tool listing institutional, merit, departmental, and external scholarships. Students are encouraged to regularly check for new opportunities.

Application Process:

To apply for financial aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA: Available at studentaid.gov. Use UMBC's school code: 002105.

2. Explore Scholarships: Utilize UMBC's Scholarship Retriever to find and apply for scholarships.

3. Contact Financial Aid Office: For personalized assistance, reach out to UMBC's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

For the most current information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit UMBC's Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers several scholarships specifically for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies. These scholarships support academic excellence and provide opportunities for fieldwork and study abroad.

1. The Diane Zdenek Scholarship

Established in memory of Diane Zdenek, a respected Latin teacher from Columbia, Maryland, this scholarship awards $500 to an incoming student planning to major in Ancient Studies at UMBC who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Preference is given to high school graduates from Howard County. If no incoming student meets the criteria, the scholarship may be awarded to a current Ancient Studies major to support participation in the department's study/travel programs.

2. Summer Fieldwork or Study Abroad Scholarships

Upper-level Ancient Studies majors may apply for scholarships to participate in accredited summer programs focusing on ancient cultures or to engage in training excavations. The application process occurs in the first half of the spring semester and is announced in Ancient Studies classes. Preference is given to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in Greek or Latin 201.

3. Student Assistantships for Study-Travel

Qualified upper-level Ancient Studies majors can apply for assistantships to participate in the department's study-travel courses. Applications are accepted in the first half of the fall semester and are announced in Ancient Studies classes. Preference is given to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in Greek or Latin 201.

4. Scholarships for Summer Study, Fieldwork, and Study-Travel Assistantships

Several endowed awards support students' participation in excavations and study-travel programs:

• Christopher Sherwin Award: Endowed by Jack and Carol Mullen, 1972 UMBC graduates, in memory of Dr. Walter Sherwin’s son, Christopher.

• Robert and Jane Shedd Award in Ancient Studies: Endowed in honor of Robert Shedd, former Chairman of the Division of Humanities at UMBC.

• William and Martha Christopher Scholarship Award: Endowed by Barbara Christopher Quinn, a 1978 Ancient Studies graduate, in honor of her parents.

These scholarships provide financial assistance to students engaging in archaeological fieldwork and study-travel experiences, enhancing their academic and practical understanding of ancient cultures.

For more information on these scholarships and application procedures, please visit the UMBC Ancient Studies Scholarships page.

Admission Requirements

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) evaluates first-year applicants based on several factors, including academic performance, curriculum strength, class rank, personal achievements, and an essay. Letters of recommendation are optional but can enhance the application.

UMBC Catalog

Application Components:

• Application Form: Complete the Common Application in its entirety.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $75.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

• Official High School Transcript: Request your high school to send an official transcript directly to UMBC.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. If you choose to submit, UMBC's SAT code is 5835, and the ACT code is 1751.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

• Essay: A personal statement is required to help the admissions committee understand your background and aspirations.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

• Letters of Recommendation (Optional): Up to two letters can be submitted through the Common Application.

  UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

Recommended High School Coursework:

• English: 4 years

• Mathematics: 4 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a senior year math course)

• Social Science/History: 3 years

• Science: 3 years

• Language Other Than English: 2 years

UMBC Undergraduate Admissions

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Enrollment:

  • Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Decision: February 1

• Spring Enrollment:

  • Priority Admission: October 15
  • Regular Admission: December 1

For detailed information on the application process, please visit UMBC's Undergraduate Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), prospective students should follow the standard undergraduate admissions process. The Ancient Studies Department does not have a separate application for its major.

Application Steps:

1. Complete the Common Application:

   • Access and fill out the Common Application, ensuring all sections are thoroughly completed.

2. Submit Required Documents:

   • Official High School Transcript: Request your high school to send your transcript directly to UMBC.
   • Standardized Test Scores (Optional): While UMBC has a test-optional policy, you may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores.
   • Personal Essay: Provide a personal statement as specified in the application.
   • Letters of Recommendation (Optional): You may include up to two letters to support your application.

3. Pay the Application Fee:

   • A non-refundable fee of $75 is required upon submission of your application.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Enrollment:
  • Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Decision: February 1
• Spring Enrollment:
  • Priority Admission: October 15
  • Regular Admission: December 1

For detailed information on the application process, please visit UMBC's Undergraduate Admissions page.

Advising for Prospective Ancient Studies Majors:

New students interested in the Ancient Studies major are encouraged to contact Dr. David Rosenbloom, the department chair, for guidance on the program and course selection. Dr. Rosenbloom is available to assist with any questions regarding the application and registration processes.

For more information, please visit the Ancient Studies Advising page.

By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can successfully apply to UMBC and embark on your journey in Ancient Studies.