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Top 10 Best History PhD Programs in 2024

History helps us understand societies and allows humanity to learn from patterns and past mistakes.

Many are fascinated and enamored by history, leading to a passion that makes them want to know more.

If you’re a history lover thinking about further deepening your knowledge and establishing a career in the field, a PhD in the subject may be for you. The list of history PhD programs below contains some of the best available in the United States.

Table of Contents

Best PhD Programs in History

North dakota state university.

North Dakota Residents $405/credit
Minnesota Residents $514.58
Non-US Students $607.77
International Students $709.07

The North Dakota State University has offered its master’s degree in history since 1954. It wasn’t until 2002 that it began offering a PhD program in History. NDSU’s PhD program commonly takes three to five years to finish for full-time students, although it is not uncommon for some students to take longer.

Admission is available year-round, and applicants are required to provide GRE scores. International students whose first language is not English must pass the TOEFL. To apply for the PhD program, you must already have a master’s degree in history or hold one from another closely-related field.

There are limited funding and financial aid opportunities available at NDSU, primarily as assistantships with tuition waivers and small stipends. This funding is renewable for four years for PhD students, provided academic requirements are met.

Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a program that allows distance learning, you will not find it in NDSU. NDSU also requires one year of residency on campus.

Boston College – Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Your full-time PhD studies at Boston College will be fully paid for by tuition remissions with the expectation of good grades and an obligation to complete research/teaching assistantships and teaching fellowships.
You may also get stipends of up to $35,875 per year.

Boston College offers masters and PhD degrees in different history specialties, with British, medieval, modern European, and United States history as some of their strongest. There are also other graduate studies interests in South Asian, East Asian, and Latin American history, and the history of religion.

Earning your PhD at Boston College means you can expect small class sizes that allow for individual and specialized attention. This institution’s program also allows for flexibility, although you are expected to complete your studies full-time.

Boston College is located in one of the best academic life centers globally, allowing students to network and collaborate with other universities through their studies.

University of Texas Arlington

$10,828 per year in-state

The University of Texas Arlington offers students an on-campus PhD program that they can participate in part-time or full-time. Full-time course loads are nine credit hours per term, and full-time students are expected to complete their doctoral degrees within six years, while part-time students may take longer.

To apply for the PhD program at the University of Texas Arlington, you must have a BA or MA in history or a minimum of eighteen hours of upper-division history courses during your undergrad. You must also provide your GRE scores.

The PhD in history program at the University of Texas Arlington specializes in transatlantic, transnational, and global history approaches focusing on US, European, Latin American, Transatlantic, and Transnational history. The award-winning faculty at this institution provides personalized attention to small class sizes.

The University of Texas Arlington has North America’s only specialized History of Cartography track that provides students access to the Garrett Map Collection , a world-famous map library.

Alumni of the program often establish careers as educators. They may find work as museum professionals or archival administration specialists outside of academia. They may also work for nonprofits or the government, and enjoy careers involving writing, research, and analysis at the highest level.

The University of Texas at Dallas – PhD in History of Ideas

$18,276 per semester

The University of Texas at Dallas offers something a little different — a PhD in History of Ideas. This PhD program was designed specifically for those who want to do advanced research or teach at a college level or higher. It concentrates on the study of philosophy as well as intellectual and cultural history with a focus on European and American history.

Students of this program can expect a flexible interdisciplinary approach to their studies that connects among specific areas of interest. Aside from their coursework in the History of Ideas, students must also attend two seminars each for visual & performance arts and literature.

Alumni of this program may become teachers and educators. They can also become curators of museums or historical sites. Other potential careers are research, history administrator, and archivist. Additionally, graduates of this program can work as managers of public or private historical organizations and work for governments or non-profit organizations.

University of California – Santa Cruz

$13,850 in-state
$28,952 out-of-state

The University of California Santa Cruz offers an on-campus history PhD program that emphasizes a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to the study of history with a transnational and global orientation.

UCSC provides a rigorous program that blends instruction and independent work with the intent of training students in original historical research techniques. Students are encouraged to think innovatively and trained to talk, think, and teach beyond boundaries. This program prepares its students to teach university-level courses while also providing them with the tools they need to succeed in careers outside of academia.

The University of California’s Department of History, as well as its Santa Cruz campus, is well-known for its many strengths including:

Gender, Sexuality, & Feminist Studies
Colonialism
Critical Race Studies
Internationalism
Nationalism
Decolonial and Postcolonial Studies
Class & Transnational Labor Studies

Admission to UCSC’s history PhD program is highly competitive. The institution states that they only admit the most qualified, highly motivated applicants and welcome and encourage diversity in their student body.

Note: The University of California Santa Cruz no longer requires applicants to provide GRE scores.

Indiana University – Bloomington

Indiana residents: full-time direct costs $25,406/total estimated costs $33,272
Non-Indiana residents: full-time direct costs $45,594/total estimated costs $53,460

Indiana University Bloomington has one of the largest libraries and history departments in the United States, making it one of the top choices for those interested in a future career in the field. This institution provides one of the best history doctoral programs nationwide taught by 50+ talented faculty members.

According to the program itself, Indiana University Bloomington is dedicated to training first-class historians for careers in and out of the classroom. Despite having a larger faculty, classes remain small in size so that students can receive individualized attention and advisor support.

Interested students may apply for a PhD directly without having a master’s degree. Admitted students are allowed seven years to complete their coursework and another seven years for their dissertation. However, students commonly finish their studies at a much faster pace than the allowance.

Provided they qualify, students in need of financial aid can find it by working as an associate instructor, course assistant, research assistant, or editorial assistant. Fellowships and grants are also within reach for those interested enough to apply.

New York University (Arts & Science)

$50,638 per year
Most new students at the NYU GSAS receive multi-year funding through the Henry M. MacCracken Program that offers four/five-year award terms, tuition remission for degree-required courses, health insurance, a nine-month living expenses stipend OR research assistantship, and a one-time $1,000 grant that students can use at their discretion.

New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science, founded over a century ago in 1886, is one of the oldest schools in the US that offers doctoral degrees. It has one of the best history PhDs available in the country.

Earning your PhD at NYU GSAS means you’ll need to commit to full-time studies of 12 points per semester. A PhD is 72 points, and students must complete 24 units within the first three years of their studies.

Learning is on-campus and there are no distance-learning opportunities at this time.

The history PhD program at the New York University Graduate School of Arts and Science is research-focused. Its main objective is to develop students’ professional skills in historical research and teaching history. This objective prepares students for an eventual career in academia or research. It also prepares future graduates, part of the job hopping generation , for other jobs such as archival management.

NYU GSAS’s major areas of study include but are not limited to:

African Diaspora
African History
Atlantic History
East Asian History
Latin American and Caribbean History
Medieval European History
Early Modern European History
South Asian History
United States History

*Interested students do not need to take the GRE if they apply for a standalone master’s or PhD in history. However, applying to joint PhD studies will require GRE results.

*International students whose first language is not English must pass the TOEFL.

Rutgers (School of Arts & Science)

New Jersey residents: $19,724/year
Non-New Jersey residents: $32,132/year

Rutgers offers funding opportunities for qualified students in the form of partial or complete tuition remission and a stipend of up to $25,000 disbursed annually. Students eligible for this aid are obligated to complete fellowships and assistantships throughout their studies.

The history PhD program at the Rutgers School of Arts and Science was designed for full-time study, taking 5 years on average. The distinguished faculty of more than 60 historians cover all sorts of areas of study and time periods, though they have strong specializations in traditional regional, thematic, transnational, comparative, cultural-intellectual, social history, and more.

Students in the program publish their research and scholarly work relatively often in major historical journals. They also present their research both nationally and internationally.

This institution’s history PhD programs such as women’s and gender history, modern U.S. history, and African-American history are often some of the most top-ranked nationwide.

University of California Berkeley

Admitted students receive a fully-funded fellowship that includes tuition and fee remission, insurance, and an additional stipend.
In the following years, students receive a salary and a stipend during teaching assistantships and instructorships.
A department research year grant is also awarded alongside a stipend.
To find out more, see their financial aid page here .

UC Berkeley’s history department is one of the top-ranked in the USA, and it offers one of the best PhD history programs in the nation.

Students learn from award-winning faculty members who have won some of the most prestigious awards in the field, including the MacArthur “Genius Award” and more. The faculty and their research cover practically everything — most of the globe and almost all of humanity’s recorded history.

The PhD program at UC Berkeley is well-known for cultural history, but it also specializes in the history of science, political history, religious history, economic history, urban history, and more.

It prepares students in four fields of study:

Three selected fields in history (first, second, and third)
One outside field in another discipline

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity in its student body and accepts students from all over the world.

University of Michigan (College of Literature, Science & Arts)

The plan involves six terms of fellowship support and six years of appointment as a grad student instructor or GSI.
Students also receive summer support for the first four years.
After the six years are over, there are additional funding opportunities possible.

The history PhD program at the University of Michigan has an interdisciplinary, global, and multidimensional approach to student education and training. It is regularly among the top-ranked history departments in the United States, which is a testament to the quality of education the diverse students receive here.

The program combines innovative teaching by the institution’s talented faculty with state-of-the-art research and techniques. The aim is to provide students training and preparation in their research fields, allowing them to succeed in their careers in or out of academia.

After graduation, alumni of this program enjoy relatively great placement numbers. The institution reports that only three out of nineteen graduates say they are unemployed or have no opportunities upon graduation in the past two years.

Because of the generous funding package and bright future for alumni, this program is extremely competitive. It receives around 350-400 applications for only eighteen open slots per year. It’s also worth mentioning that the average master’s GPA for applicants is 3.87.

Students must complete one year (18 credits) of the program in residence on-campus and complete the entire program within six to seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does it take to get a phd in history.

One of the main deterrents of earning any PhD is the time investment involved. The same applies to students who are earning their doctorate in history. According to Historians.org , the average time to finish a PhD in history programs is roughly eight years.

As a history PhD candidate , your program expects you to enroll in a minimum of three academic years for your graduate studies, known as your “residence.” Another common expectation is that PhD students should spend at least one year of residency at the university or institution awarding them the doctorate.

Despite requiring only three years of residence, it’s extremely rare for candidates to finish this quickly. Candidates must also fulfill the other important requirements, such as their dissertations, which often take around four years to complete.

Do I need a master’s in history to get a PhD in History?

If you’re thinking about applying for a PhD history program, you might be relieved to know that you don’t always need a master’s in history to qualify. For some educational institutions, the minimum educational attainment interested applicants need is a bachelor’s degree. However, there may be other requirements to apply, such as entrance exams, proof of interest in history, and recommendation letters.

The best thing you can do is find out whether the program you’re interested in requires a master’s degree before you apply.

How much does a history PhD cost?

The amount you pay per year may vary depending on where you choose to do your PhD.

On average, doctorates can cost as much as $30,000/year in tuition costs alone. Multiply that by eight years, and you may be paying $240,000 in total — not including any other costs incurred along the way.

If that amount sends you reeling, it might give you some relief to know that many of the best history PhD programs offer full funding and stipends to all admitted students.

There are also PhD programs in history that cost only half to a third of this amount overall.

How competitive are history PhD programs?

Those who have earned their history PhDs may tell you that the job market can be a challenge due to the limited number of positions available. The tight job market also means a more competitive admissions process, where it can be difficult to get into the PhD history programs of your choice. For example, some programs get almost four hundred applicants with fewer than twenty spots to fill.

Wrapping Up: Is a PhD in History for You?

The answer to this question depends on your preferences.

A PhD in History is often highly specialized, resulting in few career options upon graduation. However, those extremely passionate about the subject find extreme satisfaction in deepening their knowledge.

If you want a career in academia, or if you want to be working with history in some capacity in your job, a PhD may just be for you. Who knows, you may even qualify for a program that offers full funding!

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications. When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

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History PhD

First awarded by the University of Maryland in 1937, the Doctorate in History is conferred for superior achievement in historical research, writing, and interpretation.

Additional Information

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People (Department Directory)

PhD Program Overview

The Doctorate in History (PhD) is an essential component in the training of professional historians. The most significant requirement of the PhD degree program is the dissertation, an original and noteworthy contribution to historical knowledge. In anticipation of dissertation research, students spend several years mastering bibliographical tools, research and writing methods, and general, special, and minor fields of study.

Admission to the PhD program is offered to highly qualified applicants holding at least a Bachelor's (BA) degree, normally in History or a related discipline. Application and admissions procedures are described on the Department of History's graduate admissions page .

The length of time required to complete the PhD varies by field of study and student. Students admitted with a Bachelor's (BA) degree might expect to complete the program in five to six years of full-time study. Students entering with a Master of Arts (MA) degree might expect to complete the program in four to five years of full-time study. The degree must be completed in no more than nine years. Students typically take two years of course work, prepare for and take language exams (if required for their field) and comprehensive exams, and then research and write the dissertation.

Program Requirements and Policies

General program requirements.

Course work in the major and minor fields
Language examinations if required by field
Comprehensive examinations
Dissertation prospectus
Advancement to candidacy
The dDssertation

Each of these program requirements must be met before the PhD can be conferred.

Course Requirements

All PhD students entering with a Bachelor's (BA) degree (or equivalent) must take, at a minimum, the following courses (total 30 credits, not including 12 credits of “Dissertation Research”):

Contemporary Theory (HIST 601; 3 credits)
Major Field General Seminar (HIST 608; 3 credits)
Readings courses in the major field (HIST 6XX and 7XX; 9 credits)
Readings courses in the minor field (HIST 6XX and 7XX; 9 credits)
Research seminars (HIST 8XX; 6 credits)
Dissertation Research (HIST 898/899; 12 credits)

Special Notes:

Courses completed during previous post-baccalaureate degree programs and/or at other institutions may be considered to satisfy course requirements. However, students entering the PhD program with a Master's (MA) degree or equivalent in History or a related discipline must take a minimum of two 600-800 level courses in the major field, one of which should be with the major advisor.
Requests for course requirement waivers, equivalency, and credit transfers should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies. A request must include the course syllabus and transcripts showing the final grade. The endorsement of the advisor is typically sought.
Up to nine credit hours of major and minor field readings courses may be taken at the 400 level. Students seeking to take a 400 level course for graduate credit should consult the instructor of record to discuss course expectations before registering.
HIST 708/709: “Directed Independent Reading for Comprehensive Examinations” does not count toward the nine-credit readings seminar requirement.
Students in the U.S. and Latin America fields are expected to take two major field seminars (HIST 608)–in this case, one of these 608s will be counted toward the “Readings courses in the major field” requirement.
Students must complete the entire program for the doctoral (PhD) degree, including the dissertation and final examination, during a four-year period after admission to candidacy, but no later than nine years after admission to the doctoral (PhD) program. Students must be advanced to candidacy within five years of admission to the doctoral (PhD) program.

Fields of Study

Doctoral students should choose one of the following as their “major field” of study:

Global Interaction and Exchange

Jewish History (Classical Antiquity to the Present)

Latin America

Middle East

Technology, Science, and Environment

United States

Learn more about fields of study and faculty work produced in each field by visiting the research fields page .

The Minor Field

All doctoral students are required to complete a minor field of study outside the major field of study. This requirement is typically met through nine credit hours of coursework. However, a student may opt to satisfy the requirement by written examination.

A minor field is usually a field of history outside the student's major field of concentration. For example, a student in the U.S. field may select a minor field in Latin American history; a student in the Women & Gender field may select a minor field in European history. The minor field may be a standard national-chronological field (e.g., 19th-century United States; Imperial Russia; Postcolonial India), or it may be a cross-cultural, cross-regional thematic field (e.g., the Atlantic in the era of the slave trade; gender and Islam). Or, it might be taken in a department or program outside of History (e.g., Women's Studies, English, Government & Politics, Classics and Comparative Literature).

For students opting to satisfy the minor field requirement via coursework, all courses must be approved by the student's advisor and must, to the satisfaction of the advisor and the Graduate Committee, form a coherent field of historical inquiry distinct from the general field. Courses taken at the master's level may count towards fulfillment of the minor field requirements, subject to the approval of the advisor and, in the case of courses taken at outside institutions, of the director of graduate studies.

Language Requirements

Language requirements must be fulfilled before a student is admitted to candidacy. While no MA degree requires language examinations, students will often have to learn one or more foreign languages in their field of study to successfully complete their research. They will also need to learn these languages if they wish to continue on towards a PhD. When applying for either program, preference will be given to students with prior experience with languages in their fields of study.

Language requirements differ across the varying fields within history.

No foreign language requirements for the PhD. If a student’s dissertation topic requires research in foreign language materials, the advisor will decide if the student needs to show proficiency by taking an examination in the language in question.

Spanish and Portuguese. For admission, applicants will be evaluated on their language abilities, and preference will be given to applicants with a strong command of Spanish and/or Portuguese. All PhD students must show proficiency by examination in both languages by the time they are admitted to candidacy. Exceptions to one of those languages (typically Portuguese) if the student’s dissertation requires the use of indigenous languages or documents produced by ethnic minorities. In such cases, students must be proficient in those languages.

One language (in addition to English). Depending on the field, the adviser may determine that the student needs to show proficiency in an additional language.

For admission, students must have proficiency at the advanced intermediate level in at least one major Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Persian or Turkish). All PhD students must acquire advanced proficiency in their chosen language either by course work or exam by the time they are admitted to candidacy. In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in one European language by the time of their comprehensive exams.

Ancient Mediterranean

For admission, students should present knowledge of classical Greek and Latin at the intermediate level and reading knowledge of either French or German. Knowledge of classical Greek, Latin, French and German is required for the PhD. Other language skills, eg. Italian, Spanish, Modern Greek or Hebrew, may prove to be necessary for dissertation research but are not formal program requirements. Students satisfy the requirement in Latin and Greek in one of two ways: either by completing three upper level or graduate courses (400-600 level) in each language and obtaining at least a B in all courses and an A- or better in at least two of the courses; or by passing a departmental sight translation exam. This exam consists of translating (with the help of a dictionary) three passages of three sentences each (roughly one-fourth to one-third OCT page) selected from prose authors of average difficulty. Students show proficiency in French and German through the regular departmental language exams.

Medieval Europe

For admission, proficiency in either Latin, French or German and familiarity with a second of those languages. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin, French and German. They can satisfy the Latin requirement in one of two ways: either by taking three upper level or graduate courses (400-600 level) and obtaining at least a B in all courses and an A- or better in at least two of the courses; or by passing a departmental sight translation exam. This exam consists of translating (with the help of a dictionary) three passages of three sentences each (roughly one-fourth to one-third OCT page) selected from medieval prose authors of average difficulty. Students show proficiency in French and German through the regular departmental language exams. Depending on the field, students may have to know an additional national/regional language like Spanish or Italian.

Early Modern Europe

For admission, proficiency in one foreign language related to the field. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in two foreign languages. Depending on the field, students may also have to know Latin.

Modern Europe

For admission, students must know the language of the country or region in which they are interested. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of the country/region in which they are interested plus another European language.

Russia/Soviet Union

For admission, three years of Russian or the equivalent. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in Russian plus either French or German. Depending on the area of interest, the adviser may require an additional language.

For admission, advanced intermediate-level proficiency in modern Hebrew. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in modern Hebrew and one other language necessary for their fields. The advisor may require other languages as necessary.

Chinese History

For admission, students must have had at least two years of university-level Chinese language courses. All PhD students must acquire advanced proficiency in Chinese since they will be using Chinese documents for their dissertations. Before admission to candidacy students must pass a Chinese language exam in which they will translate about 30 lines of modern, scholarly Chinese into English. As with all departmental language exams, students will be able to use a dictionary, and they will have four hours to complete the translation.

Language Examinations

Except as specified for Latin and ancient Greek, the typical language proficiency examination includes a summary and translation of a passage from a work of modern scholarship in the student’s field. The director of graduate studies appoints a faculty member, typically the student’s advisor, to coordinate the exam and select an excerpt from a published work of historical scholarship in the student’s field. Students write a 200-300 word summary of this five-to-seven page excerpt from the scholarly literature in their fields, and then they do a direct translation of an indicated 30-line passage within that excerpt. The direct translation must be accurate and rendered in idiomatic English. Students have four hours to complete the exam, and they may use a language dictionary that they themselves provide.

Language exams can be taken at any time before candidacy. The exams are read by two members of the faculty: typically, the student’s advisor, who chooses the passage and serves as chair of the exam committee, and one other member of the faculty chosen by the D\director of graduate studies in consultation with the advisor. Faculty from outside the department who have the necessary expertise are eligible to serve as evaluators. The two possible grades are pass and fail. If the two readers do not agree, the director of graduate studies will appoint a third faculty member to read the exam. Students who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the examination without prior approval. After a second failure, the student must petition for reexamination. The chair of the language exam committee will notify the director of graduate studies about the results of the exam within one week after the exam, and the graduate coordinator will notify the student in writing about the results, which will then be inserted into the student’s records. All students should normally pass their language examinations during their third year of the program, though given the complexity of the language requirements in different fields of study, the department recognizes the need to exercise some flexibility in the timing of this requirement.

Comprehensive Examinations

Comprehensive examinations (comps) are a standard feature of historical training in the United States. The examinations require the examinee to demonstrate mastery of historical scholarship and historiography in a major field, including specialized mastery of the authors, themes, works and topics most relevant to the intended dissertation topic. All students register for HIST 708/709: “Directed Independent Reading for Comprehensive Examinations” for two semesters, once in the semester prior to the one in which they are scheduled to take the examinations (normally the fifth semester of the student’s program) and the second in the same semester as their examinations (normally the sixth semester of the student’s program). As noted above, these courses do not count towards the nine-credit readings seminar requirement.

Comprehensive examinations include the following:

A special field examination in the form of an essay. Students prepare an essay of 4,000 to \5,000 words in length, 16-20 pages, double-spaced in a 12-point font. The special field is a subfield of the major field in which the dissertation is centered.
A take-home major field examination administered in written format. Students have 48 hours to complete the exam, which should be 5,000 to 6,000 words, 20-24 pages, double-spaced in a 12-point font in length.
A two-hour oral examination by the examination committee, including coverage of both the take-home major field exam and the essay that comprises the special field exam.

Timeline : The comprehensive examinations are administered during the first half of the student’s sixth semester in the program. The special field essay has to be submitted to the graduate coordinator before the student takes the major field examination. The oral examination follows within two weeks of passing the major field examination and the special field essay. Students entering the program with an MA in history might be expected to complete their comprehensive examinations during their fifth semester in the program. (Also see the “Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Examinations and the Prospectus” at the end of this document.)

Reading Lists : The format, content and length of the reading lists for the comprehensive examinations vary by field but the list should normally be in the range of 200 to 250 books. Of these, about two-thirds should be in the major field and one-third in the special field. In all fields, students develop their reading lists in consultation with their advisors and other members of the examination committee. The reading list must be compiled and approved by the examination committee by the end of their second-year summer (after the student’s fourth semester in the program). For students coming in with an MA in history who would like to take their examinations during their fifth semester in the program, the list must be ready by the end of the student’s third semester. After approval, limited changes may be made solely by mutual agreement of the student and his/her advisor.

The examination committee : The examination committee consists of three or four members of the Graduate Faculty, typically all members of the history faculty. The director of graduate studies designates the committee members and chair, in consultation with the major advisor and the student. The committee chair shall not be the student's advisor. All committee members contribute questions to the written and oral examinations. Most or all of these same committee members are normally also on the student’s dissertation committee but the composition of the examination and prospectus committees do not need to be the same.

Grading : Comprehensive examinations will be graded pass, pass with distinction or fail.

Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Exams and Prospectus

Both the initial version of the prospectus and the special field essay are due before the major field take-home examination during the first half of the sixth semester of the student's program.
The major field take-home examination should be completed also during the first half of the sixth semester of the student's program after the initial version of the prospectus and the special field essay are submitted.
The two-hour oral examination on both the take-home major field exam and the essay that comprises the special field exam follows within two weeks of passing the major field examination and the special field exam. This oral exam can take place during the second half of the sixth semester of the student’s program.
The one-hour oral examination based on the initial version of the prospectus also takes place during the second half of the sixth semester of the student’s program but only after successful completion of the two-hour oral examination (#3 above).
The final version of the prospectus as approved by the advisor is due on the first day of the academic semester that immediately follows the comprehensive examinations, which is normally the seventh semester of the student’s program.

Prospectus & Candidacy

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus is a written précis of the proposed dissertation research, its significance, the sources and methods to be used, the relevant bibliography including primary source materials and the plan of completion. It is intended to form the substance of grant proposals students will write in order to apply for both internal and external grants and fellowships. Each field of study has its own expectations for the length of the prospectus, but normally these should be concise documents not to exceed 10-12 pages in length, followed by a bibliography. In all fields, the prospectus is developed by the student in close collaboration with the advisor and other members of the examination committee.

The preparation of the prospectus includes the following stages :

An initial version of the prospectus.
A one-hour oral examination based on that initial version.
A final version incorporating any revisions suggested by members of the dissertation committee and approved by the advisor submitted to the graduate coordinator.

Timeline : The initial draft version of the prospectus should be submitted to the graduate coordinator during the first half of the student’s sixth semester before the student takes the major field examination, normally at the same time as the special field essay. The one-hour oral examination of the prospectus based on the initial version is scheduled during the second half of the student’s sixth semester in the program following satisfactory completion of the comprehensive examinations. The final version of the prospectus as approved by the advisor is due on the first day of the academic semester that immediately follows the comprehensive examination. (Also see the “Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Examinations and the Prospectus” at the end of this document.)

The relationship between the prospectus and the special field Essay: The special field essay normally covers the historiography of the entire subfield within the major field in which the dissertation is anchored, while the prospectus is more narrowly concerned with the specific research topic of the dissertation.

The examination committee: The prospectus oral examination committee consists of the advisor and at least two other members of the Graduate Faculty, who are normally also members of the student’s dissertation committee. The advisor chairs the examination. All committee members contribute questions to the oral examination and make suggestions for revisions. Upon passing the oral examination, the student will complete any revisions requested (as determined by the advisor and the committee) and submit the final prospectus approved by the advisor to the graduate program coordinator.

MA “Along the Way”

When a student receives a pass or pass with distinction and the endorsement to continue on in the PhD program, the student has the option to request that the Master of Arts degree be conferred "along the way," subject to fulfillment of the standard requirements of the MA degree.

In some instances, the examination committee may recommend that a PhD student taking comprehensive examinations be given a pass at the MA level, sufficient for the conferral of a terminal master's degree. Such a recommendation will be made with the expectation that the student not continue on towards doctoral candidacy.

Petition for Reexamination

In the case of failure of a language examination taken for the second time or one or more components of the comprehensive examinations and the prospectus preparation process (special field essay, take-home major field examination, two-hour oral examination and prospectus oral examination), the student may petition the director of graduate studies to take the whole examination or the relevant component(s) a second time. If the petition is approved, the student may retake the examination as soon as possible. A student may petition only once to retake all or part of the comprehensive examinations and the prospectus preparation process.

Successful completion of the prospectus is typically the last step before application for advancement to candidacy.

Advancement to Candidacy

A doctoral student advances to candidacy when all degree requirements (i.e., course work, demonstrated competence in languages or special skills, comprehensive examinations and the dissertation prospectus) have been satisfied, with the exception of the dissertation.

Formal admission to candidacy (sometimes known as "All but Dissertation" or "ABD" status) is granted by the dean of the Graduate School. The application is routed through the director of graduate studies.

Advising & Committees

Each student admitted to the PhD program will choose an advisor who is a member of the Graduate Faculty and whose intellectual interests are compatible with the student's plan of study. All graduate students are required to choose an advisor by November 1 of their first semester. If they do not choose an advisor by that date, the director of graduate studies will appoint one for them. The faculty advisor will be responsible for advising the student on all aspects of their academic program, for approving the student's course of study each semester, for monitoring their progress through the program,and for notifying the student of the nature and timing of examinations and other evaluative procedures. The advisor, in consultation with the student and the director of graduate studies, will be responsible for constituting the Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation Examination committees. The advisor will also represent the student to the Graduate Committee, as appropriate.

At the conclusion of the first year of study, all students will make available to their advisor a transcript of coursework and major written work completed during the first year. Upon review of the appropriate materials, the advisor will then recommend to the director of graduate studies continuation, modification or, as appropriate, termination of the student's program. All recommendations for termination require discussion and approval of the Graduate Committee.

Students may change advisors. The director of graduate studies and the new faculty advisor shall approve changes in advisors before a student advances to candidacy. After advancement to candidacy, changes shall be approved only by petition to the Graduate Committee. A change of advisor must be recorded in the student's electronic file.

Registration and Degree Progress

Continuous Registration

All graduate students must register for courses and pay associated tuition and fees each semester, not including summer and winter sessions, until the degree is awarded.

Pre-candidacy doctoral students who will be away from the university for up to one year may request a waiver of continuous registration and its associated tuition and fees. Waivers shall be granted only if the student is making satisfactory progress toward the degree and can complete all the degree requirements within the required time limits. Interruptions in continuous registration cannot be used to justify an extension to time-to-degree requirements.

Once advanced to candidacy, a student is no longer eligible for Waivers of Continuous Registration. Doctoral candidates must maintain continuous registration in HIST 899: “Doctoral Dissertation Research” until the degree is awarded.

The Graduate School makes available an official leave absence for childbearing, adoption, illness and dependent care. The dean of the Graduate School must approve the leave. The time-to-degree clock is suspended during an approved leave of absence.

Additional information on continuous registration and leave absence policies is published online in the Graduate Catalog.

Time-to-Degree

All students admitted to the doctoral program are expected to

advance to candidacy within three years from initial enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and
complete all degree requirements within six years of entering the program.

Progress-to-Degree

All students in the doctoral program will be expected to demonstrate steady progress toward the completion of degree requirements. At a minimum, the Graduate School requires students to maintain a B average in all graduate courses. However, the Department of History expects a higher level of performance, with the great majority of a student’s grades at the level of an A- or above.

Students in major fields that require lengthy language or special skill acquisition might be granted a one-year extension to progress-to-degree expectations. Additional extensions will require the approval of the Graduate Committee.

In order to meet progress-to-degree expectations :

800-level research seminar work should normally be completed by the end of the fourth semester in the program.
The major field reading list must be compiled and approved by the examination committee by the end of the summer after the student’s fourth semester in the program.
Students should complete their comprehensive examinations by the end of their sixth semester in the program. Students coming in with an M.A. in history should normally complete their comprehensive examinations by the end of their fifth semester in the program.
Each student will be expected to submit a copy of the final dissertation prospectus approved by the advisor to the graduate program coordinator at the beginning of their seventh academic semester in the program.
All students should normally pass their language examinations during the third year of their program.
The director of graduate studies will review fully each student's progress-to-degree as well as the overall progress-to-degree by degree cohort at least once a year.

Failure to make satisfactory progress-to-degree or to maintain the expected grade point average may result in the suspension or loss of departmental funding, the denial of a petition for extensions, and in extreme cases, a recommendation for dismissal.

NOTE : The above guidelines on continuous registration, time-to-degree and progress-to-degree guidelines are for students matriculating in fall 2018 or thereafter. Students entering the graduate program in prior semesters are subject to guidelines at time of matriculation.

Extensions and Waivers

The Graduate Committee will consider petitions for waivers to departmental guidelines. Petitions for waivers to Graduate School requirements must be submitted to the dean of the Graduate School, using the appropriate form. In most instances, the petitioning student will be required to provide a rationale for the waiver request, and, as appropriate, a convincing plan of study. The advice of the student's advisor may be sought. The advisor will be required to endorse any waiver request that involves extensions to overall time-to-degree as well as the major benchmarks of progress-to-degree.

All petitions should be directed to the director of graduate studies. The director of graduate studies, and in some cases the dean of the Graduate School, will notify the student of their disposition of petitions for extensions.

Sample Program of Study

Introduction.

The program of study often varies by field and many factors may extend or reorder the sequence and length of the program of study.

The following program of study assumes that the doctoral student will be assigned a teaching assistantship in the second, third and fourth years of study. Students coming in with an MA in history will be expected to complete the program in five or five and a half years.

Foreign language study is not incorporated into this program.

First Year (Departmental Fellowship)

Major Field General Seminar (608) or Contemporary Theory (HIST 601)
Major Field Readings Seminar
Minor Field Course
Research Seminar OR Minor Field Course
Exploratory Research

Second Year (Teaching Assistantship)

2 courses out of the following three categories:
Research Seminar
Research Seminar
Reading for Comprehensive Examinations
Initial Prospectus Preparation

Third Year (Teaching Assistantship)

HIST 708: Readings for Comprehensives”
Prospectus Preparation
Grant Applications
HIST 709: “Readings for Comprehensive Examinations”
Prospectus Oral Examination
Final Version of Prospectus
Dissertation Research

Fourth Year (Teaching Assistantship)

Dissertation Research (HIST 899)

Fifth Year (Departmental or External Fellowship)

Grant Applications

Spring & Summer

Dissertation Writing

Sixth Year (Departmental or External Fellowship)

Job applications
Job applications

Graduate Placement

Learn more about the career and life paths of our PhD alumni.

Graduate Coordinator, History

2131 Francis Scott Key Hall College Park MD, 20742

Ph.D. Requirements

Our doctoral curriculum encourages breadth and depth in your graduate experience during the first two years, while also starting to direct you towards your specific areas of research interests. Beginning in the third year, you will turn to more individualized work on your dissertation proposals, in consultation with advisers and other committee members.

Degree Requirements

Courses (see suggested coursework sequence for the first three years)
HISTORY 701S: Research Seminar in History
HISTORY 702S: Research Seminar in History
HISTORY 703S: Focusing on Teaching and Pedagogy
HISTORY 704S: Focusing on Preparing Portfolios for Preliminary Certification
6 to 7 Reading Colloquia courses (courses numbered HISTORY 790S-01 through 790S-14). Students may substitute up to 4 colloquia for Independent Studies (HISTORY 791 / 792) , 500, 600 or 700 level History graduate classes, or, with approval of the DGS, graduate seminars from other departments or other universities.
2 to 3 Research Seminars (courses numbered HISTORY 890S-01 through 890S-14). Students may substitute 1-2 of these seminars for an independent study (HISTORY 791 / 792 Independent Study) or another research-centric seminar offered or cross-listed in History. Students need to take at least one HIS 890S seminar.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Supervisory Committee
Preliminary Certification
Dissertation
Dissertation Defense
Payment of 6 semesters of full-time tuition (or 5 if transfer credit has been approved) AND continuous registration

Optional, accelerated path for students entering with an M.A.

Students who enter with the M.A. have the option to move directly to prelims and the prospectus in their second year, should they choose to do so. The requirements are:

HISTORY 701S
HISTORY 702S
HISTORY 703S
HISTORY 704S
1 research seminar (HIS 890S)
2 readings colloquia (HIS 790S)

Independent studies would be determined in consultation with the primary adviser and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Students who wish to pursue this option need the approval of their advisers and the DGS.

Optional, accelerated path for students wishing to complete Ph.D. in four years or less

Students who enter under special programs that require completion of the Ph.D. in four years or less will work out a specific plan of study with the DGS and their advisers. The department understands that a certain amount of flexibility is required in such cases and the DGS will work to keep the academic spirit of the requirements, without creating insurmountable programmatic barriers for the students.

Location & Directions
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Concentrations
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Inequality Studies Minor
History+: Beyond the Classroom
What Do You Do with a History Degree?
Global Education
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House Course Application Guidelines
Outside Opportunities
Historia Nova: The Duke Historical Review
Duke History Union
Master of Arts Requirements
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Coursework Plan by Year & Semester
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Doctoral Dissertation
Language Requirement
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All Courses
Core Courses
Capstone Seminars
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Primary Faculty
Secondary Faculty
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Graduate Students
Business, Labor or Working Class
Colonial Empire & Colonialism
Cultural History
Gender & Sexuality
Global and/or Transnational
Intellectual History
Legal History
Military War Society
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Race & Ethnicity
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Methods Labs
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Graduate Students

Learn more about our students' research interests and dissertation projects.

CURRENT STUDENTS

Ph.D. Program

Stanford Ph.D. Program in History aims to train world-class scholars.

Every year we admit 10-12 promising students from a large pool of highly selective applicants. Our small cohort size allows more individual work with faculty than most graduate programs in the United States and also enables funding in one form or another available to members of each cohort.

Fields of Study

Our graduate students may specialize in 14 distinct subfields: Africa, Britain, Early Modern Europe, East Asia, Jewish History, Latin America, Medieval Europe, Modern Europe, Ottoman Empire and Middle East, Russia/Eastern Europe, Science, Technology, Environment, and Medicine, South Asia, Transnational, International, and Global History, and United States. Explore each field and their affiliates .

The department expects most graduate students to spend no less than four and no more than six years completing the work for the Ph.D. degree. Individual students' time to degree will vary with the strength of their undergraduate preparation as well as with the particular language and research requirements of their respective Major fields.

Expectations and Degree Requirements

We expect that most graduate students will spend no less than four and no more than six years toward completing their Ph.D. Individual students' time-to-degree vary with the strength of their undergraduate preparation as well as with the particular language and research requirements of their respective subfield.

All History Ph.D. students are expected to satisfy the following degree requirements:

Teaching: Students who enter on the Department Fellowship are required to complete 4 quarters of teaching experience by the end of their third year. Teaching experience includes teaching assistantships and teaching a Sources and Methods course on their own.
Candidacy : Students apply for candidacy to the PhD program by the end of their second year in the program.
Orals: The University Orals Examination is typically taken at the beginning of the 3rd year in the program.
Languages: Language requirements vary depending on the field of study.
Residency Requirement : The University requi res 135 units of full-tuition residency for PhD students. After that, students should have completed all course work and must request Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Browse the Ph.D. Handbook to learn more .

The History Department Fellowship offers 5 years of financial support to PhD students. No funding is offered for the co-terminal and terminal M.A. programs. A sample Ph.D. funding package is as follows:

1st year: 3 quarters fellowship stipend and 1 summer stipend
2nd year: 2 quarters TAships, 1 quarter RAship (pre-doc affiliate), and 1 summer stipend
3rd year: 2 quarters TAships, 1 quarter RAship (pre-doc affiliate), and 1 summer stipend
4th year: 3 quarters of RAships (pre-doc affiliate) and 1 summer stipend
5th year: 3 quarters of RAships (pre-doc affiliate) and 1 summer stipend

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your studies at Stanford. candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

How to Apply

Admission to the History Graduate Programs are for Autumn quarter only. Interested applicants can online at https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/apply-now and submit the following documents:

Statement of Purpose (included in Application)
3 Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year. A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application. Please do not mail transcripts to the department. We will ask only the admitted students to submit actual copies of official transcripts.
1 Writing Sample on a historic topic (10-25 pages; sent via Stanford's online application system only)
The GRE exam is not required for the autumn 2024 admission cycle
TOEFL for all international applicants (whose primary language is not English) sent via ETS. Our University code is 4704.
TOEFL Exemptions and Waiver information
Application Fee Waiver
The department is not able to provide fee waivers. Please see the link above for the available fee waivers and how to submit a request. Requests are due 2 weeks before the application deadline.

The Department of History welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

The Department of History also recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

Application deadline for Autumn 2024-25 is Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:59pm EST . This is a hard -not a postmark- deadline.

All application material is available online. No information is sent via snail mail. Interested applicants are invited to view a Guide to Graduate Admissions at https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/ .

Questions?

Please contact Arthur Palmon (Assistant Director of Student Services).

Department Bookshelf

Browse the most recent publications from our faculty members.

Uncertain Past Time: Empire, Republic, and Politics | Belirsiz Geçmiş Zaman: İmparatorluk, Cumhuriyet Ve Siyaset

Embodied Knowledge: Women and Science before Silicon Valley

Compton in My Soul

The Fox Spirit, the Stone Maiden, and Other Transgender Histories from Late Imperial China

Residual Governance: How South Africa Foretells Planetary Futures

PhD History
Prospective Students
MA Programs

The Department of History offers a PhD program centered on rigorous research within a vibrant and diverse intellectual community. While most of our students have a history degree (BA) or degrees (BA and MA), we accept students with a variety of backgrounds and interests.

Admission is highly competitive. All offers include a full university fellowship for the duration of the program. Between 2017 and 2023, a number of excellent students selected for admission were named Neubauer Family Distinguished Doctoral Fellows and received additional fellowship support over for five years.

Autumn 2023 Admissions Deadline: December 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM CST

Application Process

Interested students apply to the PhD program through the Division of the Social Sciences . For questions regarding the application submission and fee waivers, please contact SSD Admissions. For questions regarding the History PhD Program or History-specific application components, please contact our graduate affairs administrator .

Official decisions are sent by the Social Science Admissions Office by late February. The Department cannot release any information on admissions decisions.

Application Advice

The requirements for the application can be found on the divisional admissions pages . The following advice is specific to your application to the Department of History.

Your writing sample should be a complete self-contained work. The ideal sample should be in the field of history (or a closely related field) that you plan to pursue at Chicago. Include the class or publication for which the sample was written. We do not have a page or word limit for writing samples. For papers longer than twenty-five pages, please flag a section for the committee.

Your candidate statement provides us with vital insight into the intersection of your intellectual goals and personal trajectory. It should communicate: 1) the ambitions you wish to pursue through doctoral work in history; 2) the specific questions and themes that will shape your dissertation research; 3) the personal and intellectual trajectory that has brought you to those themes and questions and prepared you to pursue them; and 4) the reasons that the University of Chicago and its faculty are well-matched to your doctoral plans.

The most helpful letters of recommendation come from faculty members who can assess your ability to work on your proposed historical topic.

Prospective students are asked to identify one or two primary fields of scholarly interest from a list in the application. Our faculty pages are sorted by field. Please see those pages for more information on faculty working in your field of interest. Please note, however, that we highly encourage applicants who work across field boundaries and do not apportion admissions by field.

There is no minimum foreign language requirement to enter the program, but successful applicants should possess strong language skills in their proposed research language(s) and be aware of the language requirements for the various fields . All students are required to take a language exam in the first quarter of the program.

The University sets the English-language assessment requirements. Refer to the Division of the Social Sciences for English-language requirements and waivers.

Submission of GRE scores is entirely optional. Those who choose not to submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

MA Program Consideration

All applicants who are not admitted to our PhD program are automatically forwarded for consideration by our MA programs, unless the applicant specifically opts out of this process on their application. That said, as referred applications are considered later than most other MA applications, scholarship assistance for students admitted to an MA program through the referral process may be limited. If you are interested in our MA programs and would need scholarship assistance to attend, we would encourage you to apply directly to the MA as well as our program (note that this would require a separate application and application fee). MA applications are accepted multiple times per year with decisions typically issued within 6 to 8 weeks. Questions about applying to an MA program should be directed to [email protected] .

Campus Visits

We encourage prospective students to reach out to potential faculty mentors through email. Please consult our faculty page to find professors who share your interests. Our graduate affairs administrator can provide additional information about the program.

The University also offers graduate campus tours throughout the year that are led by graduate students. Please check their website for campus visitor updates.

Admitted PhD students are invited to visit campus for "History Day" at the beginning of Spring Quarter.

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History, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

Location: Tempe campus
Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD History

The PhD program in history offers outstanding opportunities for graduate study in North American, European, public and global-comparative history.

The School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies' world-class faculty members deliver courses and individualized mentoring in a wide range of historical topics, such as urban history, environment and sustainability studies, politics and policy, immigration, gender, race and ethnicity, and comparative history. In addition, doctoral history students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the numerous collaborative opportunities that exist throughout the university in ASU's many innovative schools and centers.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (16 credit hours) HST 502 Public History Methodology (3) HST 640 Historical Methods (3) HST 641 North American History (3) HST 643 Global History (3) HST 644 Area Studies in History (3) HST 682 Advanced Research Skill (1)

Electives and Research (44 credit hours)

Other Requirement (12 credit hours) HST 591 Seminar (6) HST 792 Research (6)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) HST 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information In general, all credit hours must be at the 500 level or above. Graduate credit may be awarded for 400-level courses; it must be approved in advance and documented in the student's file.

The doctoral program requires a minimum of 84 credit hours and may be completed in four to five years. Students with a master's degree may apply 30 credit hours toward the 84 required credit hours with approval of the academic unit and the Graduate College. If the student does not already have a master's degree in a related field, then the remaining 30 credit hours are made up of electives and research to reach the 84 credit hours required for the doctoral program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.30 or higher.

All applicants must submit:

graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
statement of purpose
resume or curriculum vitae
writing sample
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The history program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90. A student whose native language is not English also must submit a copy of an article or research paper in the student's native or principal research language in addition to the English writing sample required of all students.

Students are required to submit a minimum of three email addresses of faculty or others qualified to speak to the student's suitability for graduate study in history. Letters of reference should be submitted by the recommenders in addition to the electronic reference form they are asked to complete.

The statement of purpose is to be addressed to the history admission committee and should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, the primary field the applicant wishes to pursue, the proposed research specialization, and why the applicant wants to pursue graduate study at ASU; it should be about 500 words in length.

The writing sample, either published or unpublished, may be an article, a research paper, or any other extended sample of expository skill, and it must be no longer than 35 pages in length. Longer writing samples should not be submitted without first consulting the graduate director. Documents and files should not be password protected. Acceptable file types are .rtf, .pdf and .doc.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

Identify and complete applications for funding opportunities that can support their research
Demonstrate mastery of three domains of historical knowledge as well as display expertise in their proposed topic of study
Accomplish meaningful contributions to the profession through accepted publications and presentations

Career Opportunities

Graduates possess the foundational skills in research, writing, and communication and fundamental training needed for careers in research, archival work, higher education, teaching, public history, government service, and a host of other areas in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

They serve as first-rate historians, highly qualified instructors at two-year schools and universities, researchers and consultants for business and government, archivists, foreign service officers, management professionals, community organizers and public servants. Other career examples include:

editorial and publishing professional
K-12 school teacher
museum director and staff
nonprofit director
university professor

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

[email protected]
480/965-5778

Department of History

Ph.d. programs.

The Department of History’s doctoral degree program seeks to train talented historians for careers in scholarship, teaching, and beyond the academy. The department typically accepts 22 Ph.D. students per year. Additional students are enrolled through various combined programs and through HSHM. All admitted Ph.D. students receive a full financial aid package from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

History of Science and Medicine

The Program in the History of Science and Medicine (HSHM) is a semi-autonomous graduate track within the Department of History. HSHM students receive degrees in History, with a concentration in the History of Science and Medicine. There is a separate admissions process for students interested in the History of Science and Medicine. For more information, please see the HSHM website .

Combined Doctoral Programs

Joint ph.d. programs.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History Online

Transfer credits, next start date, become a professional historian with an online phd in history.

Are you interested in a career in education, research, politics, archaeology, or management of national landmarks and museums? Whatever your career goals are, Liberty University’s PhD in History can provide a theoretical background as well as research nd writing experience. These tools can help you excel in either academic or non-academic career fields related to humanities and social sciences.

An online doctorate in history can prepare you to pursue a variety of career opportunities. You might join the world of academia as a professor, professional researcher, or publisher. Or you could pursue a position as a museum curator, international development specialist, author, archaeologist, or federal government employee.

Academics and many other career fields need people like you who are knowledgeable about the undercurrents, culture, and societal standards surrounding historical events. Prepare to excel in whichever career field you choose when you pursue Liberty University’s online PhD in History.

Annual median salary for professionals with a doctorate*

All PhD in History courses are available online

Is a PhD in History worth it?

If you love history and want to increase your career options and earning potential, then a PhD in History is worth your effort. The types of jobs you could qualify for range from positions in the federal government to academia to private companies.

Your earning potential will also increase because you hold a terminal degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a doctoral degree earn an annual median salary of $94,900.* This is a 27% increase from the salaries of their counterparts who only have a master’s degree.

Can you get a PhD in History online?

Yes – with Liberty University’s online programs, you can earn your PhD in History 100% online. Our goal is to provide you with quality academics that are both affordable and flexible. We understand that you are a working professional with commitments. That’s why you have the flexibility to complete your doctorate wherever and whenever is most convenient for you.

How many years does it take to get a PhD in History?

Most students pursuing our PhD in History can complete the program in just 4 years. This includes a combination of full- and part-time attendance as well as dissertation work.

What can you do with a PhD in History?

When you’re considering career options, a PhD in History is one of the most flexible doctorates you can earn. You will have job opportunities with the United States government, universities, private organizations, and more. Some of the specific careers that may be available to you include:

Academic publisher
Archaeologist
Higher education administrator
International development specialist
Museum curator

Is a PhD from Liberty University respected?

If you plan to choose Liberty for your PhD, you can rest assured that your degree will be respected. Liberty University is regionally accredited through SACSCOC . This means our program has to meet rigorous academic standards that are respected by future employers.

Why Choose Liberty University’s History PhD Program Online?

When you choose Liberty, you’re choosing to pursue a degree from an accredited university. We offer a Christ-centered curriculum, flexible course scheduling, and affordable rates. Our goal is to provide you with academic excellence that is grounded in faith and consistent support throughout your academic journey.

Liberty University holds regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). This means we have earned accreditation that demands high academic standards. Employers can have confidence in your knowledge and abilities gained through the program. And you can rest knowing that your degree will benefit both your personal and professional life.

At Liberty, our mission is Training Champions for Christ . That means each of your professors is a Christian who incorporates a biblical worldview into every course. Your professors are professionals who have doctorates like our online history PhD degree.

You can complete our PhD in History through distance education with 8-week courses and no set login times. This flexibility allows you to pursue your online doctoral degree while maintaining commitments to your family, career, community, and church.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

What Will You Learn in Our Online PhD in History Program?

When you pursue our doctorate in history, you’ll learn historical concepts and how to educate others from a Christian perspective. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to do the following:

Apply a Christian worldview to the study of history
Apply historical methodology to professional settings
Conduct original research that is based upon knowledge of the literature of the discipline
Evaluate historiographic positions, like scholarly literature and interpretations, at the doctoral level

Featured Courses

HIST 502 – Historiography*
HIST 701 – Historical Professions
HIST 711 – Development of Western Freedoms
HIUS 713 – American Entrepreneurship since 1900

*Course guide coming soon

Highlights of Our Online History PhD Program

We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your PhD online from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
This program is offered in an 8-week course format, with 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times!
You will benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in the program from around the country.
The PhD in History is the first program of its kind offered from a conservative Christian, accredited university.
Your degree requires experience both inside and outside the classroom to help you become fully prepared for any professional setting you choose.

Liberty’s PhD in History Online Degree Information

This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences .
Download and review the Degree Completion Plan .
View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
View the PhD in History Handbook .

Apply Now Request Info

Career Opportunities for History PhD Online Graduates

Federal government employee
Professional researcher

Admission Requirements for the PhD in History at Liberty University

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree in history, or a related field,* with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

Admission application
Application fee**
Official college transcripts indicating successful completion of a doctorate or master’s in history or a related field*
Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*Examples include but are not limited to: public or applied history, social sciences, political science, philosophy, government, international relations, geography, English, theology, church history, economics, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), museum studies, and library sciences.

** There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Education Pays (viewed online August 19, 2020). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

Apply FREE This Week*

Other programs you may be interested in

Doctor of Education (EDD)

Doctor of Education

Next Start Date: May 13, 2024

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Educational Leadership

Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Education (MED)

Curriculum and Instruction: History

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You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

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The duration of the Ph.D. program is five to eight years. University and departmental regulations stipulate that the maximum tenure of graduate study at UCSD is eight years while seven years is the limit for receiving any type of university financial support. For the Department of History, the "normative" time to degree is 7 years. Normally, during the first two years, students participate in courses, write two research papers, complete language requirements, define major and minor fields of study, and take at least one minor field examination. In the third year, the student normally completes all outstanding minor field and language requirements, defines a dissertation topic, and passes a qualifying examination in the major field, at which time the student officially advances to candidacy for the Ph.D. Advancement to candidacy must occur at least before the end of the fourth year, and in some programs, such as Ancient History and East Asian Studies, extra language requirements may make fourth-year advancement the norm. Department of History Ph.D. students will be expected to spend time between their first and sixth years doing archival and/or field research (involving travel outside of San Diego), as required by the demands of their research topic. They often spend their fifth to seventh years writing their dissertation, although exact travel requirements and time to degree varies depending on funding, preparation, and the requirements of the specific project.

Coursework Overview

Full-time enrollment.

In order to remain eligible for financial support, all graduate students must be enrolled in 12 units of upper-division (100-199) or graduate level (200 and above) courses during the regular academic year.

Pre-Candidacy

First and foremost, all coursework should be chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor. During your first three (sometimes four) years in the program your aim will be to fulfill the following requirements:

Ph.D. Course Requirements (mainly major field requirements)
Minor Field Requirement

Language Requirement

MA on the Way Course Requirements

The course requirements for the Ph.D. and MA on the Way largely overlap and only represent about four quarters worth of coursework. The additional five quarters of coursework should be chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor. In some cases, you may take courses to fulfill requirements for the minor field or language requirements. Many of you will enroll in a 500 class and all of you will enroll in one or more HIGR 298s. Regardless, all the coursework completed while pre-candidacy should be taken in preparation for your Qualifying Exam (which you can also think of as your major field exam).

Newly admitted students should consult with their faculty advisor about all coursework they plan to take throughout their time in the Ph.D. program. During their first quarter in the program, most students are encouraged to enroll as follows:

Research Seminar or another course chosen in consultation w/ your faculty advisor
Major Field Historiography or another course chosen in consultation w/ your faculty advisor

In-Candidacy

At this stage in the program, enrollment in courses is less about what courses a student is taking and more about accounting for how the student is spending their time researching or teaching and accounting for the time of the faculty who are supporting them in writing their dissertation. Most students enroll in 8-12 units of HIGR 299 and/or 4 units of a 500 depending on how they are spending their time.

About Courses

Research Seminars Each field group offers at least one two-quarter research seminar each year so that students have the opportunity to take one research seminar each year, preferably during the first two years of study. The goal of these seminars is the writing of a research paper based on primary sources, and the identification of a potential dissertation topic. The model and the standard for the seminar papers is a monographic article that makes a scholarly contribution to the field. In the first quarter of the course, students read and research intensively; by the end of the quarter, they are expected to develop a prospectus for a research paper. When materials are not in English, it is assumed that the student can use the appropriate language in research. The instructor provides guidance on research methods and the appropriate bibliographic tools. The selection of the paper topic requires special care to ensure that the paper can be completed within the two quarters. In the second quarter, students write their papers and present them to the seminar. In addition, the instructors may encourage students to submit their research seminar papers to be presented at various conferences and/or to be published. Please see the Field-Specific Curriculum below for a listing of field-specific Research Seminar courses.

Historiographies Each field group has a sequence of seminars, taught over the course of 1-2 years, designed to introduce students to the major works and important controversies in the field. Please see the Field-Specific Curriculum below for a listing of field-specific Historiography courses.

Crossfield Courses In addition to the graduate courses offered by the Field Groups, the Department will offer at least one and up to three cross-field seminars each year (HIGR 200 – HIGR 209, HIGR 280-282, etc.). These courses are designed to cross geographical and chronological boundaries. All Ph.D. students are required to complete HIGR 200, usually during their first quarter of the program.

HIGR 298-Directed Reading This is a variable unit (may be taken for 1-12 units) independent study course that may be taken with a senate faculty member in the history department. It can be used to fulfill all of the requirements listed above if there is no other course offered in a given quarter to meet your particular research needs. It is most often used to account for the time a student is working on their prospectus in the quarters leading up to the qualifying exam.

HIGR 299-PhD Thesis Direction HIGR 299 is also a variable unit (may be taken for 1-12 units) independent study course that a student enrolls in with their faculty advisor/committee chair or any other faculty member who is supporting them in writing their dissertation. In short, if a student is asking a faculty person to read a dissertation chapter or otherwise meeting with the student to discuss their dissertation research the student should be enrolled in HIGR 299 units with them. If a student is on fellowship doing research (in-residence or in-absentia) the expectation is that they are enrolled in 12 units of HIGR 299 with their faculty advisor/committee chair.

500 Courses 500 courses are the instructional component to Teaching Assistantships. In general, this course is meant to account for the time you will spend learning to be an instructor and preparing to teach. The level of instruction and support you will receive is dependent upon by whom a student is employed and the requirements and expectations of this course vary (so read that syllabus very closely). Usually, beginning in a student's second year they'll enroll in a 4 unit 500 course and 8 units of other course work. In the event you accept a TAship where a 500 course is not available, speak to your advisor and/or the Graduate Coordinator about an appropriate alternative.

Course Requirements

A normal full-time program consists of twelve units (or three four-unit courses) per quarter. Ph.D. students are expected to complete at least one of the following minimum formal courses of study prior to their qualifying examination:

(1) two two-quarter research seminars, three one-quarter historiography courses in the major field, and four other courses (which may be a combination of colloquia, conjoined courses, or directed readings, but which must include one cross-field graduate colloquium like HIGR 200).

1. Research Seminar (A)

2. Research Seminar (B)

3. Research Seminar (A)

4. Research Seminar (B)

5. Major Field Historiography

6. Major Field Historiography

7. Major Field Historiography

8. HIGR 200

9. Elective

10. Elective

11. Elective

12. Elective

(2) three two-quarter research seminars (not necessarily in the same field), three one-quarter historiography courses in their major field, and three other courses (which may be a combination of colloquia, conjoined courses, or directed readings, but which must include one cross-field graduate colloquium like HIGR 200).

5. Research Seminar (A)

6. Research Seminar (B)

8. Major Field Historiography

9. Major Field Historiography

10. HIGR 200

Students are encouraged to take their first research seminar in their major field during the initial year of graduate study.

After the first year, most students' full-time program includes two regular academic courses each quarter (8 units), and enrollment in a 500 course (four units), like HIGR 500, as a component of a student's employment as a 50% Teaching Assistant.

Major Field

The major field book list should be drawn up by the student in consultation with the faculty adviser. Each major field list will reflect the unique interests of the student, while also incorporating core themes of the field. Some field groups have formal core lists that may comprise a part of each student’s total list, while others do not. In all cases, students are expected to organize their major field lists according to the specific themes/nations/issues that have informed their graduate study, since no major field list can be all-inclusive. The number of titles on a major field list should be around 100, with 80–120 titles representing a reasonable range.

The exam for the major field is the oral qualifying exam/advancement to candidacy. Unlike the minor field and language requirements, no documentation of completing the major field is needed ahead of the qualifying exam.

Minor Field

Documenting completion of a minor field.

To document your fulfillment of a minor field please click the button to the right to fill out and route for signature the Report of the Minor Field Exam via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

your name and email
the name and email of the faculty member approving your minor field (contact them via email prior to sending the form so they know to expect it)
the name and email of your faculty advisor

For reference: Report of the Minor Field Exam (PDF)

Minor Field Completion Timeline

Ph.D. candidates are strongly encouraged to take at least one minor field examination by the end of the first year and to complete the second minor exam by the end of the second year. All minor fields must be completed before the major field/oral qualifying exam can be taken.

Minor Field Types

Generally, the department recognizes two types of minor fields:

Minor Field Reading Lists

The Minor field is defined by a reading list agreed on by the student and the minor field adviser(s). The list is intended to establish what will be expected of the student and to prevent confusion over the material to be covered. As a guideline, the reading list should:

encompass about three quarters’ worth of coursework(which may be taken with up to three faculty members)
include about 50 titles, with 40-70 titles representing a reasonable range, depending on the combination of books and articles.
be finalized at the beginning of the quarter during which the student plans to complete the minor field

Minor Field Evaluation

Completion or evaluation of a minor field takes several forms, depending on the policies of different field groups or individual professors.

A one-hour oral examination
A three-hour or twenty-four-hour take-home written exam
An “un-timed” synthetic essay, 25-30 pages, that organizes the scholarship of the field
Three shorter papers (8-10 pages) each encompassing a single quarter’s worth of reading. ( This option is especially appropriate in cases (like the Global History minor field) where the student is working with more than one faculty member on a minor field. )
Developing a course syllabus in the field

Minor Exam Failure

Students who fail a minor field examination may petition the Graduate Committee for permission to sit for the examination again at any time during the following two quarters, as long as pre-candidacy time limits are not exceeded. A second failure results automatically in dismissal from the program.

About the Global History Minor Field

The Global History Minor Field is usually completed by taking the three courses listed below:

HIGR 280 ( required ) HIGR 281 ( required ) HIGR 282

Students may use other courses in place of HIGR 282 to fulfill the requirements for the Global History minor field but should consult with Jeremy Presthodt or Uli Strasser prior to taking the class. Further, Jeremy or Uli should be listed as the minor field approver when you submit the Report of the Minor Field Exam.

Language Requirements

Language requirements by field.

These are baseline requirements. Please consult your faculty advisor about what specific languages would be appropriate for your project.

Ph.D. candidates in European and Latin American history must demonstrate competency in two foreign languages.
Ph.D. candidates in East Asian history must demonstrate proficiency in the appropriate language(s), as decided in consultation with the advisor.
Ph.D. candidates in History of Science and United States history, as well as M.A. candidates in European and Latin American history, must demonstrate competency in one foreign language.
Ph.D. candidates in Ancient history require two modern foreign languages, as well as the relevant ancient languages.
Ph.D. candidates in Middle Eastern history must possess a sound foundation in reading Arabic or Turkish (Ottoman Turkish or modern Turkish) as a requirement for admission to the program. Reading competence in two languages in addition to English is required before advancement to candidacy: the regional language Arabic or Turkish above, and a modern European language (other than English) related to the major field of specialization.

Additional languages appropriate to the special field of study as well as language requirements for a candidate in fields other than those already mentioned may be required by the Graduate Committee in consultation with the student's major field adviser.

Completing the Language Requirement

Students may satisfy the foreign language requirement in one of the following ways:

By completing, with a grade of B- or better in each term, a two-year language sequence from the student's undergraduate institution. Such a sequence must have been completed within two years of the time the request is made to the Graduate Committee for certification of competency.
By completing, while a graduate student, a two-year, lower-division sequence in the language approved by the Graduate Committee, with a satisfactory (S) grade in each term.
By completing, while a graduate student, a one-year upper-division sequence in the language approved by the Graduate Committee, with a satisfactory (S) grade in each term.
By passing a translation examination administered by the department. (This is the only option available for Chinese and Japanese.) A faculty examiner chooses a text that is approximately 3-4 paragraphs, and historical in nature. Students are given two hours (three hours for Latin) to take the exam and are permitted the use of a dictionary. The criteria for evaluation are somewhat subjective but will focus on the grasp of meaning and concepts, rather than word for word translation. Exams will also be offered twice a year, once in the fall quarter and once in the spring quarter. Students may also petition the graduate coordinator to take them at an alternate time. At the beginning of the fall and spring quarters, the graduate coordinator will poll students about their intentions to be tested and will schedule an exam time, usually in the sixth week of classes.

Language Completion Timeline

Students are urged to complete at least one foreign language examination by the end of the first year of study and must do so by the beginning of the third year of study. Failure to meet this requirement is grounds for denial of financial support. No student may take the oral qualifying examination before completing all language requirements.

The Report of the Language Exam (PDF) is used to document the completion of a language. Please use the Report of the Language Exam DocuSign power form under the Departmental Forms section of the webpage to document the completion of the language requirement for all instances except the department administered translation exam.

Committee Constitution and Management

About the committee.

The Qualifying Exam and Dissertation Defense are conducted by a student's Dissertation Committee. The Dissertation Committee is comprised of at least four members. A minimum of two members must be faculty members of the Department of History, and usually, they will be in the student’s major field. The third can be either a faculty member from inside the department but outside the major field or someone from another department. The fourth must be a tenured faculty member in another department. The student’s minor field advisor(s), whether inside the department or in another department, often serve in this “outside” capacity on the committee, although this is not required.

Committee Constitution

Students should consult with their faculty advisor about the composition of the examining committee well before their qualifying exam. In addition, the membership of the committee must be approved by the department chair and the dean of Graduate Studies before the exam. The student must submit the Committee Constitution Request form below to the Graduate Coordinator at least one month (the earlier the better) prior to their Qualifying Exam. The Graduate Division website has additional information about committees and a Committee Membership Table which may be helpful in determining what role a faculty member may serve on your committee. Please also review the committee requirements in the Graduate Student Handbook. A few notes about that:

Four of your members must be UC San Diego faculty.
One member must be a UC San Diego tenured or emeritus faculty who is outside the History Department (e.g. Literature, Communications, Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, etc.).
a copy of their CV, and;
a letter of support from your advisor

Constituting Your Committee

The completed committee form must be electronically submitted to the Graduate Division by the Graduate Coordinator no later than two weeks prior to the date scheduled for the qualifying examination/dissertation defense. Please use the Committee Constitution Request form to request that the Graduate Coordinator submit a constitution of your committee to the Graduate Division. This request should be made at least one month prior to your Qualifying Exam:

Requesting to Constitute Your Committee

To constitute your committee please click the button to the right to fill out and route the request form to the Graduate Coordinator via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

Reconstituting Your Committee

The completed committee form must be electronically submitted to the Graduate Division by the Graduate Coordinator no later than two weeks prior to the date scheduled for the dissertation defense. Please use the Committee Reconstitution Request form to request that the Graduate Coordinator submit a reconstitution of your committee to the Graduate Division. Unless someone has asked to be removed from your committee, changes to your committee should be made no earlier than two quarters before you plan to defend and must be made at least one month prior to your Defense. If someone has asked to be removed, depending on the role they are serving, you may not be able to reconstitute your committee until you find someone to replace them.

Requesting to Reconstitute Your Committee

To reconstitute your committee please click the button to the right to fill out and route the request form to the Graduate Coordinator via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

Committee Management

It is the responsibility of the student, in consultation with their advisor/committee chair, to ensure the policy-appropriate participation of all committee members at their Qualifying Exam and Dissertation Defense. This includes documenting each committee member's participation by obtaining the original signatures of all committee members on the necessary documents for both of those events.

Necessary Documents for the Qualifying Exam

Report of the Qualifying Exam (routed for signature by the Graduate Coordinator)

Necessary Documents for the Dissertation Defense

Final Report (routed for signature by the Graduate Coordinator)

Best Practices for Completing the Report of the Qualifying Exam and Final Report via DocuSign:

Ahead of your exam/defense ask faculty to add [email protected] as a “safe sender” so those emails are less likely to go to junk/spam. Although campus IT has taken steps to identify DocuSign as a safe sender, it is still recommended that individual users do so as well.
At the end of your Exam/Defense ask your committee members to check their email for the DocuSign email with the link to the form and sign while you're all online together.
ask the faculty to check their junk folder, spam quarantine, or other spam folders
next, ask them to log into their DocuSign account using their @ucsd.edu email address and SSO credentials to access the form/s directly (https://docusign.ucsd.edu) *some people have personal DocuSign accounts so ask them to ensure they are logging into the UCSD DocuSign account
Get verbal confirmation of who has signed and who has not, then follow up with the Graduate Coordinator to resolve any issues your committee members have with signing the form.
Once the appropriate form is submitted to the Graduate Division, the appropriate fee will be charged directly to the student’s financial TritonLink account.

Qualifying Exam/Advancement to Candidacy

Scheduling your qualifying exam .

Please submit the History Exam Card at least one month prior to exam to ensure the department is able to prepare all necessary paperwork and room reservations by your exam.

Scheduling Your Qualifying Exam

Qualifying Exam Timeline

Students are normally expected to take their qualifying examination no later than the spring of their third year of study (except as otherwise specified by the individual fields) and are required to do so within four years. Students must fulfill all coursework, minor field, and language requirements before taking the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Exam Administrative Checklist (.docx)

About the Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination is an oral test in the student’s major field of study, conducted by the student's Dissertation Committee. The purpose of the major field oral examination is twofold: 1) to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the major research field and 2) to discuss the student’s dissertation project (with the exception of the US field, which holds a separate meeting for this purpose, no later than two months after the exam).

The exam lasts between two and three hours and is structured to give each of the five committee members an opportunity to ask questions of the student, based on the major field reading list. When the prospectus is also under discussion, usually the last half-hour is reserved for this purpose. When the exam is over, the student leaves the room and the committee decides whether the student has passed the exam and advanced to candidacy.

The major field book list should be drawn up by the student in consultation with the faculty adviser and should be finalized at least thirty days before the date of the exam. Each major field list will reflect the unique interests of the student, while also incorporating core themes of the field. Some field groups have formal core lists that may comprise a part of each student’s total list, while others do not. In all cases, students are expected to organize their major field lists according to the specific themes/nations/issues that have informed their graduate study, since no major field list can be all-inclusive. The number of titles on a major field list should be around 100, with 80–120 titles representing a reasonable range. The date of the examination is determined by consultation between the candidate and the examining committee.
The discussion of the dissertation project will be framed by a five- to ten-page prospectus written by the student and submitted to the committee with the book list at least three weeks before the exam. The purpose of the discussion is to determine the feasibility of the scope of the project and to offer suggestions about source materials and research strategies.

Qualifying Exam Failure

Should a student fail the examination, the examining committee will clarify the weaknesses in the exam, so that the student can prepare to take it a second time. If a second oral examination is warranted, the department requires that it should be taken no later than one quarter after the first examination. If the student fails the oral examination a second time, his or her graduate studies in the department will be terminated.

Previous Graduate Study

The various requirements noted above apply to students who have done no previous graduate work in history. If a candidate has completed some graduate work before entering UC San Diego, appropriate adjustments in coursework may be approved by a general petition to the graduate committee. Nevertheless, all candidates are required to meet language requirements, pass field examinations, and complete and defend a dissertation prospectus.

MA on the Way

An MA may also be awarded to continuing Ph.D. students (who do not already have an MA in History or closely related fields) upon successfully passing the oral qualifying examination. The MA is not automatically awarded; students must apply in advance to receive the degree, but no additional coursework is required.

Note: Students who wish to receive an MA as part of the Ph.D. program must apply for master’s degree candidacy by the end of the third week of the quarter in which they expect to receive the degree. Please follow the instructions on the MA Program page .

Report of the Qualifying Exam

Necessary Documents for the MA on the Way

Application for MA (due week three)
Final Report for MA

Dissertation Defense

The Dissertation Defense is the culmination of all of your work within the Ph.D. program. Please read all of the information on the Graduate Division's website about " Preparing to Graduate " and make an appointment to speak with the Graduate Coordinator preferably a year out from when you plan to defend.

Scheduling Your Dissertation Defense Exam

Departmental Roles and Responsibilities for the Defense

The Student will:

Read the " Preparing to Graduate " page of the Graduate Divison's website.
If you are conducting a hybrid defense, you will need to make an appointment with the department's Computer Resource Specialist to familiarize yourself with the equipment in the room. You will also need to ensure a member of the Student Affairs Team will be onsite to assist you (if need be) on the day of your defense.
your name as you would like it to appear on your degree
the title of your dissertation as you would like it to appear on all university records (including the announcement of your defense and the Placement page of the website)
Follow up with your committee, the Graduate Division, and the Graduate Advisor about any issues surrounding the completion of your degree.
Schedule an appointment with the Graduate Division for a preliminary check of your dissertation. The first appointment should be scheduled once you have sent the completed (and formatted) draft of your dissertation to your committee and scheduled your defense.

The Faculty Advisor will:

Ensure the policy ( here , here , and here ) appropriate participation of all members of the committee at the Dissertation Defense. It is also helpful to remind all committee members to sign the forms by checking their inboxes for the DocuSign request to sign the forms. These sometimes end up in a person's spam folder. UC San Diego faculty can also log into their DocuSign account and find the form under the "Action Required" tab.

The Graduate Coordinator will:

Fill out the Final Report of the Final Examination and Filing of the Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree form via DocuSign and route the form on the morning of the defense for signature to all committee members, the department chair, the student, and the Graduate Division.
Follow-up with committee members re: signatures on the final report form
Send out the announcement of the defense to department faculty and graduate students.

Additional Information and Tasks

Preliminary Dissertation Appointments with the Graduate Division: Students should schedule their preliminary and final appointments with Graduate Division Academic Affairs Advisers by utilizing the online calendaring system they have in place: https://gradforms.ucsd.edu/calendar/index.php

Committee Management : If you need to make any changes to your doctoral committee please follow the instructions above in the "Committee Management" drawer.

Embargo Your Dissertation: Talk to your faculty advisor about embargo your dissertation. You may want to embargo your dissertation if you are planning to turn it into a book. The embargo will delay the university's publication of your dissertation and prevent other academics from using your research.

Embargo Form: https://grad.ucsd.edu/_files/academics/DissertThesisReleaseTemplate.pdf

Documentation of Completion: Once your committee and department chair sign off on the Final Report via DocuSign (approving your defense and dissertation) you will receive a copy of the form. This signature page is sometimes adequate documentation of the completion of your Ph.D. The rest of the final signatures from the Graduate Division and the Registrar’s Office are not completed until the end of the quarter.

Also, once the Graduate Divison has all the signatures, your dissertation is approved, and all co-author letters are submitted (if required), they also provide a letter from the Dean for temporary confirmation of completion. You should check to find out what is acceptable for proof of completion from the requesting entity. This timeline is also contingent on whether your committee requests any revisions at the defense and how long those revisions delay the submission of your final dissertation after the defense.

Final Report of the Final Examination and Filing of the Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree (routed for signature by the Graduate Coordinator)

Best Practices for Completing the Final Report via DocuSign:

At the end of your Defense ask your committee members to check their email for the DocuSign email with the link to the form and sign while you're all online together.

Paying Associated Fees: For students who will need to pay fees (advancement to candidacy, thesis submission fee, filing fee, re-admit fee), they will be charged the appropriate fees on their student financial TritonLink account once the form is received by the Graduate Division. There is no need for students to go to the cashier’s office. Unlike tuition and fees, there is no system set up that will allow the department to pay these fees on the student's behalf with department funds.

Email and Mailing List: Please read over this information for managing your ucsd.edu email account. Also, please let the Graduate Coordinator if you would like to be added to the graduate Program Alumni Mailing which is used to contact you about departmental alumni events, and to forward announcements about job openings and funding opportunities.

Returning to Defend

Students In-Candidacy who do not defend within their Support Time Limit and withdraw or are administratively withdrawn from the program may return and register for one day to defend their dissertation. Below is a chart of what fees are required, based on when the student was last enrolled. The three fees total around $300 (as of 1/2022).

Aside from the fees, all other administrative steps are the same. Students returning to defend should follow the steps noted above under the Departmental Roles and Responsibilities for the Defense, section. Depending on how long ago the student left the program, it may be necessary to reconstitute their Dissertation Committee. The student should contact their Dissertation Committee Chair and the Graduate Coordinator to assist with this process.

Fees for Dissertation Defense

Graduate Exam Modality Policy

The preferred modality for conducting graduate examinations (doctoral qualifying examination and final dissertation/thesis defense) is to have the student and all committee members physically present. It is expected that there will be synchronous participation by all committee members in the scheduled exam and that at least half of the committee, including the Chair (or one co-chair), will participate in person. However, the department recognizes that a remote or hybrid graduate examination may be in the best interest of the student. There must be sufficient expertise among present members to examine the student. If a committee member must be absent for the scheduled exam, it is permissible for one absent committee member to examine the candidate on a separate date. Requests for exceptions to this policy may be submitted by the student and will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies and Department Chair.

Request for Exception

To request an exception to the department's graduate exam modality policy please click the button to the right to fill out and route for signature the Request for Exam Modality Exception form via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

the name and email of your faculty advisor/committee chair
the names of all of your committee members and their preferred participation modality
a justification/argument for how this configuration is in the best interest of the student

For reference: Request for Exam Modality Exception (PDF)

Evaluation of Academic Work

The department expects all graduate students to do "A" level work. Grades below "B-" are considered evidence of unsatisfactory progress; a "C+" or any lower letter grade is recorded on the transcript, but is regarded as the equivalent of a failure. Required field courses must be taken for a letter grade. Students are strongly encouraged to take their entire first-year program for letter grades. These grades assist the department in evaluating the student's academic progress and in determining future financial support. Post-first-year students may take elective courses for satisfactory/unsatisfactory evaluation.

Incompletes Grades of "I" (Incomplete) must be changed to a letter grade by week 10 of the quarter following the quarter in which the course was taken. The grade will be recorded as a failure if the work has not been completed by then. Faculty do not have the authority to grant extensions of incompletes. A request for an extension of an incomplete must be made to the Graduate Division via the Graduate Program Coordinator in week 8 or 9 and these types of requests should only be made under exceptional circumstances.

Repeating Courses Once an "F" or "U" has been assigned and uncontested for a year, the grade is permanent. Students may repeat courses where they have received an "F" or "U" to prevent them from being academically disqualified from the program, however, the grade will remain on their transcript. To repeat a course, please register for the course you would like to repeat, and send that information to the Department's Graduate Advising Staff so that they can submit the request to repeat the course.

Academic Disqualification

A graduate student is subject to disqualification if the cumulative GPA in upper-division and graduate course work taken as a graduate student is less than 3.0, or if more than a total of eight units of F and/or U grades has been accumulated .

Spring Evaluation

Each spring in the years before the student has advanced to candidacy, faculty members from the field group will meet with each student individually to discuss the student's progress. In addition, the faculty adviser will submit a written evaluation for the student's file. Students are entitled to include a response in their permanent records. Once they are advanced to candidacy, graduate students continue to receive annual written evaluations of their progress from their respective faculty dissertation advisers. These evaluations are to be read and signed by the student, the adviser, at least three of the faculty members on the student's dissertation committee, and the department chair.

Time Limits

There are four time limits listed on your student record, but only three of the time limits affect students:

Pre-Candidacy Time Limit (PCTL) -The amount of time you may be registered/enrolled in the Ph.D. program before advancing to candidacy.
Support Time Limit (SUTL)- The amount of time you are eligible to receive funding support (work as a Teaching Assistant or Associate-In, grants, fellowships, etc.) from the university.
Total Registered Time Limit (TRTL)- The amount of time you may be registered/enrolled in the graduate program.

The duration of the Ph.D. program is five to eight years. University and departmental regulations stipulate that the maximum tenure of graduate study at UCSD or Total Registered Time Limit (TRTL) is eight years; while seven years is the limit for receiving any type of university financial support or a student's Support Time Limit (SUTL). For the Department of History, the "normative" time to degree is 7 years. Students are expected to pass their qualifying exam and advance to candidacy in year three, but no later than year four which is the university's Pre-candidacy time limit (PCTL). Students are also limited to 18 quarters of appointments as either Teaching Assistants or Associate-ins (summer appointments don't count). Please read about how your Support Time Limit and 18-quarter employment limit affect your financial support and track your employment quarters: https://history.ucsd.edu/graduate/funding.html#How-do-the-Support-Time-Limit-a

To learn more about time limits please visit the Graduate Division website.

Time Limits: https://grad.ucsd.edu/academics/progress-to-degree/time-to-doctorate-policy.html

You can check your time limit by logging into the Graduate Student Portal.

Graduate Student Portal: https://gradforms.ucsd.edu/portal/student/

Scholarly Articles

Opportunities for teaching, teaching assistantships.

In addition to providing funding opportunities, Teaching Assistantships are an integral part of the graduate program at UCSD, providing training and experience in undergraduate teaching. All students, regardless of their funding needs, are encouraged to spend at least one year as a Teaching Assistant.

The training of teaching assistants is the responsibility of the program in which the teaching is done. For teaching assistants employed within the History Department, an orientation seminar will be offered at the beginning of the fall quarter. The seminar will be organized by the faculty teaching coordinator, in collaboration with a senior TA, both of whom serve as advisers for first-time Teaching Assistants throughout the year. In addition, departmental teaching assistants attend one four-hour training session given by the Center for Teaching Development prior to the beginning of instruction in the Fall Quarter.

For teaching assistants employed by the college programs or in the Linguistics Department, training sessions are organized by these programs to orient students in specific course content and methodologies. These seminars are often scheduled during the week prior to the beginning of instruction in the Fall Quarter. Training continues throughout the academic year in weekly staff meetings.

Teaching assistants both inside and outside the department are evaluated by the course instructor. The instructor visits a teaching assistant's section at least once each quarter and reviews a representative sample of papers and exams for fairness and consistency of grading. The instructor prepares a written evaluation of the teaching assistant at the end of the quarter, and the teaching assistant acknowledges the instructor's comments by signing the evaluation. The TA also has the opportunity to include a written response in their file.

Associate-In

There are some opportunities for advanced graduate students in the final year of their program to serve as the primary instructor ("Assoc-In") for an upper-division course in the history department. First, a graduate student may be asked to teach an existing course to replace a faculty member on leave. Second, a graduate student may apply to teach a course of their own design during one of the summer school sessions.

Part-time Study

Students who enroll in fewer than twelve graduate or upper-division units per quarter are considered part-time students and are not eligible for support funding (eg. stipends, tuition and fee remission, tuition and fee scholarships, Academic Student Employment, etc.).

Approval for individual students to enroll on a part-time basis may be given for reasons of employment, family responsibilities, or health. Individuals who are interested in part-time study and meet the department's qualifications should speak with the Graduate Coordinator.

Part-time students must satisfy the same admission requirements as full-time students and are eligible, at the discretion of the department, for 25 percent time teaching or research assistantships (but not tuition and fee remission). Students who are approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies for enrollment in a program of half-time study or less (a maximum of six units) may be eligible for a reduction of fees. All other students pay the same fees as full-time students.

Job Placement

Qualifying exam and defense temporary policies [covid-19], temporary policy for qualifying exams and dissertation defenses.

Due to the current exceptional circumstances related to the spread of COVID-19 and at the request of the Graduate Division, the Graduate Council authorized a limited-term exception to the general rules approved by the Graduate Council on October 8, 2018, for how master’s and doctoral committee members conduct master’s thesis defenses and doctoral qualifying exams and defenses. Effective until September 18, 2022 , any and/or all members of a master’s or doctoral committee or the student being examined may be telepresent (meaning participation by live video teleconference) for a thesis defense, qualifying examination, and final oral examination (the dissertation defense). If these circumstances remain in effect beyond December 11th, the Graduate Council may authorize an extension upon request by the Dean of the Graduate Division or Chancellor.

As a temporary solution the Graduate Division has shared with Graduate Coordinators DocuSign forms for the following paperwork:

Final Reports of Graduate Degrees (MAs, PhDs)
Report of the Qualifying Examination and Advancement to Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree
Application for Candidacy for the Thesis or Comprehensive Examination (PLAN I OR II) for the Degree of Master of Arts or Master of Science
General Petition

Original temporary policy email dated 3/10/2020

Field Specific Curriculum

Students in ancient history will be expected to demonstrate a broad mastery of the entire field, with special concentration as follows:

Major Fields

The history of Israel in the biblical period
The history of the Jewish people in antiquity
The history of Classical Greece
The history of the Roman Empire (including late antiquity)

First Minor

One of the fields listed above not chosen as the major field
Greek and Roman history
The Middle East before Islam (western Asia and northeastern Africa from the sixth century B.C.E. to the seventh century C.E.)

Second Minor

A field of history outside of ancient history
A related discipline, offered through another department

All students will be expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of two modern foreign languages, usually French and German. This requirement may be satisfied by any of the means recognized by the department.

All students will be expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one and usually two of the three following ancient languages: Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. The languages will be chosen as appropriate to the student’s particular interests and the requirement will be satisfied by departmental examination.

The second and sometimes third language not elected under (2) may be required if necessary for the student’s research. Additional languages, such as Akkadian, Aramaic, Egyptian, Ugaritic, Phoenician, Coptic, Syriac, and middle and modern Hebrew, may be required as necessary for the student’s research. The required level of competence will be set as appropriate to the student's needs and the requirement will be satisfied by departmental examination.

Research Seminars

HIGR 260A-B. Research Seminar in Ancient History

HIGR 223A-B. Research Seminar in Medieval History

Historiographic Scholarship

HIGR 254. Historical Scholarship in Ancient History

HIGR 258: Historical Scholarship in Medieval History

Students in East Asian history will be expected to demonstrate a broad competence in the entire field, with special concentration as follows:

The history of modern China
The history of modern Japan
The history of modern Korea

First Minor Field

A coherent “teaching field,” such as

The history of same country as the major field, but a different time period
The history of different region within East Asia, including transnational studies

Second Minor Field

A “theoretical, comparative, or transnational field,” such as

The history of a place outside of East Asia
A discipline outside of history

Language Requirements:

The student must demonstrate:

1) native or near-native fluency in English speaking and writing;

2) proficient reading and speaking knowledge of the main language(s) appropriate to the major field, including classical language where needed; and

3) when appropriate for a proposed research project, working knowledge of another language, decided upon in consultation with the advisor.

HIGR 215A-B: Research Seminar in Modern Chinese History

HIGR 216A-B: Research Seminar in Modern Japanese History

HIGR 218A-B: Research Seminar in Pre-Modern Chinese History

HIGR 219A-B: Research Seminar in Korean History

HIGR 210: Historical Scholarship on Modern Chinese History (3 qtrs.)

HIGR 211: Historical Scholarship on Modern Japanese History (2 qtrs.)

HIGR 212: Historical Scholarship on Modern East Asian History

HIGR 213: Sources on Modern Chinese History

HIGR 214: Historical Scholarship on Modern Korean History

HIGR 217A-B-C: Historical Scholarship in Pre-Modern Chinese History (3 qtrs.)

The graduate program in European history aims to achieve a dual objective: to develop a broad mastery of the major themes and scholarship in the field, as well as to encourage a special focus of research within a single nation or region in either the modern or early modern era.

Within the major field, national specialization is offered in modern Germany, Spain, Russia and Greece, and in early modern Italy and Germany. Regional specialization is offered in central/eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean.

Modern Europe
Early modern Europe

The first minor field should be selected from within the parameters of European history or in world/global history, but in a chronological period outside that of the major field.

Medieval Europe
A second national history
World/global history

The second minor field is designed either to develop a non-European teaching expertise or to pursue broader theoretical reading related to the research interests of the student or in a chronological period outside that of the major field.

A geographical area outside Europe
History of science
A transnational thematic or theoretical concentration, such as gender history, citizenship, nationalism, etc.
A thematic or theoretical concentration rooted in another discipline, such as anthropology, sociology, art history, ethnic studies, or literature.
Early modern Europe (only if the world/global history was taken as the first minor field)

All European PhD students must show reading proficiency in two European languages other than English.

HIGR 230A-B: Research Seminar in European History

HIGR 223A-B: Research Seminar in Medieval History

HIGR 220: Historical Scholarship on European History, 1500-1750

HIGR 221: Historical Scholarship on European History, 1715-1850

HIGR 222: Historical Scholarship on European History, since 1850

HIGR 225: Readings in Modern Russian History

Doctoral candidates in Latin American history are expected to gain a broad chronological and geographical mastery of the field as a whole. The oral examination in the major field, while concentrating on the student’s special area of interest, will be a comprehensive examination covering the whole field of Latin American history.

The national period of Latin America, with a specialty in the Andean Republics, Brazil, the Caribbean, Mexico, or the Southern Cone countries
Colonial Latin America, with an emphasis on one major region

The student should select either the national period or the colonial period as a chronological supplement to the major.

The history of another geographic area outside Latin America and the Caribbean
An area of discipline, offered through another department, related to the student’s dissertation or preparation for university teaching

Competency in two languages in addition to English before advancement to candidacy is required. Normally the first of these will be Spanish. The second may be Portuguese or another European or non-European language, including an indigenous language of the Americas.

HIGR 247A-B: Readings and Seminar on Colonial Latin America

HIGR 248A-B: Readings and Seminar on Latin America, National Period

HILA 267: Scholarship on Latin American History in the Colonial Period

HILA 268: Scholarship on Latin American History in the Nineteenth Century

HILA 269: Scholarship on Latin American History in the Twentieth Century

The objective of the doctoral program in Middle Eastern history is to achieve broad expertise in the modern history of the Middle East and to develop a special focus on the history of the late Ottoman Empire or its successor states.

Late Ottoman history (approximately 1780 to 1920)
Colonial and national period of the post-Ottoman Middle East with a specialty in the Arab East, Turkey, Egypt, etc.

Minor Fields

Any two of the following:

The field of Middle Eastern history not chosen as a major field (see above)
The modern history of a geographic area outside of the Middle East (ordinarily in European history)
A related geographical or topical field (e.g., medieval Middle East, Iran, gender studies) offered through another department

Students must possess a sound foundation in reading Arabic or Turkish (Ottoman Turkish or modern Turkish) as a requirement for admission to the program. Reading competence in two languages in addition to English is required before advancement to candidacy: the regional language Arabic or Turkish (above), and a modern European language (other than English) related to the major field of specialization.

HIGR 275A-B: Research Seminar in Middle Eastern History

HIGR 274A: Historical Scholarship on the Early Modern Middle East

HIGR 274B: Historical Scholarship on Modern Middle East, Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

HIGR 274C: Historical Scholarship on Modern Middle East, Colonial, National, and Post-colonial Eras

United States History

One of the following topical fields:

African-American history
Asian-American history
Atlantic history
history of the borderlands and Southwest
Chicano history
economic history
legal and constitutional history
political history
social and cultural history
history of the South
history of the West
history of women, gender, and sexuality,
one designed in consultation with the adviser
A geographic area outside the United States in either the premodern or modern period
A related discipline offered through another department

Competency in one language in addition to English before advancement to candidacy is required.

HIGR 267A-B: Research Seminar in United States History

HIGR 265A-B-C: Historical Scholarship on American History

Specialization in History of Science

Science in early modern Europe
Science in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
Science in the twentieth century
Another field of comparable breadth, defined in consultation with the major field adviser

First and Second Minor Fields

Any two of the following may be selected, in consultation with the major field adviser
Science Studies (mandatory for students in the Science Studies program).
Any of the other fields offered by the department, provided that it offers general historical understanding of the same period as the major field.
A field of history of science not chosen as the major field.
A second field of history, provided that it concentrates on a period or region other than that chosen for the first minor field.
A related discipline, offered through another department. ( This field may be in the physical or life sciences.)

Competency in one or two languages in addition to English before advancement to candidacy is required. The requirement will vary depending on chosen major field.

HIGR 239: Seminar in Science Studies

HIGR 238: Introduction to Science Studies

HIGR 241: Advanced Approaches to Science Studies

HIGR 240: Colloquium in Science Studies

HIGR 243: Historical Scholarship in Technology

Specialization in Critical Gender Studies (CGS)

UCSD's Critical Gender Studies program began as Women's Studies in the 1970s, alongside both an active non-academic women's rights movement and the nascent institutionalization of women's studies as an academic presence. The program was initiated with participation from students and faculty across the humanities and social sciences, including many of the same departments that continue to be involved. From the beginning, it understood itself as an interdisciplinary countercurrent, drawing from these disciplines and simultaneously offering a critique of accepted ideas and beliefs within them.

In the late 90s, the program's faculty introduced curricular revisions and the name change to Critical Gender Studies. With this, UCSD became one of the first institutions formally to acknowledge and to embrace the importance of sexuality and racial formation for the interdisciplinary study of gender. Always forward-thinking and rigorously interdisciplinary, the program has proven immensely useful and enriching for the undergraduate students who have partaken in it for the last several decades. Given the rich history and roots of this program, we are pleased to announce that such benefits now extend to graduate students through the CGS graduate specialization.

UCSD has long been a vibrant site for the study of gender and sexuality, with many graduate students and faculty already engaged in gender-related projects. These students and faculty have collaboratively organized toward recognition of this focus in their research. The specialization has been put in place to respond to such demands, providing a central program through which graduate students may develop their work among peers who take up similar questions. The program encourages applications from all graduate students (who have been admitted to the participating departments) whose work takes up questions of gender. Through the contributions of CGS faculty who specialize in women of color feminism(s) and queer of color critique, the program helps to develop and foster an understanding of gender as necessarily linked to race, sexuality and other social formations.

https://cgs.ucsd.edu/

Departmental forms, field curriculum status sheets, about the status sheet.

The Status Sheet was originally developed for use by staff as an administrative tool. It tracks only the elements of the PhD requirements that staff need to check in order to ensure you are administratively prepared for the Qualifying Exam and to receive an MA on the Way (if you are eligible). This should be filled out to the best of your ability prior to meeting with the Graduate Coordinator about preparing the paperwork for your Qualifying exam or MA on the Way.

Status Sheets

All status sheets are word docs. Please download the form, click on each line to fill out the form, and save the form using the following naming convention: [FamilyName]_[First Initial]-Status Sheet [YEAR-MO-DA], ex. Triton_K-Status Sheet 2020-09-23 . Further, please list the dates Minors or Language Exams were passed. Also, please indicate the quarter all courses listed on the status sheet were taken (this is especially important for 298s), ex. HIGR 200 (FA20). Finally, if you plan to use a 298 to fulfill the course requirement for either the Research Seminar or Historiography you need to fill out a general petition to have that substitution approved and documented.

Ancient (.doc)
East Asia (.doc)
Europe (.doc)
Latin America (.doc)
Middle East (.doc)
United States (.doc)
Specialization in the History of Science (.doc)
Specialization in Critical Gender Studies

Report of the Minor Field Exam

the name and email of the faculty member approving your minor field

Report of the Language Exam

Documenting completion of a language.

Please use this form only to document the fulfillment of a language by means other than the departmental Language Exam (e.g. course work, petition, etc). Please click the button to the right to fill out and route for signature the Report of the Language Exam via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

the name and email of your faculty advisor
the name and email of the Graduate Coordinator (or Graduate Program Assistant in Grad. Coords. absence)

You may also need to attach a PDF of either an approved departmental petition, your transcripts, or other documentation.

Department General Petition

Please use this form to petition alterations to curriculum as stated in the university catalog . Please click the button to the right to fill out and route for signature the Departmental General Petition via DocuSign. You will need to enter:

the name and email of your faculty advisor

You may also need to attach a PDF your transcripts, or other documentation.

Wording for Common Petitions

East Asian History Third Minor Field Request: I would like to waive the third minor field requirement. Reason: East Asian faculty have agreed that a third minor field is not necessary for mastery—which is in line with the requirements of all other field groups in the department.

Department Letterhead Request

Personal statement or cover letter for a job application
Personal statement or cover letter for a fellowship application or other type of financial support application
Personal statement of cover letter for a conference presentation application
It may only be used during the time in which individuals are active PhD students in the department.
Students must request and receive written permission (from the Graduate Coordinator) to use the letterhead for any purpose not listed above.
All uses of the letterhead should make clear that the document is originating from the individual student (sender details begin with student’s name and student’s name is added as the signature at the end of the document).
No student may use the letterhead to express the opinions of the History Department, other students, faculty, or any other entities beyond themselves.

If you have any questions about the proper uses of the History Department letterhead, ask the Graduate Coordinator before using it. Once you complete the application below and receive a copy of the letterhead, it is your responsibility to follow all policies and standards.

Department of History

Ph.D. Admissions

With more than 40 full-time faculty members, the Department of History trains graduate students in a wide range of fields and methodological approaches, covering periods from antiquity to the present.

Graduate students in history benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio, which enables us to provide more individual attention than many other programs. The size of each entering class varies slightly from year to year, with eight to 10 students being typical. In all, we have approximately 50 students, a talented and diverse group who come from many parts of the United States and the world.

Vanderbilt University offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement. The Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities houses on-going seminars in areas ranging from Circum-Atlantic studies to postcolonial theory, science studies, and pre-modern cultural studies. Other centers and programs whose activities would be of interest to history graduate students include the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies ; the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society ; the Max Kade Center for European and German Studies ; the Department of African American and Diaspora Studies ; the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies ; and the programs in Asian Studies Program , American Studies , and Jewish Studies . The Department of History strongly encourages interdisciplinary work.

Please note: The Department of History does not accept external applications for a terminal master’s degree. The M.A. is usually earned en route to the Ph.D. It is also available to Vanderbilt undergraduates who enroll in the 4+1 program in history.

Director of Graduate Studies and Admissions: Ari Bryen Graduate Administrator: Madeline Trantham

If you have any questions regarding the graduate application process that are not answered here, please email us .

Application

The Vanderbilt history department offers the Ph.D. degree. Students normally earn the M.A. following two years of coursework, fulfillment of the research paper requirement, and satisfactory performance on language examinations. The department does not offer a free-standing terminal M.A. degree.

The application deadline for Fall 2025 admission is December 1, 2024. Applicants for whom the $95 application fee presents a financial hardship are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver from the Graduate School.

Foreign applicants or applicants who do not qualify for a fee waiver from the Graduate School should contact [email protected] . These applicants should explain briefly in their email why the fee presents a financial hardship. Requests for a fee waiver will be assessed and forwarded to the College of Arts & Science. If a fee waiver is granted, the applicant will be notified.

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, domestic or international.

Application Components

As part of the online application, candidates will provide:

Statement of Purpose (please be specific about your research goals and provide names of faculty members with whom you would like to work, and why. In addition, please explain how your interests and goals may connect with our Areas of Excellence ).
A minimum of three letters of recommendation (and no more than five).
An unofficial, scanned college transcript(s) and graduate transcript(s) if applicable. Admitted applicants will be instructed to submit official and final transcripts as a condition of enrollment at Vanderbilt.
TOEFL and IELTS scores are accepted for international students whose native language is not English. For more information, read the Graduate School’s Language Proficiency policy.
Candidates are required to upload a writing sample of no more than 25 pages as part of the online application process. The option to upload the writing sample is made available immediately after entering your test scores into the online application. Please note that until this writing sample has been uploaded, your application will be considered incomplete. Research papers and theses, especially those that explore a historical topic and show facility in using original and/or archival materials, are of most use to the admissions committee in making their decisions. Co-authored writing samples are not accepted.
GRE scores are not required for admission.

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Areas of Excellence

Graduate students will select an area of excellence from a drop-down menu in the online application; prospective advisers will submit a note to the admissions committee explaining the candidate’s fit. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to prospective advisors to figure out how their interests could connect with our areas of excellence initiative and to explain in their Statement of Purpose how they envision benefitting from it.

Economics: Labor, Business, Capitalism:

The Vanderbilt History Department offers a rich setting for the study of the history of economy, widely conceived, including labor and business history, the history of capitalism, trade networks, and general questions of economic development as they connect with politics, culture, religion, and social history. Ranging temporally from the classical/medieval era to the modern world, and geographically from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the United States, the Vanderbilt History faculty is interested in the study of commodities, thought, empire, trade, free and unfree labor, finance, cultures, and the global development of capitalism. Our view is capacious, with wide interest in legal, political, and regulatory regimes that influence such processes. Working with faculty across the department, we encourage comparative and transnational forms of historical inquiry. Vanderbilt also offers connections with a robust team of formal economic historians in the Economic Department and a strong undergraduate Economics-History major.

Legal History

Vanderbilt is home to a thriving community of legal historians. We range chronologically from the ancient Mediterranean to the twenty-first century, and our faculty and graduate students have written on topics as diverse as ancient violence, the history of prostitution, racial passing, citizenship, Islamic law, policing, capital punishment, sovereignty and state building, privacy law, American slavery, and the intersections of religion and law.

Our community is centered on the Legal History Colloquium, a trans-institutional seminar that brings together faculty and students from the Law School, the Divinity School, and the College of Arts & Sciences working on legal historical themes. The colloquium strives to be international and comparative in methods and scope. Students in Legal History take a graduate seminar on Methods in Legal History, which introduces them to the wide-range of work done by legal historians. Working in consultation with their adviser, students of legal history write one of their two graduate seminar papers on a legal topic; they also have opportunities to serve as teaching assistant to faculty in diverse areas of legal history.

Race & Diaspora

Vanderbilt’s History Department focuses on complex histories of racial formation, as well as race and migration. The unique history of African peoples dispersed by the Atlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades is of particular interest. Deploying local, national, transnational, and transdisciplinary approaches, students work closely with accomplished scholars in the History Department—as well as other academic departments, such as African American & Diaspora Studies—to study a wide array of interrelated topics.

These include race as a concept, ideology, and system, as well as the role of race in shaping identity and culture in the Americas and other parts of the world. Likewise, students examine theories of race & diaspora, encompassing historical phenomena such as settler colonialism, racial enslavement, labor migrations, deportation, colonialism, and post-colonialism. In addition, research can extend to the analysis of subsequent mass demographic movements and the creation of “new” racialized peoples, homelands, communities, cultures, and ideologies as historical groups responded to upheaval and sought opportunities. Therefore, scholarship on race and diaspora also attends to manifestations of social, religious, economic, and political oppression and social control, and the attendant struggles of resistance and adaptation. This, in turn, leads us to scrutinize race alongside state formation, racialized citizenship, capitalism, state-building, and surveillance. As with all work on race, centering analyses of gender and sexuality is a priority in order to provide a deeper understanding of racial identities and structures. In addition, examining race and diaspora from the ancient world through the 20th Century and in relationship to Native American, Asian, and Jewish diasporas is also possible.

Research Areas

Ancient/medieval.

Vanderbilt boasts a dynamic group of scholars in Ancient and Medieval history. The faculty represent a range of geographic and chronological periods, including the Roman Empire, Ancient/Medieval Syria, medieval Europe, Judaism, Islam and Asia. The faculty share a mutual interest in reconstructing past through rigorous, source-driven historical reconstruction, with specializations in legal, religious, economic, cultural and military history. They work closely with a distinguished cohort of early modern historians, and in collaboration with the programs in Classical and Mediterranean Studies, the Legal History Seminar, Jewish Studies, Women and Gender Studies, the Pre-Modern Cultural Studies seminar (Robert Penn Warren Center); the departments of English, French & Italian, German, Russian and East European Studies, History of Art, and the Graduate Department of Religion.

We welcome applications from potential graduate students interested both in particular subject areas, but also in the questions and methods shared by all historians of pre-modern societies – how to work with patchy or fragmentary evidence, how to reconstruct the world of culture and symbols, how to push beyond the learned texts that predominate in our records, and how to ask meaningful questions about the past.

There is no prescribed graduate curriculum; students are invited to craft their own program within the framework of the History Department Ph.D. requirements during coursework. Particular scrutiny is given, in evaluating applications, to a candidate’s prior preparation (including knowledge of languages necessary to undertake Ph.D. level research) and a candidate’s writing sample. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance.

Vanderbilt University's History Department continues to diversify geographically and thematically, with African history being the latest doctoral field to be added to our offerings. Our doctoral program in African history is designed to produce scholars and teachers who possess a simultaneously broad and deep knowledge of the African past. We train academic historians of Africa who are grounded in the historiographies, methodologies, and debates that animate the field, but who also recognize and account for Africa's connections to the rest of the world and to global events.

We welcome applications from prospective graduate students who desire rigorous training in the core historical methodologies as well as in ethnographic approaches to the African past. Graduate students will be trained to mine and make sense of archival, oral, ethnographic, linguistic, and other unconventional sources as well as to utilize clues offered by Africa's vast material culture to reconstruct and interrogate the past. The goal is to develop our students into producers of new knowledge about Africa and effective teachers of African history.

Students can expect to be trained in the social, economic, and political histories of the continent while exploring themes as diverse as gender, technology, trade, religion, colonialism, nationalism, healing practices, slavery, intellectual production, among others. Students will be trained to appreciate the dominant dynamics of Africa's precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial histories while recognizing the parallels and overlaps between these periods. Our courses explore trans-regional patterns but also cover the peculiar historical features of particular regions.

The small number of our Africanist faculty means that we are able to devote considerable time to independent studies, collaborative learning, and mentorship. We perform traditional mentoring tasks, but we are also able to provide consistent support as students identify research fields, apply for research grants, and apply for jobs during the dissertation phase of their training.

Vanderbilt hosts an accomplished faculty in Asian history and is particularly strong in the twentieth century, early modern, and medieval periods. We emphasize global interconnections and broad comparative approaches both within the department and in affiliated programs across campus.

With a small cohort admitted each year, students benefit from close mentorship with Asia faculty, including one-on-one independent study and directed research. Students will be expected to take history department courses in other regions (Europe, US, Latin America, Middle East, Africa) and methodologies (including Visual Culture, Spatial Histories, Empire, and History of Science). Students can also explore related topics with Asia faculty in History of Art, languages and literature (Asian Studies), Religious Studies, Sociology, English, and Political Science.

South Asia: Vanderbilt is emerging as an important location for the study of early modern and modern South Asia, especially in the fields of political history, religious history, and the history of western India ( Samira Sheikh ). Graduate students admitted to study South Asian history may be supported by faculty in related fields, such as Indian Ocean history ( Tasha Rijke-Epstein ), the history of the British empire ( Catherine Molineux ), and the Islamic world ( Leor Halevi , David Wasserstein ). Distinguished South Asia specialists elsewhere at Vanderbilt include Tony K. Stewart, Adeana McNicholl and Anand Vivek Taneja in Religious Studies, Tariq Thachil in Political Science, Akshya Saxena in English, and Heeryoon Shin in History of Art. Those interested in premodern links between India and east Asia may benefit from scholars of Buddhism and Chinese architecture (Robert Campany/Tracy Miller).

Nineteenth and Twentieth-Century Northeast Asia: With specialists in the cultural and intellectual history of modern/contemporary Japan ( Gerald Figal , Yoshikuni Igarashi ) and modern China/Northeast Asia ( Ruth Rogaski ), Vanderbilt is an excellent place to train in topics such as colonialism and empire, war, history and memory, contemporary culture, and history of the body and medicine. Faculty in U.S. History ( Tom Schwartz , Paul Kramer ) also maintain strong interests in Sino-U.S. relations. Associated faculty include Guojun Wang in Chinese literature, Lijun Song in Chinese medical sociology, and Brett Benson in contemporary Chinese politics.

Early and Middle-period Imperial China: Vanderbilt hosts a strong faculty in the political organization, military history, and material culture of the Song dynasty ( Peter Lorge ), with the capacity for comparative study in other medieval societies (Europe, Middle East, South Asia). Students can also explore topics as diverse as sacred landscapes, regional networks, and religious identities with affiliated faculty in History of Art (Tracy Miller) and Chinese religions (Rob Campany).

Atlantic World

Vanderbilt ranks among the nation's top twenty research universities and boasts a diverse and dynamic History Department. One of the newest and most exciting areas of faculty research and graduate training at Vanderbilt is Atlantic World History. Graduate students who choose to complete a major or minor field in Atlantic World history at Vanderbilt will be introduced to a wide range of literature addressing the interactions among European, Native American, and African peoples. Working closely with our Atlantic World historians, students develop a dissertation topic and prospectus during their fifth and sixth semesters.

From their first semester, we encourage doctoral students in our field to become actively engaged in the profession through field research, networking, collaborative projects, grant writing and publishing. We also encourage training in digital humanities and our students have worked on projects such as the Slave Societies Digital Archive , the Manuel Zapata Olivella Collection and Enslaved: Peoples of the Historic Slave Trade .

Our students have presented their research at numerous national and international conferences including the American Historical Association, the Conference on Latin American History, the Brazilian Studies Association, the Forum on European Expansion and Global Interaction, the Omohundro Institute of Early American History, the African History Association, and the Association of Caribbean History, among others. Over the last decade our students have won many prestigious research awards, including the Fulbright, Social Science Research Council, American Council for Learned Societies, and Rotary fellowships. Our students have conducted research in areas as diverse as Angola, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Ghana, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Graduates of our Atlantic World History program have earned tenure-track positions in history departments at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Florida, Michigan State University, the University of West Florida, the University of Birmingham, UK, the University of Arkansas, Queens College, Georgia Gwinnett College and the University of Texas-Arlington.

Early Modern

Vanderbilt has a vibrant group of scholars in Early Modern history. Faculty research and teaching interests include geographic specialists in England/Britain, France, Germany, Italy, eastern Europe, India, and China. Among the areas of inquiry are legal, religious, economic, cultural, and gender/sexuality history. The Early Modern faculty work closely with historians of antiquity and medieval history, and in collaboration with the programs in Classical and Mediterranean Studies, Jewish Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, the departments of English, French and Italian, and German, Russian and East European Studies, History of Art, and the Pro-Modern Cultural Studies Seminar (Robert Penn Warren Center.)

We welcome applications from potential graduate students interested in particular subject areas as well as in the questions and methods shared by all historians of early modern societies, including how to work with incomplete, fragmentary, or (deliberately) misleading evidence, how to reconstruct the world of culture and symbols, how to push beyond the learned texts that predominate in the historical record, and how to ask meaningful questions about the past.

There is no prescribed graduate curriculum; students are invited to craft their own program within the framework of the History Department Ph.D. requirements during coursework, but an applicant’s prior preparation, including knowledge of languages necessary to undertake Ph.D. level research, and the writing sample, are particularly important factors. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance.

Vanderbilt University trains graduate students in all periods of Islam's history, from its origins in late antiquity to modernity, and in various regional settings.

Our faculty works in multiple fields, including law, business, religion, imperialism, and nationalism. They have written on topics as diverse as early Islamic death rituals; politics and society in al-Andalus; Jewish-Muslim trade in the medieval Mediterranean; the political, religious and economic landscape of early modern Gujarat; Jewish identity in the Ottoman Empire; Islam in the modern Balkans; Nigerian responses to colonialism; and the rise of ISIS.

Latin America

Vanderbilt University has one of the oldest programs in Latin American studies in the United States. Our doctoral program focuses on developing scholars and teachers with both a broad knowledge of Latin American and Caribbean history and intensive training in research and writing in their specialty. Doctoral students normally do four semesters of classes, then take their qualifying exams at the end of their fourth semester or the beginning of their fifth semester. Working closely with our historians of Latin America and the Caribbean, students develop a dissertation topic and prospectus during their fifth semester. From their first semester, we encourage our doctoral students to become actively engaged in the profession through field research, networking, publishing, collaborative projects, and grant applications. Our students have presented their research at numerous national and international conferences including the American Historical Association, Conference on Latin American History, Latin American Studies Association, Brazilian Studies Association, Association of Caribbean Historians, and the Southern Historical Association. Over the last decade our students have won many prestigious internal and external research awards (ACLS, Mellon, Boren, SSRC, and Fulbright). Since 1989, 39 students have entered our doctoral program. Twenty-three have completed their dissertations, and ten students are currently in the program. The average time to completion of dissertation has been six years. Close individual supervision of our students has been key to the timely and successful progress of our students.

Vanderbilt University has a distinguished tradition in Latin American and Caribbean history beginning with the hiring of Alexander Marchant (and four other Brazil specialists) and the creation of an Institute of Brazilian Studies in 1947. Among other noted historians of Latin America who have taught at Vanderbilt are Simon Collier, Robert Gilmore, J. León Helguera, and Barbara Weinstein. Close individual supervision of our students has been key to the timely and successful progress of our students.

Vanderbilt is home to a thriving community of legal historians. Our faculty expertise ranges from ancient Rome to the contemporary United States, and we place a strong emphasis on comparative and thematic inquiry. Faculty have written on topics as diverse as ancient violence, the history of prostitution, racial passing, Islamic law, American slavery, and law in early modern empires.

Our community is centered on the Legal History Workshop, an invited speaker series that runs throughout the year. The workshop features some of the most exciting new perspectives on legal history and strives to be international and comparative in methods and scope.

In addition to coursework in their geographic and chronological areas of expertise, students are encouraged to take the Methods in Legal History seminar, which runs every other year. This team-taught seminar introduces students to the range of work done by legal historians and runs in conjunction with the workshop.

Modern Europe

Vanderbilt's doctoral program in Modern Europe focuses on developing scholars and teachers with a broad knowledge of European history and its relationship to the world. Graduate students are rigorously trained in both the national historiographies of their regional and linguistic specializations, as well as in related transnational and thematic fields, such as environmental history, nationalism and nation-building, law and empire, the history of music, minority politics, history of religion, mass violence, and the history of science and technology.

With a small, competitive cohort accepted each year, doctoral students in Modern Europe at Vanderbilt benefit from close mentor relationship with their advisors and other senior faculty, both through small seminar-style coursework and close individual supervision during the dissertation process. Mentorship extends beyond the classroom to include support in grant-writing, preparation for the job market, and opportunities for teaching assistantships in related fields. Collectively, the department's European faculty has supervised more than 40 theses in modern Europe and helped to place students in prestigious fellowships and tenure-track jobs in the United States and Europe.

Science, Technology, and Medicine

Vanderbilt is home to a robust and diverse community of historians engaged in the study of Science, Technology, and Medicine (STM). Students in STM are exposed to both the intensive historiographies of STM fields as well as a broad and deep training in the relevant historical locations and periods. Vanderbilt STM students are encouraged to imagine themselves as both scholars and as historians.

Our faculty expertise ranges across time, place, and topic; from material culture in Africa, to medicine in China, to intellectual and cultural history in the West. Faculty have written on topics as diverse as modern privacy, the young Darwin, Diabetes, Albert Einstein, Qi, clinical trials—even the future of technology.

Our community is centered on two workshops, one designed by graduate students for the STM scholars within the department, and the other designed to engage the broader Vanderbilt community, recognizing the inherently interdisciplinary nature of STM studies.

United States

Students in our doctoral program are trained broadly in the historiography of the United States in the nineteenth, twentieth, and now twenty-first centuries. They also have ample opportunities to work in transnational and thematic fields, including African American history, diplomatic history, environmental history, intellectual history, legal history, political history, and religious history as well as the history of capitalism, gender and sexuality, popular culture, race and racism, and science, medicine, and technology. The department has a strong profile in the field of U.S. and the world, and offers students training in transnational approaches. Graduate students and faculty meet regularly as a group to discuss research work in progress in the department's informal Americanist Seminar.

With a small, diverse cohort accepted each year, doctoral students in U.S. history at Vanderbilt benefit from expert supervision and guidance. Our faculty is committed to excellent mentoring in both research and teaching. Graduate students enjoy close working relationships with their advisors and other faculty inside and outside the department, whether in the Law School or Peabody College of Education or in the departments of medicine, health and society, sociology, philosophy, or religious studies. Faculty assist students as well with grant-writing, conference presentations, article drafting, and preparation for the job market. The department has helped to place students in prestigious fellowships and tenure-track jobs as well as significant research and policy positions outside the academy.

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The Graduate Program

fields of study.

Like all major history departments in this country, we divide our graduate program into fields, most of which reflect the geographic and chronological boundaries that have traditionally organized historical research in the West, but others of which cross those boundaries (such as sociomedical sciences, Jewish history, and International & Global History).Those boundaries continue to define most faculty positions in American history departments. Every prospective Columbia student thus applies to work in a specific field. There are 13 of them, each of which has slightly different requirements:

Early Modern Europe (1350-1750)
International and Global History
Jewish History
Latin America
Medieval Europe
Middle East
Modern Europe
Socio-Medical Sciences
United States

Prospective students should realize, however, that our history department, like many others, also provides opportunities for students to embrace broader lines of inquiry- both within and across traditional divisions by field. We urge our students, first, to explore the convergence of different methodological and theoretical approaches to history- to explore, for example, the intersections between political and social history, or the connections between diplomatic, cultural, and intellectual history. And we encourage our students, second, to consider research that moves beyond the period and place associated with their field. We continue to emphasize deep training in source analysis and empirical research,which are the foundations of professional history-writing. But we also urge students to take on research projects that situate their particular time or place in historical processes that decisively cross traditional boundaries.

We welcome applications, therefore,from students with strong interests in particular fields, who are eager to immerse themselves in the records of particular cultures and are prepared to acquire the techniques necessary for such work (languages and, for certain subjects, such specialized skills as paleography, statistics, or even musical training). But we also encourage applications from students who want as well to think about their work in terms of longer histories and broader theoretical questions.

Faculty members at Columbia conduct research and train students in several such broad, transnational areas, including:

International history, emphasizing imperial and post-imperial histories from the 1500s forward
Western intellectual history, medieval to modem
Diasporic Jewish history
Ethics and public health
Women’s history and the history of gender
Social and political history of the West, including history of markets, commercial culture, labor, and associated legal institutions
The international history of race, slavery, and emancipation
The international history of the Cold War and other systems of geopolitics
The history of science and technology
The global history of medicine, disease, and public health

However they define their fields, history students are not confined to the resources of our department. They are, rather, encouraged to look beyond our walls to other areas of the university or to other institutions in the New York metropolitan area.

In addition to Columbia’s fine departments in associated disciplines, such as languages and literature, art history, music, philosophy, sociology, political science, or anthropology, Columbia has a wide range of energetic interdisciplinary institutes that provide formal and informal training to graduate students throughout the university, among them the Harriman Institute for Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies , the Middle Eastern Institute , the Institute for Research on Women and Gender , and the East Asian Institute (along with the Department of East Asian Languages and Culture ). Columbia’s School of Public Health, which offers a Ph.D. in the history of medicine and public health in association with our department; the Law School, with which we offer a joint Ph.D./J.D. program; Teachers College; and the School of International and Public Affairs are four of Columbia’s many professional schools that offer courses and other intellectual opportunities to enhance a student’s training in the history department.

Columbia history students are also entitled to take courses at no additional cost at other area universities through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium , such as NYU, the New School, CUNY Graduate Center, Stonybrook, Fordham, Princeton, and Rutgers .

Whatever larger interests a student may have or may develop, each enters the history program through a particular field. The Graduate Student Handbook lists the thirteen fields and details the specific requirements for each (the principal differences concern language requirements, orals preparation,and seminars). Students and their advisors may, however, agree on adjustments to those requirements in response to a student’s particular interests. Students should also keep in mind that they can formally change fields, with faculty permission, and consequently adjust their programs to reflect their particular needs.

Ph.D. in World History

World history concentration.

The Doctoral Program in history, with a core focus on world history, trains research historians who plan to teach at the college and university levels. Emphasizing global approaches to historical study, the program encourages students to think beyond national boundaries, comparatively, and in terms of themes that span geographically dispersed areas of the world-trade, migration, disease, religion, state formation, colonialism, and post-colonialism. Studies also include long-term historical processes, major global transformations, and interactions between states and colonial societies. Candidates for the Ph.D. in history may examine African, Asian, European, Latin American, or U.S. history in a world historical context. The program emphasizes mentoring of students in their courses, supervised teaching, and in the doctoral dissertation.

Systematic training in theory and methodology and preparation for college teaching are distinctive features of the Northeastern program. All doctoral students undertake intensive reading in the theoretical literature that informs historical analysis, as well as in global historiography. Each student develops a deliberate methodological focus in an area such as cultural history, social history, environmental and biological history, or public history. Students are mentored in the practice of teaching and are encouraged to lecture and lead discussion sections under the supervision of faculty.

A mix of reading courses and research seminars in area studies and comparative or transnational history provide students with the bedrock of training in the literature and research methods of history. Students may also take a limited number of courses outside the department.

The Department of History maintains close ties with interdisciplinary programs such as Asian Studies; Latino, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies; Law and Public Policy; Women Gender and Sexuality Studies, and with the Departments of African American Studies; Art and Architecture; English; Sociology and Anthropology; and Political Science. Graduate students may obtain a certificate in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies .

All doctoral candidates must develop and demonstrate a strong reading knowledge of the languages in which they will undertake research. In cases where students require training in languages not offered at Northeastern, the department helps them arrange to take courses at nearby institutions.

The doctoral dissertation presents an original interpretation of a topic of historical significance based on detailed research into primary sources, a survey of the relevant literature, and skilled application of the theoretical and methodological apparatus germane to the topic.

In recent years, the Department of History has been able to provide funding to Ph.D. students for five years.

The GRE will not be required as part of graduate admissions to any certificate, master’s, or doctoral program in CSSH or across the university for matriculation in 2022-2023

Applicants and admitted students are invited and encouraged to join one of our Welcome Days. Please click here for more information and to RSVP.

Type of Program

PhD Program

Get more information about this graduate program.

More programs, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in environmental studies & history, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in history & philosophy, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in history, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in history & asian studies, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in history & cultural anthropology.

Department of History

College of humanities, main navigation, history phd program, about the history phd program.

The Doctor of Philosophy program provides general instruction in the historian’s craft and intensive training in one major field and two minor fields of history. Candidates for the PhD are expected to obtain a broad historical knowledge, demonstrate expertise in the special area of their dissertations, and master fundamental research techniques and methodologies. As prospective members of a time-honored profession, candidates should strive to make substantive contributions to historical scholarship in original research and writing, classroom teaching, or institutions of research and interpretation.

In addition to the departmental requirements noted in the History Graduate Handbook , please read the University requirements for the PhD degree, which are listed on the Graduate School website .

PhD Departmental Requirements

For a complete list of Doctoral Degree Requirements, please review the Graduate Handbook , pages 7-13.1

PhD US Checklist

Supervisory Committee

PhD students must form a supervisory committee no later than the second semester of graduate study.

Supervisory committees for doctoral students consists of 5 members of the University faculty including adjunct and reserach faculty. A majority should hold regular faculty appointments and at least one member must be from a department other than history.

Graduate school regulations for Supervisory Committees can be found on the Graduate School website , and in the Department Graduate Handbook pages 8-9 .

There is no stipulated number of credit hours required for the PhD. In consultation with the Supervisory Committee, PhD students will create an individualized program of study designed to prepare them to pass the qualifying examinations and proceed with dissertation research.

Requirements :

HIST 7800: History Methods
PhD in U.S. History must complete HIST 7500 & 7510
Two research seminars, at least one of which must be in their major field.
One seminar or colloquium in each minor field.

Minimum of 14 hours of HIST 7970: Thesis Research.

See History Graduate Handbook pages 9-10 .

Program of Study

The program of study is a list that contains all the coursework and research hours completed for the degree. Candidates for the PhD degree ordinarily must complete no fewer than three full years (six semesters) of approved graduate work (i.e., courses numbered 6000 and above) and a dissertation. All candidates for a PhD will meet with the Graduate Advisor one semester before graduation to discuss the final requirements, which will provide sufficient time for entering all the information online. The Supervisory Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies must approve the program of study.

See History Graduate Handbook page 10 .

Doctoral students must complete the degree requirements within seven years of the original date of admission; failure to do so shall necessitate reapplication for admission to the program and repetition of all qualifying examinations.

See History Graduate Handbook page 13 .

Criteria For Dismissal

Doctoral Student smay be dismissed from the program for failure to achieve any of the following:

Maintain a minimum GPA fo 3.0
Officially register documentation of a supervisory committee from the time of official registration of the supervisory committee through completion of the program.
Pass qualifying exams by the end of their 5th year in the doctoral program. In the event that a candidate fails the final exaination, it may be repeated, but only one; failure to pass an examination a second time shall automatically result in termination of the Student's PhD program.

Complete dissertation revisions as required by the supervisory committee and obtain the supervisory chair's signature on the Final Reading Form wthin 120 days of the dissertation defense.

Language Requirement

All PhD students must achieve advanced proficiency in one foreign language. Students should contact the History academic advisor to learn how to fulfill this requirement. PhD students may also be required by their supervisory committees to master other foreign languages to conduct research and read scholarship in their chosen fields. Language credits will not count towards fulfillment of degree requirements.

Qualifying Examination

PhD qualifing examinations consist of two parts: a written examination and an oral examination.

Written Examination: In the major field, the written examination will not exceed eight hours in length. The exam is constructed and evaluated by the PhD student’s Supervisory Committee and will reflect the breadth and complexity of the entire field. In the minor fields, written examinations will not exceed four hours in length altogether (i.e., two hours in each minor field). At the discretion of the supervisory committee, the student may substitute a portfolio for a written examination in either or both minor fields. This portfolio will consist of sample syllabi for a course or courses in that field, along with an annotated bibliography and the student’s written work deemed appropriate for the portfolio by the student’s minor field Supervisory Committee member.

Oral Examination: The student’s Supervisory Committee will conduct an oral examination of approximately two hours after the completion of all written examinations. The oral examination shall be conducted by the student’s Supervisory Committee Chair and will cover the major and minor fields.

See History Graduate Handbook pages 10-11 .

Upon completion of the qualifying examination, the student shall be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. Thereafter the candidate shall present a prospectus of the dissertation to the Supervisory Committee for approval. The prospectus is a proposal for the dissertation, and will normally include a statement and justification of the topic to be explored, a research plan, a bibliography of primary and secondary sources, and a discussion of methodology. The prospectus should be developed only after considerable preliminary investigation of a general problem. The prospectus must receive formal approval by the candidate’s Supervisory Committee. A departmental form summarizing the action of the committee, along with a copy of the approved prospectus, must be filed with the Advisor following the prospectus meeting.

See History Graduate Handbook page 11 .

Dissertation

After the prospectus is approved, candidates proceed to research and write a dissertation under the supervision of the dissertation advisor, who in most cases will be the Supervisory Committee Chair. This is to be a major research and writing endeavor, incorporating exhaustive research and advanced conceptual and analytical skills. Although supervision of the dissertation shall be the province of the dissertation advisor, candidates are expected to advise other committee members of their work in progress. The candidate shall submit a draft of the dissertation to each member of the supervisory committee at least one month prior to the final oral examination. The style and format of the dissertation must accord with departmental policies as administered by the Thesis Office at the Graduate School.

See History Graduate Handbook pages 19 and 24 .

Graduate Student Forms

Students are responsible for filling out forms with the Academic Advisor and Director of Graduate Studies in a timely manner so that their student records can be updated and the studen will not fall out of compliance with the Graduate School.

All forms can be found here .

The Geography of History PhDs

Dylan Ruediger | May 7, 2018

The AHA’s “ Where Historians Work ” is an ambitious research project designed to track the career outcomes of everyone who earned a PhD in history from 2004–13 in the United States. Last year, we launched a beta version of “Where Historians Work” showing initial results from 34 PhD programs. Since then, we have gathered information on the remaining 127 PhD programs, locating some 8,000 individuals using publicly available information. We are now in a position to truly understand the national landscape of employment for history PhDs.

Later this spring we’ll publish a series of interactive visualizations that highlight what we have learned about historians and their careers, while allowing users to ask research questions about the data. As we’ve gathered data, we’ve published several blog posts on our findings, focused on describing the incredible range of careers we have discovered in the data. This post focuses on the geography of historians with a PhD, bringing a new and more literal sense of where historians work into the mix.

Fig. 1. Geographic Dispersal of History PhDs, 2004-13

Fig. 1. Geographical dispersal of history PhDs, 2004–13

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the geography of history PhDs closely replicates population patterns in the United States, making “the same places everyone else does” the most straightforward answer to the question of where historians work. History PhDs congregate in high population states: of the 15 most populous states, only Washington and Arizona are not also among the top 15 for employing PhDs from our cohort. (For state population, visit census.gov .)

Another clear pattern is that states that award the largest numbers of history PhDs, many of which have high populations overall, tend to also employ them in the largest numbers. Fifteen states and 98 PhD programs account for 72 percent of all history PhDs earned from 2004–13. These 15 states also employed 50 percent of those historians, a big number to be sure, but one that left room for them to “export” large numbers of PhDs to other states. California, for example, is home to over 600 historians, but awarded over 1,100 PhDs in the discipline. The states that “export” PhDs appear to send them to the Southeast and West, both regions that are home to more PhDs than were trained within their borders.

Fig. 2. States home to the largest number of history PhDs

As you might expect, the careers historians build differ depending on where they live. Sometimes, it seems possible to speculate about why this might be. In California, for instance, only 38 percent of historians work in four-year tenure-track positions, while in South Dakota, over 80 percent do. South Dakota is one of the few states that does not host a PhD program, and it seems that few historians move there except for those who land tenure-track positions. In contrast, California’s high quality of life and diversified economy seem to attract them in large numbers. However, numbers at the state level vary significantly and often are complicated by small samples (as in the case of South Dakota, home to only 12 history PhDs in our cohort), making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Fig. 3. Employment categories by region

Seen regionally, PhD employment patterns begin to even out, though not without suggesting subtle variations in the regional economies. Tenure-track employment is most common in the Southeast, Great Plains, and Great Lakes, and least common in the far West. In contrast, non-tenure-track rates are relatively stable across regions, except in the West and Southwest, where over a quarter of history PhDs are employed in contingent positions. Outside the professoriate, historians disperse in slightly different directions as they take advantage of regional economic opportunities. In New England, PhDs find more opportunities in academic administration, while those out West are most likely to be employed in the private sector.

In general, PhDs working in large urban areas seem to be employed in more diverse jobs than those living in rural areas and college towns. Large cities tend to have lower rates of employment on the tenure track and are hubs for those working in the nonprofit and business sector. Cities also tend to have high rates of historians teaching off the tenure track.

No major city is more distinctive, though, than the District of Columbia. DC is home to only 700,000 residents and is a mere 68 square miles, but only five states employ more historians than the city. The 295 history PhDs we have located working here are remarkable not only for their density, but for their employment patterns, which look like nowhere else in the country. Over 75 percent of all historians employed by the federal government work in the District. Even so, fewer than half of DC’s history PhDs work for the federal government because the District is also a national hub for historians in the nonprofit and business sectors. Nine percent of all history PhDs employed by nonprofits work in in DC; only the State of New York employs more. Likewise, only California and New York employ more historians in the private sector than DC. In another dramatic departure from national averages, only 18 percent of DC historians work as postsecondary teachers compared to 75 percent who do so nationally.

Knowing where historians live raises important questions about the relationship between mobility and careers, a perennial, controversial, and poorly understood aspect of PhD culture. PhD candidates have long been told that their ability to find employment rests on their willingness to move anywhere in pursuit of a tenure-track job. Without question, many history PhDs appear to follow this path. However, department-level data (available in the forthcoming version of Where Historians Work) shows that in many departments, graduates cluster in the cities and regions where they receive their degrees. These geographies no doubt reflect hierarchies of prestige within the discipline: earlier studies of historical careers done by the AHA have found that graduates from high-prestige programs scatter more widely than those from ones with regional reputations, a pattern that seems to still hold true. The geographical data also highlights the existence of regional employment patterns that complicate our sense of a single national academic job market. More importantly, they suggest that many PhDs have ties of family, friendship, and circumstance in the regions where they earn their degrees, and build careers that reflect those roots. Our data speak to outcomes rather than motivations, but knowing more about where historians live is a crucial step towards untangling the question of why.

This post first appeared on AHA Today .

Tags: AHA Today Career Diversity for Historians Graduate Education

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The knowledge and skills students gain while earning a history degree offer excellent preparation for a seemingly endless variety of occupations. Students of history learn to analyze and evaluate evidence with care, to communicate persuasively and clearly, and to understand diverse perspectives and experiences. Many history majors directly apply course content to fulfilling careers as historians, museum professionals, historical interpreters, researchers, writers, filmmakers, and educators. According to the American Historical Association, history graduates work in almost every field imaginable, ranging from financial services to healthcare to community and social services and beyond. Particularly large numbers of history majors leverage their critical thinking and communication skills for careers in business administration or management, sales, and in the legal profession. Earning an undergraduate degree in history also offers students excellent preparation for graduate school, launching them on pathways toward careers in fields such as higher education, journalism, law, and public policy.

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The programs offered by the Department of History emphasize the modern world in a global framework. A range of approaches to history, from political and cultural through social and intellectual, to environment and medicine, find representation in our program.

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The History PhD program involves the completion of 2 minor fields by course work and one major field of readings by September 15th of the second year of doctoral study. Thereafter candidates will devote their full time to research and writing their doctoral thesis.

The Department offers full and part-time PhD degrees to candidates.

Areas of Research offered include:

Animal History
Atlantic World
Britain 1688-2000
Canada 1791-2000
Environmental History
Medieval Europe
Modern Europe
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War and Society

Admission Requirements

The Department supervises doctoral research in a variety of areas of specialization. Prospective applicants are directed to consult the Department’s website which details research specializations. Candidates must contact individual faculty for guidance on appropriate thesis topics.

Application Process

Completed applications consisting of the following:

How to Apply
Departmental Application Form (This is equivalent to the required study plan). Once you’ve completed your Departmental Application Form, save it as a PDF and upload as an attachment to your online application. You can also send it as an attachment via email to: [email protected]
Two Confidential Reports from referees most familiar with your academic studies (These can be found on McMaster University Graduate Studies Online Application – the online application process).
Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions attended (When applying online your transcripts are listed under “Academic History Checklist”).
Writing Sample.
The above should be submitted by 1 February for consideration by our graduate studies committee for admission and funding (September admission only). Transcripts and confidential report forms should be sent directly to the Department under separate cover. We may still consider applications after the February 1 deadline.

Program Timelines

When admission to PhD work has been granted, a candidate will, in consultation with his or her prospective supervisor and the Graduate Studies Chair of the Department, select two Minor Fields and one Major Specialization. Minor Fields and Major Specialization will cover the principal literature in the areas of concentration.

Minor fields normally consist of two half-year 700‐level graduate reading seminars in each of which a major historiographical essay is required. The grade for a minor field will consist of the grades for the in- course requirements and the historiographical essay, in combination as indicated by the minor field supervisor. One minor field course will be taken in the fall term, the second in the winter term. Instructors may opt to set a written exam.

While some overlap may be deemed beneficial, the Minor Fields should not duplicate Major Specialization reading. All doctoral candidates must have a minimum of three, and usually four, instructors supervising the combination of their Minor Fields and Major Specialization.

Major Specialization preparation begins in September and takes the form of a reading course that will run normally until the following May. The reading for the course will be determined by the course instructors with oversight from the department’s Graduate Studies Committee to ensure appropriate breadth and depth of the reading list. As part of the reading course, candidates will complete a significant historiographical paper or papers. Instructors may opt to set a written exam.

Successful completion of 6 units of Minor‐Field coursework and 6 units of Major Specialization coursework, fulfill the course requirements of the School of Graduate Studies for doctoral candidates. Satisfactory performance in doctoral Minor Field and Major Specialization courses is a minimum grade of B‐. A single grade of F on any course in the PhD program, or two B- grades, entails automatic withdrawal from the program.

Finally, all History PhD candidates will write a dissertation research proposal by the end of their first year in the PhD programme. Each candidate’s proposal, of 10-15 pages in length, is defended on a Pass/Fail basis with the candidate’s PhD committee no later than the third week of September. This defence will constitute the required PhD comprehensive examination (written and oral). In order to attain a passing mark, the dissertation proposal and its oral defense must satisfactorily demonstrate breadth of knowledge and the integration of key ideas and methods related to the student’s thesis area. Successful passage of the comprehensive examination along with successful completion of the coursework is required before a candidate may proceed in programme.

Tuition & Program Fees

Visit Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is tuition?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition fees are as follows:

Please note, these costs are exclusive of supplementary fees and are subject to change on an annual basis.

When is tuition due?

Tuition is usually due in mid-September. Dates will change on an annual basis and will be communicated via departmental communication channels.

What does the course load look like for an MA student?

MA students in the Department of History are required to take 3 level-700 courses in the fall and winter terms. Each class is approximately 3 hours in length based on course offerings and student interest. Courses are offered one day per week. Unless otherwise specified, courses are offered in-person and students are expected to be present in class on campus. Course scheduling and registration takes place in the spring/summer.

Does the Department require scholarly work?

Both the MA and the PhD require completion of the supplemental application, which can be found on the respective application websites. The PhD application requires a writing sample.

How is graduate funding decided? Is it guaranteed?

Within the Department of History, there is a graduate committee which is composed of History faculty members. For MA students, each individual faculty member reviews the applications and ranks the students. Each student receives an average ranking. The student’s GPA is then used as a further ranking tool to determine graduate scholarships. The application and the student’s GPA has equal weighting in determining their final rank. Top students are likely, but not guaranteed, to receive scholarship funding. In addition to scholarship funding, there are multiple teaching assistant positions which offer students an opportunity to study and work. No funding is guaranteed and is subject to change on an annual basis.

For PhD students, minimum funding is guaranteed. As of September 1, 2023, all full-time PhD students admitted to the program are guaranteed a minimum of $17,500 which may be composed of multiple different sources of funding. This is guaranteed for 4 years.

Does the department offer any scholarships?

The department offers the following internal scholarships for graduate students:

Is it necessary to consult a potential supervisor?

For an MA student, you will connect with a potential supervisor by the end of your first term.

For a PhD student, it is highly recommended that you consult with a potential supervisor before applying into the program. Supervision requires a heavy commitment from faculty members, and some faculty members may not be able to provide the necessary support required. The department cannot guarantee a supervisor for incoming PhD students.

Can the application fee be waived?

No, the fee is mandatory to apply into the program.

How are my international grades calculated?

The university uses the Ontario University Registrars’ Association guides to calculating international grades. These vary from country to country. If you are interested, you may reach out to [email protected] for clarification.

What testing is required if English is not my first language? What is the minimum score required?

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide an official record of the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum TOEFL score of 92 (iBT), 580 on the regular test and a score of 237 on the computerized test are required. If you are submitting the IELTS test, a minimum score of 7 is required.

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Supplemental information.

2023-2024 Graduate Courses Term 1 Seminars (September – December 2023)

History 702 War and American Society since 1898| Dr. Stephen Streeter
History 741 Historiography | Dr. Tracy McDonald
History 756 The World Wars| Dr. Martin Horn
History 767 War and Society in East Asian History| Dr. Jaeyoon Song

Term 2 Seminars (January – April 2024)

History 717 Topics in Early Modern European History| Dr. Megan Armstrong
History 721 Modern British History| Dr. Stephen Heathorn
History 725 Canadian Environmental History| Dr. Ken Cruikshank
History 757 The British Empire and Global Integration, 1815-1960| Dr. John Weaver
History 776 History of Sexualities in the Western World, 1750 to the present| Dr. Michael Gauvreau

Winter – Summer 2024 (January – August 2024)

History 798 PhD Major Specialization

Summer 2024 (May – August 2024)

History 797 MA Research Paper

2022-2023 Graduate Courses Term 1 Seminars (September – December 2022)

History 708 Research in European International Relations 1890-1956 | Dr. Martin Horn
History 741 Historiography | Dr. Michael Gauvreau
History 754 Social and Environmental History of Modern America | Dr. Ken Cruikshank
History 767 War and Society in East Asian History | Dr. Jaeyoon Song

Term 2 Seminars (January – April 2023)

History 743 Topics in Soviet History | Dr. Tracy McDonald
History 757 The British Empire and Global Integration, 1815-1960 | Dr. John Weaver
History 766 Comparative Perspectives on Health and Medicine in the Colonial World | Dr. Juanita De Barros
History 776 History of Sexualities in the Western World, 1750 to the present | Dr. Michael Gauvreau
History 777 Decolonizing Indigenous History | Dr. Allan Downey

2021-2022 Graduate Courses Term 1 Seminars (September – December 2021) In- Person

History 728 American Foreign Relations | Dr. S. Streeter | Tuesday 9:30 – 12:20
History 741 Historiography (required for MA’s) | Dr. T. McDonald | Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
History 766 Comparative Perspectives on Health and Medicine in the Colonial World | Dr. J. De Barros | Wednesday 14:30 – 17:20
History 775 The Canadian Left in the Twentieth Century | Dr. I. McKay | Monday 9:00 – 12:00

Term 2 Seminars (January – April 2022)

History 757 The British Empire and Global Integration, 1815-1960 | Dr. J. Weaver | Wednesday 13:30 – 16:20
History 764 Global Power, Local Cultures: Comparative Colonialisms in Africa | Dr. B. Ibhawoh | Tuesday 12:30 – 15:30
History 767 War and Society in East Asian History | Dr. J. Song | Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
History 776 History of Sexualities in the Western World 1750 to the present | Dr. M. Gauvreau | Friday 9:00 – 12:00
History 780 Historical Perspectives on Women and Biography | Dr. A. McQueen | Monday 9:00 – 12:00

Winter – Summer 2022 (January – August 2022)

Summer 2022 (May – August 2022)

2020-2021 Graduate Courses

Term 1 Seminars (September – December 2020) (Virtual)

History 717 Topics in Early Modern European History | Megan Armstrong | Friday 9:00 – 12:00
History 741 Historiography | Michael Gauvreau | Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
History 766 Comparative Perspectives on Health and Medicine in the Colonial World | Juanita De Barros | Wednesday 13:00 – 16:00
History 769 Historical Representations of Cities | Alison McQueen | Tuesday 9:30 – 12:30
History 775 The Canadian Left in the Twentieth Century | Ian McKay | Monday 13:00 – 16:00

Term 2 Seminars (January – April 2021)

History 725 Environmental History: Canada in International Perspective | Ken Cruikshank | Wednesday 13:00 – 16:00
History 756 The World Wars | Martin Horn | Wednesday 9:00 – 12:00
History 765 Canadian Sport History | Nancy Bouchier | Monday 9:30 – 12:30
History 767 War and Society in East Asian History | Jaeyoon Song | Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
History 776 History of Sexualities in the Western World, 1750 to the Present | Michael Gauvreau | Friday 9:00 – 12:00
History 779 History of Indigenous Manifestos | Allan Downey | Tuesday 13:00 – 16:00

Winter – Summer 2021 (January – August 2021)

Summer 2021 (May – August 2021)

2019-2020 Graduate Courses

Term 1 Seminars (September – December 2019)

History 702 War and American Society in 1898 – Stephen Streeter
History 741 Historiography – Tracy McDonald
History 772 State & Civil Society in Canada, 1948-2000 – Ian McKay
History 775 The Canadian Left in the Twentieth Century- Ian McKay
History 790 MA Independent Study

Term 2 Seminars (January – April 2020)

History 717 Topics in Early Modern History- Megan Armstrong
History 743 Topics in Soviet History – Tracy McDonald
History 757 ( Cross-listed as GLOBALST 757 ) The British Empire and Global Integration, 1815-1960 – John Weaver
History 776 History of Sexualities in the Western World, 1750 to the present- Michael Gauvreau
History 779 History of Indigenous Manifestos – Allan Downey

Summer 2020 (May – August 2020)

Winter 2020 – Summer 2020 (January – August 2020)

Funding is available through a large number of available scholarships. McMaster’s School of Graduate Studies maintains a list of available scholarships available as well as details on how to apply.

In addition to McMaster scholarships, the School of Graduate Studies also maintains a list of external scholarships.

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12 March 2024

Bring PhD assessment into the twenty-first century

You have full access to this article via your institution.

A woman holding a cup and saucer stands in front of posters presenting medical research

Innovation in PhD education has not reached how doctoral degrees are assessed. Credit: Dan Dunkley/Science Photo Library

Research and teaching in today’s universities are unrecognizable compared with what they were in the early nineteenth century, when Germany and later France gave the world the modern research doctorate. And yet significant aspects of the process of acquiring and assessing a doctorate have remained remarkably constant. A minimum of three years of independent study mentored by a single individual culminates in the production of the doctoral thesis — often a magisterial, book-length piece of work that is assessed in an oral examination by a few senior academic researchers. In an age in which there is much research-informed innovation in teaching and learning, the assessment of the doctoral thesis represents a curious throwback that is seemingly impervious to meaningful reform.

But reform is needed. Some doctoral candidates perceive the current assessment system to lack transparency, and examiners report concerns of falling standards ( G. Houston A Study of the PhD Examination: Process, Attributes and Outcomes . PhD thesis, Oxford Univ.; 2018 ). Making the qualification more structured would help — and, equally importantly, would bring the assessment of PhD education in line with education across the board. PhD candidates with experience of modern assessment methods will become better researchers, wherever they work. Indeed, most will not be working in universities: the majority of PhD holders find employment outside academia.

Collection: Career resources for PhD students

It’s not that PhD training is completely stuck in the nineteenth century. Today’s doctoral candidates can choose from a range of pathways. Professional doctorates, often used in engineering, are jointly supervised by an employer and an academic, and are aimed at solving industry-based problems. Another innovation is PhD by publication, in which, instead of a final thesis on one or more research questions, the criterion for an award is a minimum number of papers published or accepted for publication. In some countries, doctoral students are increasingly being trained in cohorts, with the aim of providing a less isolating experience than that offered by the conventional supervisor–student relationship. PhD candidates are also encouraged to acquire transferable skills — for example, in data analysis, public engagement, project management or business, economics and finance. The value of such training would be even greater if these skills were to be formally assessed alongside a dissertation rather than seen as optional.

And yet, most PhDs are still assessed after the production of a final dissertation, according to a format that, at its core, has not changed for at least half a century, as speakers and delegates noted at an event in London last month on PhD assessment, organized by the Society for Research in Higher Educatio n. Innovations in assessment that are common at other levels of education are struggling to find their way into the conventional doctoral programme.

Take the concept of learning objectives. Intended to aid consistency, fairness and transparency, learning objectives are a summary of what a student is expected to know and how they will be assessed, and are given at the start of a course of study. Part of the ambition is also to help tutors to keep track of their students’ learning and take remedial action before it is too late.

PhD training is no longer fit for purpose — it needs reform now

Formative assessment is another practice that has yet to find its way into PhD assessment consistently. Here, a tutor evaluates a student’s progress at the mid-point of a course and gives feedback or guidance on what students need to do to improve ahead of their final, or summative, assessment. It is not that these methods are absent from modern PhDs; a conscientious supervisor will not leave candidates to sink or swim until the last day. But at many institutions, such approaches are not required of PhD supervisors.

Part of the difficulty is that PhD training is carried out in research departments by people who do not need to have teaching qualifications or awareness of innovations based on education research. Supervisors shouldn’t just be experts in their field, they should also know how best to convey that subject knowledge — along with knowledge of research methods — to their students.

It is probably not possible for universities to require all doctoral supervisors to have teaching qualifications. But there are smaller changes that can be made. At a minimum, doctoral supervisors should take the time to engage with the research that exists in the field of PhD education, and how it can apply to their interactions with students.

There can be no one-size-fits-all solution to improving how a PhD is assessed, because different subjects often have bespoke needs and practices ( P. Denicolo Qual. Assur. Educ. 11 , 84–91; 2003 ). But supervisors and representatives of individual subject communities must continue to discuss what is most appropriate for their disciplines.

All things considered, there is benefit to adopting a more structured approach to PhD assessment. It is high time that PhD education caught up with changes that are now mainstream at most other levels of education. That must start with a closer partnership between education researchers, PhD supervisors and organizers of doctoral-training programmes in universities. This partnership will benefit everyone — PhD supervisors and doctoral students coming into the research workforce, whether in universities or elsewhere.

Education and training in research has entered many secondary schools, along with undergraduate teaching, which is a good thing. In the spirit of mutual learning, research doctoral supervisors, too, will benefit by going back to school.

Nature 627 , 244 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00718-0

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Phd in history: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in history.

A PhD in history is the highest academic degree in history, given to persons who have completed extensive study and showed skill in historical subjects.

A PhD in history often necessitates several years of further study and research beyond the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, culminating in the completion of a doctoral dissertation, which is an original and substantial piece of research that contributes to the field of history.

Students pursuing a PhD in history conduct extensive research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing on historical issues. They may specialize on a certain field of history, such as ancient history, medieval history, modern history, or the history of a specific region or country.

PhD candidates in history frequently undertake archival research, examine primary and secondary sources, construct historical ideas and arguments, and engage in interdisciplinary historical research approaches.

How much money do people make with a PhD in History?

Academic salaries can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more per year, depending on the institution, level (e.g., assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor), and location.

It is crucial to note, however, that entry-level professor posts may pay less than more senior or tenured positions.

Salaries for individuals with a PhD in history can vary greatly in non-academic domains such as government, non-profit organizations, museums, and cultural heritage institutes, depending on the organization and level of responsibility. Salary ranges from $40,000 to $100,000 or more per year, based on position and experience.

It’s worth mentioning that historical research and writing can also lead to freelance possibilities, with pay varying based on the individual’s projects, clientele, and success in obtaining contracts or grants.

What is expected job growth with PhD in History?

The job growth prospects for history PhD holders varies based on the field and specific work opportunities.

Overall, the job market for historians, even those with a PhD in history, is competitive, and academic roles in particular can be extremely competitive due to the limited number of tenure-track faculty posts available and the strong demand for those positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of historians, including those with PhDs in history, is expected to expand at a 3% annual pace from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than the national average.

It is crucial to note, however, that job prospects can differ based on the individual field and specialization within history.

Academic employment, such as tenure-track academic posts at universities or colleges, may have limited job growth as a result of reasons such as financial constraints, changes in demand for history courses, and an increased reliance on adjunct or non-tenure-track staff.

However, historians with PhDs in history may be able to find adjunct or temporary posts, as well as postdoctoral fellowships, visiting roles, and other short-term options.

Historians with PhDs in history may find employment in government agencies, non-profit organizations, museums, cultural heritage institutions, archives, libraries, and other related professions outside of academia.

Job development in these fields, however, might vary based on funding availability, government policy, and other variables.

What can you do with a PhD in History?

A PhD in history can lead to a variety of job opportunities outside of academia. Individuals with a PhD in history may pursue the following careers:

1. Academic Positions: PhD-holding historians can work as tenure-track or tenured faculty at universities or colleges, where they can teach history courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly work. They may also function as counselors or mentors to students pursuing careers in history.

2. Research and Consulting: Historians can serve as researchers and consultants in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and private research firms. They may do historical research, evaluate data, provide historical context and insights for policymaking, conduct studies on cultural resource management, or contribute to historical documentaries and exhibitions.

3. Museums and Cultural Heritage: Historians can work as curators, archivists, instructors, or researchers in museums, historic sites, and cultural heritage institutions. They may create displays, maintain collections, undertake historical artifact and document research, and engage in public outreach and education.

4. Publishing and Media: Historians can work for publishing firms, media outlets, and internet platforms as authors, editors, or content providers. They may write historical books, essays, or digital content, offer historical commentary, or contribute to historical documentaries, podcasts, or other media productions.

5. Government and Public Service: Historians can work for government agencies such as archives, libraries, historical organizations, and cultural resource management departments. They may conduct historical research, preservation, and documentation, give historical expertise, and contribute to policy development, public programs, and educational activities.

6. Education: Historians can serve as history teachers, curriculum planners, or educational administrators in secondary schools, museums, and other educational settings. They may generate instructional resources, design and teach history courses, and contribute to educational policy and program creation.

7. Freelance and Consulting Historians: Historians who operate as freelancers or independent consultants can provide historical research, writing, and expertise to customers in a variety of sectors, including genealogy, legal support, documentary filmmaking, cultural resource management, and heritage tourism.

What are the requirements for a PhD in History?

The specific requirements for a PhD in history can vary depending on the institution, program, and country. However, here are some common requirements for a PhD in history, presented in bullet points for easy reference:

Bachelor’s degree in history or a related field (some programs may require a master’s degree or equivalent experience)
Strong academic record and GPA
Transcripts from previous educational institutions
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (some programs may not require GRE scores)
Statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting relevant academic and professional experience
Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other relevant sources
Writing sample showcasing research and writing skills
Foreign language proficiency, as required for the specific research interests
Research proposal outlining the proposed research topic and methodology

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How long does it take to get a phd in history.

The length of a PhD program in history can vary depending on a number of factors, including the country, institution, program structure, and the progress of the individual student. In general, the average time to earn a PhD in history is 4 to 7 years, with fluctuations on each side of this range.

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Do you need a masters in history to get a phd in history.

In most situations, a Master’s degree in history is not required for pursuing a PhD in history. Many PhD programs in history accept applicants with only a bachelor’s degree and provide students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree as part of their PhD program.

Specific requirements vary by school and program, and some PhD programs in history may require applicants to have a master’s degree or similar expertise in a related discipline.

What are the Best PhD in History Degree programs?

1. harvard university (usa) 2. princeton university (usa) 3. yale university (usa) 4. university of oxford (uk) 5. university of cambridge (uk) 6. stanford university (usa) 7. university of chicago (usa) 8. columbia university (usa) 9. university of california, berkeley (usa) 10. london school of economics and political science (uk), leave a comment cancel reply.

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Graduate Students Keara Sebold and Maria Kotsouris win Gitner and TF Awards

By: Molly I. German
March 26, 2024

The History Department is pleased to announce that Keara Sebold is the winner of the Gitner Family Prize in teaching and Maria Koutsouris is the winner of the GRS Outstanding Teaching Fellow Award. This year, there were a record number of faculty nominations and very impassioned recommendations submitted for many of our wonderful TFs. On behalf of our faculty, staff, and undergraduate students, thank you!

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Former MSU History Student and Recent Graduate Jacob Novak Lands Role with 54A District Court in Lansing

Posted on March 27, 2024 Author mcdon625

By: Patti McDonald

Jacob Novak, a recent Michigan State University graduate who earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in three years, is already making a positive impact in the lives of others. Novak is now working as the domestic violence court administrative and pretrial compliance coordinator under the honorable Judge Cynthia Ward at the 54A District Court in Lansing.

Novak works closely with people whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, both survivors and defendants. He is tasked with helping them navigate the legal system while connecting them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

“Working in a court underneath the honorable Judge Cynthia Ward is something I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do,” Novak said. “To be able to play an impactful and meaningful role in combatting a societal issue while providing aid and assistance to survivors and providing a rehabilitative avenue for defendants is something I am blessed to be a part of.”

Novak acknowledges that this work can be challenging, but he is also grateful for the opportunity to gain experience in the legal field and make a difference in the community.

“A challenge associated with this position speaks to criminal law in general and it’s ensuring that you are approaching both defendants and survivors with a respectful attitude, you’re listening, you’re being empathetic, and you’re not letting your emotions guide your actions or behaviors,” he said.

“It’s very important when you’re interacting with survivors that you’re there to support them and whatever decisions they feel are best, you’re not there to make decisions on their behalf, you’re there to empower them and their lives. As for defendants, you know, the last thing you want to do is come across as judgmental or condescending for their behavior and actions. There is a level of professionalism you must have, and you must keep in mind that you’re there to help rehabilitate these people.”

Jacob has been working with the 54A District Court since August. He said he decided to take a gap year after graduation so he could diversify his experiences within the workforce and his current position is allowing him to do just that.

“Despite having three years of legal experience, I’ve only had experience working in private firms. But, to now have that public experience in law, makes me a more well-rounded professional,” he said.

He added that seeing the real-life impacts of his work has been gratifying, too.

“It has been rewarding getting to see the tangible effects of the work I do. I get to speak with survivors and see how they overcome the hurdle of domestic violence while they progress and create a new life for themselves. Their identities are much more than just a ‘survivor,’ it’s John Doe who loves cooking, or Jane Smith who is now pursuing a personal interest in pottery. That is pretty powerful,” he said.

“Alternatively, another fulfilling thing for me, has been seeing the progress of some of the defendants and seeing how they progress through their rehabilitative program and how they have begun conducting themselves in new manners while forging new aspirations, goals, and desires.”

In addition to adjusting to his new role, Jacob has been applying to business and law schools across the country in hopes of attending in the fall.

“I’ve applied to 15 different schools, and I am either pursuing a master’s in business administration or a juris doctor, but ultimately want to earn both degrees,” he said. “It is exciting but nerve-wracking since I have no idea where I will be in a few months. Now, it has come down to playing the waiting game to see where I get in.”

Jacob has had quite the year. His undergraduate research was published in April, right before graduation. His paper: “ China’s Feminist Movement: He-Yin Zhen’s Embodiment of Genuine Feminism ,” was published in the Crimson Historical Review. He originally wrote the paper for Dr. Yulian Wu’s seminar in Asian History.

“Before I graduated, I submitted my research to the Crimson Historical Review,” Novak said. “It was a crazy time of year with graduation and everything but right before graduation I found out the Crimson Historical Review was considering publishing my paper.”

Novak said getting his undergraduate research published is an accomplishment that he is proud of.

“Going through the process of publishing your work can be daunting as an undergrad student but it is totally possible if you are dedicated to your research,” Novak said. “I did my own edits too and while that was time-consuming, it was so rewarding to see my name on my own publication.”

Dr. Wu said that becoming a published author as an undergrad is quite the recognition and demonstrates a student’s passion for their research and the ability to work independently.

“Jacob is an independent and self-motivated student,” Wu said. “He autonomously revised and submitted his paper, demonstrating a capacity for self-directed research. His paper demonstrated a strong ability to analyze primary/secondary sources and an exceptional writing skill to articulate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.”

Novak said he is now working on writing a book that is closely related to his paper’s subject matter.

“I don’t have the deadlines and structures that I would have in a classroom like I did for my paper, but I think having that flexibility and that freedom, ultimately is going to help me produce a fantastic final product that I will be very proud to stand on.”

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hawthorne

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5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, 3420 Walnut St.

Widener Hall, Penn Museum; 3260 South St.

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The Division of Human Resources and the Penn Center for Public Health host the monthly two-mile wellness walk for April, which is the first outdoor walk of the year.

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Take Our Children to Work Day

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Education, Business, & Law

The West Philadelphia Collaborative History Project chronicles a community’s past

Sponsored by penn’s graduate school of education, the project is a digital repository of neighborhood, institutional, and community histories..

Online visitors who spend even a few minutes rummaging through the West Philadelphia Collaborative History Project (WPCH) are rewarded with a rich tapestry of stories. Among them: A West Philadelphia high school athletic field that hosted the 1934 championship series of the National Negro League; a popular amusement park located just outside Fairmount Park featuring a four-acre swimming pool with a sandy beach—and a whites-only policy; and three heroic Civil Rights icons —Paul Robeson, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.—who left formidable imprints on West Philadelphia.

This is just a sampling of the topics covered in the WPCH, a digital repository that includes neighborhood, institutional, and community histories, many of them in danger of being lost. Sponsored by Penn’s Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), the WPCH provides a web-based home for these West Philadelphia stories, all vividly illustrated with photographs and maps.

The WPCH is a labor of love for John Puckett , a historian, emeritus professor at Penn GSE and long-time West Philadelphia resident. As project director, he oversees the website, contributes articles and works closely with collaborators, including West Philadelphia residents and local graduate students.

The WPCH launched in 2018, but according to Puckett, its seed was planted more than 30 years ago. “My Penn colleague Lee Benson, an emeritus professor of American history, tried to organize a Van Pelt Library repository for West Philadelphia history,” Puckett recalls.

“Like many good ideas that were floated at the time, this one failed to reach fruition for reasons that are clear now in hindsight. In 1994, the dawn of the internet, we could not imagine the warp-speed advances in computer hardware and software technologies that would make it possible to build a website like the WPCH.”

Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania

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‘The Illuminated Body’ fuses color, light, and sound

A new Arthur Ross Gallery exhibition of work by artist Barbara Earl Thomas features cut-paper portraits reminiscent of stained glass and an immersive installation constructed with intricately cut material lit from behind.

dramatic light on Robert Indiana’s LOVE statue on Penn’s caption.

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25 years of ‘LOVE’

The iconic sculpture by pop artist Robert Indiana arrived on campus in 1999 and soon became a natural place to come together.

Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health

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Two-and-a-half decades of research in Malawi

As the country’s life expectancy has risen, the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health has shifted its current and future research to aging.

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In hot water: Coral resilience in the face of climate change

Over a decade, researchers from Penn studied coral species in Hawaii to better understand their adaptability to the effects of climate change.

OLLU announces largest private gift in school’s 129-year history

O ur Lady of the Lake University announced the largest private donation in its 129-year history, a $2.2 million grant that will assist first-generation students.

The gift from the Hector and Gloria López Foundation will help more Texas students graduate with the resources, skills and support needed for success — and without debt, the university said.

“This will be a transformative gift for many of our students, about 40% of whom are first generation,” said OLLU President Abel A. Chávez.

RELATED: OLLU gets $5 million from USDA to grow environmental science program

The university will celebrate the donation at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday with fanfare, mariachis and confetti.

Recipients of the grant funds, known as López Scholars, will get tuition assistance and be eligible for help with other expenses, including housing, internships, study abroad programs, leadership development and health insurance, child care, tutoring and equipment such as laptops. Some funds will be allocated to university staff to help the scholars earn degrees.

“We believe that, when possible, students should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burden,” said Sergio Rodríguez, the foundation’s president and CEO, and the nephew of Hector and Gloria López.

“We are excited to invest in students at San Antonio universities that are committed to addressing the unique needs of first-generation students, with comprehensive support for these students’ success, both during their college years and after graduation.”

READ MORE: OLLU names its next president

The scholars will pursue a range of majors and may be incoming freshmen or transfer students from other institutions. They’re selected randomly by grantee universities among those who have been admitted. They must demonstrate financial need, be the first in their family to attend college and live in or have graduated from a high school in one of five target areas — El Paso, Austin, San Antonio and communities in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

The foundation was created to honor the legacy of Hector and Gloria López, married business partners and prominent community figures from South Texas who viewed their higher educational opportunities as the catalyst of their economic success.

Who is Jack Gohlke? Oakland guard has record-breaking showing vs Kentucky in NCAA Tournament

March Madness has a beautiful power that can turn previously anonymous figures into cult heroes who enjoy a newfound, albeit often brief, nationwide following.

On the first full day of the 2024 NCAA Tournament , Jack Gohlke may become the latest in a proud line of March icons.

REQUIRED READING: Oakland basketball vs. Kentucky live score, updates, highlights from 2024 March Madness game

With his team making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011, the Oakland graduate student played as well as anyone could have realistically expected.

Gohlke, a 6-foot-3 guard, willed his team to an 80-76 upset victory against No. 3 seed Kentucky at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh Thursday night, coming off the bench to score a game-high 32 points while making 10 of his 20 3-pointers. In the first half alone, he made seven 3s, the most by any player in an NCAA Tournament game against Kentucky — and it only took him 20 minutes to accomplish that feat.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA tournament brackets, scores, schedules, teams and more.

“He better hit seven more if we’re going to win,” Oakland coach Greg Kampe told CBS’s Evan Washburn during a halftime interview.

Gohlke turned in one of the most impressive opening spurts in recent tournament history while helping his team put Kentucky — one of college basketball’s most storied programs and a 7.5-point favorite in the matchup — out of the tournament much earlier than the vast majority of the country expected.

Here’s everything you need to know about Gohlke:

Who is Jack Gohlke?

Gohlke is in his first season with Oakland, but his sixth college season overall. He spent the previous five seasons, from 2018-23, at Hillsdale College, a private Christian school in Hillsdale, Michigan that competes at the Division II level.

After redshirting in 2018-19, Gohlke became an increasingly important contributor to the Chargers. In 2021-22, he helped lead Hillsdale to its first-ever NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance. As a senior in 2022-23, he was a first-team all-conference selection who averaged a team-high 14.2 points per game, along with 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He shot 40% from 3-point range, making 98 of his 245 attempts from beyond the arc.

He transferred to Oakland for the 2023-24 season and made a noticeable impact, finishing third on the team in scoring while helping lead the Golden Grizzlies to Horizon League regular season and tournament championships.

REQUIRED READING: Now 40 years into his tenure, Oakland basketball's Greg Kampe hopes for 'another 10 to 12'

Jack Gohlke stats

In his first season with Oakland, Gohlke entered the 2024 NCAA Tournament averaging 12.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while starting in 15 of his team’s 34 games.

Perhaps most notably, he has shot 37.8% from 3 this season following Thursday's victory. Gohlke has attempted 347 3s this season , the second-most of any Division I player. He has 355 total field goal attempts this season, meaning 97.7% of his shots have come from beyond the arc.

Jack Gohlke recruiting rank

Gohlke did not have a 247Sports recruiting profile coming out of high school. He committed to Hillsdale in October 2017.

Jack Gohlke high school

Gohlke attended Pewaukee High School in his hometown of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Gohlke isn’t the only standout athlete from Pewaukee. NFL superstars J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt were also born and raised there.

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Here's what really happened during the abortion drug's approval 24 years ago.

Sydney Lupkin

Packages of Mifepfex, the brand-name version of mifepristone, seen at a family planning clinic in Rockville, Md. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

Packages of Mifepfex, the brand-name version of mifepristone, seen at a family planning clinic in Rockville, Md.

Update: The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case against mifepristone on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. This story on how the drug was approved more than two decades ago originally published and aired on April 15, 2023.

When a federal judge in Texas ruled that the Food and Drug administration shouldn't have approved the abortion pill mifepristone in 2000, he agreed with arguments by plaintiffs who oppose abortion rights in ruling that the agency improperly used a process of accelerated approval that didn't fully assess the drug's risks and benefits.

An appeals court stayed the part of the lower court's decision that would have invalidated the FDA approval, but the matter could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.

Outside the courts, there are concerns that the litigation could undermine the agency's authority. And there's skepticism about the claim FDA acted improperly on mifepristone.

"It's just not credible," says Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a former deputy commissioner for the FDA who is now a vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "This had the full support of advisory committees. It had the full support of major professional associations, and it retained that support after millions of women have received the treatment."

NPR reviewed approval documents, transcripts and other reports about mifepristone compiled over the years. Here's what we found out.

Justice Department will ask the Supreme Court to restore full access to abortion pill

U.S. appeals court preserves partial access to abortion pill, but with tighter rules

The fda wasn't first to approve the abortion pill.

Although the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone was groundbreaking in the United States, it wasn't such a big deal to other countries. That's because they already had access to mifepristone.

Mifepristone was invented by a French drug company, Roussel Uclaf, in 1980, and won approval in France in 1988.

But the French company suspended distribution that year after threats from groups that oppose abortion rights. It lasted two days before the French health minister – noting that France owned part of the company – ordered it back on the market. He said, "from the moment governmental approval for the drug was granted, [mifepristone] became the moral property of women, not just the property of the drug company." according to a 2001 report by the Congressional Research Service .

The drug was then approved in China, the United Kingdom and Sweden in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Then in 1999, nearly a dozen more countries approved mifepristone.

The U.S. took its time on the approval

Once the Population Council – mifepristone's original sponsor in the U.S. – submitted its FDA application in 1996, some speculated that the approval could happen as soon as 1997. But it didn't.

The FDA convened an advisory committee of outside experts to assess the drug for approval in July 1996. The advisers voted that the drug was safe and effective, but wanted to see more data from an ongoing U.S. study at the time and recommended additional safety restrictions because so much of the data was collected from the French health system, which is very different from the U.S. health system. .

The FDA went through three rounds of reviews over four years, each time issuing an "approvable" letter, meaning the safety and efficacy data was solid. But the agency asked for details about manufacturing and the instructions for the drug before ultimately approving it in September 2000.

The agency's medical review mentions dozens of studies done mostly in France, including one that had 16,000 participants.

The approval relied on two pivotal French studies and one U.S. study with similar safety and efficacy findings.

The FDA regulation has multiple parts

The anti-abortion rights groups that sued the FDA have stated incorrectly that mifepristone got what is known as an "accelerated approval."

While it's true that some details of the mifepristone approval were handled under a section of FDA regulation called Subpart H that also covers accelerated approvals, that part was not invoked.

The part the agency used in the approval allowed it to add safety restrictions, such as requiring that physicians providing the pill be able to diagnose ectopic pregnancies.

When the agency grants an accelerated approval, it uses preliminary data, and the drugmaker has to do follow-up studies to confirm the medicine really works. The FDA didn't do that with mifepristone.

The lawsuit incorrectly argues that the FDA used accelerated approval. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk also cites accelerated approval in his ruling. The FDA did not use that part of the law in its process, however.

Mifepristone's approval has been questioned before

This isn't the first time there have been allegations that the FDA bungled the approval of mifepristone, which was known as RU-486 early on.

For example, there was a House hearing about mifepristone in 2006.

"There are people who have wanted RU-486 to be pulled off the market since the day it was approved," then-Rep. Henry Waxman, a Democrat from California, said at the time. "In fact, they didn't want it to be approved. I respect their judgment because they are very strongly against an abortion, whether it be by RU-486 or by a medical procedure. But that is not the issue of safety and it is not an issue of science and it is not an issue of data."

Republican senators requested a Government Accountability Office review of the approval that was published in 2008 . Researchers found that mifepristone's approval and oversight were in line with the other eight drugs approved with similar subpart H safety requirements.

"If there is a problem with this medicine then there's a problem with many, many other medicines," Sharfstein says. "Because this is very much in line with what FDA does and has the full support of the medical community."

Edited by Scott Hensley and Diane Webber.

medication abortion
mifepristone

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Top 10 Best History PhD Programs in 2024
Cost: $18,276 per semester. The University of Texas at Dallas offers something a little different — a PhD in History of Ideas. This PhD program was designed specifically for those who want to do advanced research or teach at a college level or higher.
History PhD
The Doctorate in History (PhD) is an essential component in the training of professional historians. The most significant requirement of the PhD degree program is the dissertation, an original and noteworthy contribution to historical knowledge. In anticipation of dissertation research, students spend several years mastering bibliographical ...
Ph.D. Requirements
The requirements are: HISTORY 701S. HISTORY 702S. HISTORY 703S. HISTORY 704S. 1 research seminar (HIS 890S) 2 readings colloquia (HIS 790S) Independent studies would be determined in consultation with the primary adviser and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Students who wish to pursue this option need the approval of their advisers and the DGS.
Ph.D. Program
The History Department Fellowship offers 5 years of financial support to PhD students. No funding is offered for the co-terminal and terminal M.A. programs. A sample Ph.D. funding package is as follows: 1st year: 3 quarters fellowship stipend and 1 summer stipend. 2nd year: 2 quarters TAships, 1 quarter RAship (pre-doc affiliate), and 1 summer ...
PhD History
The Department of History offers a PhD program centered on rigorous research within a vibrant and diverse intellectual community. While most of our students have a history degree (BA) or degrees (BA and MA), we accept students with a variety of backgrounds and interests. ... The University also offers graduate campus tours throughout the year ...
Ph.D. Program Overview
Ph.D. Program Overview. Docto ral students in History are required to take ten courses during their first two years. During the first year of study, students normally take six term courses, including Approaching History (HIST 500). During the second year of study, they may opt to take four to six term courses, with the approval of their advisor ...
History, PHD
Degree Awarded: PHD History. The PhD program in history offers outstanding opportunities for graduate study in North American, European, public and global-comparative history. ... The doctoral program requires a minimum of 84 credit hours and may be completed in four to five years. Students with a master's degree may apply 30 credit hours ...
Your complete guide to a PhD in History
Here are a few examples: Economic History, Political History, Cultural History, Women's History, Ancient History, Contemporary History, Indigenous Studies, Western Civilisation, and others. A typical History curriculum includes classes in Historical Approaches and Methods, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, Major Wars, History of Women, Social ...
Ph.D. Programs
History. The Department of History's doctoral degree program seeks to train talented historians for careers in scholarship, teaching, and beyond the academy. The department typically accepts 22 Ph.D. students per year. Additional students are enrolled through various combined programs and through HSHM.
Online PhD in History
Develop a Deeper Understanding of How Historians Investigate and Interpret the Past by Earning Your PhD in History Online. March 25, 2024. ... graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years ...
Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. Program. The duration of the Ph.D. program is five to eight years. University and departmental regulations stipulate that the maximum tenure of graduate study at UCSD is eight years while seven years is the limit for receiving any type of university financial support. For the Department of History, the "normative" time to degree is 7 ...
Ph.D. Admissions
The Vanderbilt history department offers the Ph.D. degree. Students normally earn the M.A. following two years of coursework, fulfillment of the research paper requirement, and satisfactory performance on language examinations. The department does not offer a free-standing terminal M.A. degree. The application deadline for Fall 2025 admission ...
Ph.D. Fields
Columbia's School of Public Health, which offers a Ph.D. in the history of medicine and public health in association with our department; the Law School, with which we offer a joint Ph.D./J.D. program; Teachers College; and the School of International and Public Affairs are four of Columbia's many professional schools that offer courses and ...
Ph.D. in History
In recent years, the Department of History has been able to provide funding to Ph.D. students for five years. The GRE will not be required as part of graduate admissions to any certificate, master's, or doctoral program in CSSH or across the university for matriculation in 2022-2023. Applicants and admitted students are invited and encouraged ...
PhD Program
The Doctor of Philosophy program provides general instruction in the historian's craft and intensive training in one major field and two minor fields of history. Candidates for the PhD are expected to obtain a broad historical knowledge, demonstrate expertise in the special area of their dissertations, and master fundamental research techniques and methodologies.
The Purpose of a History PhD
The AHA's Career Diversity for Historians initiative is leading a national conversation to better align the purpose of doctoral education with the varying skills, values, and interests of graduate students and the changing professional opportunities for historians within and beyond the academy. In the spring of 2018, 20 PhD-granting history departments were awarded Career Diversity ...
The Geography of History PhDs
The AHA's "Where Historians Work" is an ambitious research project designed to track the career outcomes of everyone who earned a PhD in history from 2004-13 in the United States. Last year, we launched a beta version of "Where Historians Work" showing initial results from 34 PhD programs. Since then, we have gathered information on the remaining 127 PhD programs, locating some ...
U.S. History Ph.D.
U.S. History Ph.D. Highlights. Graduate classes normally include eight to 12 students, allowing you to receive personal attention from the instructor. Through extensive reading, writing assignments and specialized seminar classes, you'll strengthen your analytical, writing, research and presentation skills.
History PhD Program
The History PhD program involves the completion of 2 minor fields by course work and one major field of readings by September 15th of the second year of doctoral study. Thereafter candidates will devote their full time to research and writing their doctoral thesis. The Department offers full and part-time PhD degrees to candidates.
Ph.D. Program Overview
Department of History. One Bear Place #97306. Waco, TX 76798. (254) 710-2667. [email protected]. Undergraduate Program Graduate Programs Schedule a Visit. The Doctoral Program in History combines innovative teaching with rigorous seminars in American, British, and Global history. Within the broader focus on religion and culture ...
Ph.D. in History of Science
1 / 2. ︎. The Program in History of Science at Princeton University trains students to analyze science, medicine, and technology in historical and cultural context. We are a community of scholars including roughly a dozen core and affiliated faculty members and about twenty graduate students, in addition to undergraduate concentrators and ...
PhD Program
Specialize in European or American History The doctoral program study in 1) European History with specialization in a) Pre-Modern Europe, with particular strengths in Muslim-Christian relations, the Crusades, and religious culture in Mediterranean-facing Europe; b) Modern Europe, with an emphasis on German history; and 2) American history, with special emphasis on Atlantic and transnational ...
Bring PhD assessment into the twenty-first century
And yet, most PhDs are still assessed after the production of a final dissertation, according to a format that, at its core, has not changed for at least half a century, as speakers and delegates ...
PhD in History: Requirements, Salary, Jobs, & Career Growth
Columbia University (USA) 9. University of California, Berkeley (USA) 10. London School of Economics and Political Science (UK) Academic salaries with PhD in history can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more per year, depending on the institution, level (e.g., assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor), and location.
Graduate Students Keara Sebold and Maria Kotsouris win Gitner and TF
The History Department is pleased to announce that Keara Sebold is the winner of the Gitner Family Prize in teaching and Maria Koutsouris is the winner of the GRS Outstanding Teaching Fellow Award. This year, there were a record number of faculty nominations and very impassioned recommendations submitted for many of our wonderful TFs. On behalf of our faculty, staff, and undergraduate students ...
Former MSU History Student and Recent Graduate Jacob Novak Lands Role
Jacob Novak, a recent Michigan State University graduate who earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in three years, is already making a positive impact in the lives of others. Novak is now working as the domestic violence court administrative and pretrial compliance coordinator under the honorable Judge Cynthia ...
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Top 10 Best History PhD Programs in 2024

Best PhD Programs in History

Boston College – Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

University of Texas Arlington

The University of Texas at Dallas – PhD in History of Ideas

University of California – Santa Cruz

Indiana University – Bloomington

New York University (Arts & Science)

Rutgers (School of Arts & Science)

University of California Berkeley

University of Michigan (College of Literature, Science & Arts)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a master’s in history to get a PhD in History?

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Wrapping Up: Is a PhD in History for You?

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History PhD

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Uncertain Past Time: Empire, Republic, and Politics | Belirsiz Geçmiş Zaman: İmparatorluk, Cumhuriyet Ve Siyaset

Embodied Knowledge: Women and Science before Silicon Valley

Compton in My Soul

The Fox Spirit, the Stone Maiden, and Other Transgender Histories from Late Imperial China

Residual Governance: How South Africa Foretells Planetary Futures

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