Dr. Susanna Elm

Professor

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Biography

Susanna Elm holds the Sidney Hellman Ehrman Chair and is a Distinguished Professor of European History at the University of California, Berkeley. She specializes in Ancient History, with particular focus on political, economic, and religious cultural history of the Roman Empire, including themes of elite display and aspects of ancient medicine. Her current projects examine the works of Augustine of Hippo in relation to slavery and the formulation of theology in economics. Elm's academic journey includes significant roles at UC Berkeley, including Director of the Undergraduate Program in Religious Studies and Chair of the Graduate Program in Ancient Mediterranean History. She has garnered numerous awards, including Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy and grants from the ACLS Loeb Foundation. Elm’s publications include influential books and co-edited volumes such as 'The Emperor's Eunuch' and 'The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Christianity.' She has held visiting professorships across prestigious institutions, contributing to her widely recognized expertise in her field.

Research Interests

Experience

Distinguished Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Holds the Sidney Hellman Ehrman Chair and specializes in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies.

Sidney H. Ehrman Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Professor focusing on European History.

Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaches History with a focus on Classics.

Director

— Present

Undergraduate Program in Religious Studies • University of California, Berkeley

Oversaw undergraduate studies in Religious Studies.

Chair

— Present

Graduate Program in Ancient Mediterranean History and Archaeology • University of California, Berkeley

Led the program focused on Ancient Mediterranean studies.

Associate Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Taught and researched Ancient History.

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Early career position in the History Department.

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.