Doctoral Program in the Ancient World

The application for fall 2025 enrollment in the ISAW doctoral program is available at this link.

Program Philosophy

Two students look at silver vessels in display case ©Kahn: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

Encompassing the ancient world from the western Mediterranean to East Asia, from the Neolithic to the early Medieval period, ISAW is focused on creating a new generation of scholars whose work crosses over the disciplinary boundaries of traditional departments. In this way, knowledge of the cultures, art, languages, religions, economic systems, and interactions of the ancient world can be deepened and expanded. Students have the opportunity to take research seminars, colloquia, lectures, and directed readings with the outstanding faculty within ISAW and NYU and at other universities and institutions in the metropolitan area. Additionally, the ISAW Visiting Research Scholar program brings in experts in a variety of fields from across the world who participate in the graduate seminars and present public lectures, serving as an additional vital resource for our students.

Students interested in incorporating scientific methodological work into their studies will benefit from a collaboration between ISAW and the Department of Scientific Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including an introductory course on material studies and opportunities for student practica and research in the Met's world-class laboratories.

Courses of study are structured to suit individual strengths and interests in consultation with a small faculty committee arranged for each student. The program is recorded in a written ‘doctoral contract,' which may be revised by mutual agreement of the committee and the student as the student’s work develops. All students are supported by multi-year 12-month fellowships.

Furthering its goal of making connections across disciplines is ISAW’s strong sense of community. Daily communal coffee, lunch, and tea times offer opportunities for all students, visiting research scholars, and faculty to come together to discuss their research projects, classes, and experiences.

Why Choose ISAW?

  • Students working on laptops in classroom ©Kahn: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

    An innovative interdisciplinary program
  • Research seminars focused on producing original work
  • A flexible course of study that can be tailored to each student's individual interests
  • Focus more on individual tutorial work and directed research rather than on classroom coursework
  • One-on-one contact with top faculty of ISAW, NYU, and area universities
  • Full funding for five-years, with a possibility of extension to a sixth year
  • Active archaeological sites run by ISAW faculty, an ISAW exhibitions program, and teaching assistantships in NYU undergraduate courses

 ISAW Looks for Students Who:

  • Student and faculty member seated and in conversation ©Kahn: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau Have sufficient preparation in at least one discipline or domain in order to work beyond its limits
  • Are committed to research that crosses boundaries of time, space, and discipline; students whose academic interests include parts of the ancient Old World that are often underrepresented in traditional academic departments, including Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, are especially welcome to apply
  • Have proficiency in at least two languages appropriate to their area of study (one ancient, one modern)

 For more information, visit our Degree Requirements, Program Structure, and Admission & Financial Aid pages.

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