History, Ph.D.

Program Overview

This rigorous PhD program in History trains researchers, teachers, and public intellectuals through a curriculum that emphasizes independent and collaborative work, scholarly connections, and a wide range of primary fields and thematic concentrations. Students benefit from close mentoring, teaching opportunities, and professional development evaluations, preparing them for careers in academia and diverse non-academic fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Train resourceful researchers, committed teachers, and engaged public intellectuals using a rigorous curriculum combining independent and collaborative work, and emphasizing scholarly and intellectual connectedness.

Outline:

• Primary Fields of Study:
• African History
• East Asian History
• European History—Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern
• Latin American and Caribbean History
• Middle East and North African History
• South Asian History
• Southeast Asian History
• U.S./North American History
• Thematic Concentrations:
• Borderlands and diasporas
• Environmental history
• Gender and Women’s History
• History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
• Intellectual and cultural history
• Jewish History
• Labor and political economy
• Race, ethnicity, and indigeneity
• Religion and ritual
• War in Society and Culture

Assessment:

• Preliminary Examination: Tests student competence in major field and supporting field, with written exams and an oral defense of their research proposal and knowledge of the fields.
• Dissertation Defense: Two-hour oral exam focused on the student's written dissertation.
• Teaching Evaluation: Students who teach undergraduate courses receive feedback from supervisors and students.
• Professional Development Evaluation: Students participate in seminars and workshops to develop professional skills and receive feedback from faculty.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Includes 130 graduate students and nearly 60 faculty members with international recognition in their fields.
• Mentoring: Students work closely with faculty advisors throughout the program.
• Teaching Opportunities: Students may gain teaching experience as teaching assistants or by designing and teaching undergraduate courses.

Careers:

• Academia: Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities.
• Non-Academic Careers:
• Museum curators
• Teachers at prestigious preparatory academies
• Historians in government agencies
• CEOs of investment firms
• Analysts for defense contractors
• Editors at small presses
• Consultants for non-profits, education, and public policy organizations