Program Overview
The UMass Amherst PhD in History program fosters deep specialization and research proficiency. Students select a concentration, explore additional fields, and gain expertise in research methods and critical thinking. Emphasizing women's history, public history, and other specific areas, the program prepares individuals for careers in academia and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD in History program at UMass Amherst is offered in collaboration with Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges. It provides a broad grounding in history while allowing for deep specialization. Students choose a major area of concentration, typically defined by a time and place (e.g., the United States before the Civil War), and pursue study in two additional fields exploring other parts of the world or thematic areas like public history, cultural history, and political history. The program is particularly suited for those interested in women's history, public history, Latin American history, the history of the United States, European history, the history of science and technology, and the history of the Pacific world.
Other:
The program emphasizes a strong foundation in research methods and critical thinking skills. Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of their chosen field and to be able to communicate their findings effectively in writing and orally.
