inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
History
Area of study
Humanities
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


The PhD in History at Arizona State University offers specialization in North American, European, public, or global-comparative history. Students develop expertise in historical research methods, writing, and analysis, preparing them for careers in research, education, and various public and private spheres. The program emphasizes collaboration with other ASU schools and centers, providing access to innovative research opportunities. Graduates find rewarding careers in academia, public history, and professional fields.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:


Program Description:

The PhD program in History at ASU offers students the opportunity to specialize in North American, European, public, or global-comparative history. Students receive rigorous training in historical research methods and gain invaluable writing and analytical skills with applications across various fields.


Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Master three areas of historical knowledge with in-depth expertise in their preferred field.
  • Contribute to the history profession through publications and presentations.
  • Identify and obtain funding opportunities to support historical research.

Objectives:

  • Develop students into accomplished historians equipped for careers in research, education, and various public and private spheres.
  • Foster in-depth exploration of diverse historical topics, including urban history, environment and sustainability, politics, gender, and comparative history.
  • Cultivate strong research skills through coursework and individualized mentoring from world-class faculty

Outline:


Core Courses:

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

Electives and Research: (44 credits)

Students choose electives and pursue research aligned with their area of specialization.


Other Requirements: (12 credits)

  • HST 591 Seminar (6 credits)
  • HST 792 Research (6 credits)

Culminating Experience: (12 credits)

  • HST 799 Dissertation (12 credits)

Assessment:

  • Performance in core courses and electives.
  • Defense of the dissertation proposal before the dissertation committee.
  • Evaluation of the quality and originality of the doctoral dissertation.

Teaching:

  • Courses are facilitated by renowned historians, providing in-depth knowledge and expert guidance.
  • Individualized mentoring allows students to customize their learning and research according to their academic interests.
  • ASU's diverse research centers and initiatives offer collaborative learning opportunities across disciplines.

Careers:

Graduates of the program find rewarding careers in diverse fields:

  • Research positions
  • Higher education
  • Teaching in academic institutions
  • Public history roles in museums, archives, and government agencies
  • Professional fields like non-profit organizations, public agencies, and private companies
  • Graduates also excel as historians, skilled instructors, researchers, management professionals, archivists, community leaders, and public servants.

Other:

  • The program typically takes four to five years to complete.
  • Students with a Master's degree have the option to transfer 30 credits towards the program requirements.
  • Applicants with diverse academic backgrounds, including non-history majors, are encouraged to apply.
SHOW MORE
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


U.S. or Canadian Students:

  • A bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your suitability for graduate study in history.
  • A statement of purpose outlining your scholarly background and training, career goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing the PhD in History at ASU.
  • A writing sample of no more than 35 pages demonstrating your research and writing abilities.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.

International Students:

  • All of the requirements listed above for U.S. or Canadian students.
  • Proof of English proficiency as demonstrated by a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.
  • A copy of an article or research paper in the student's native or principal research language in addition to the English writing sample.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency as demonstrated by a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.

Note:

  • The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.30 or higher.
  • Students with a master's degree in a related field may apply 30 credit hours toward the 84 required credit hours for the doctoral program with approval from the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • The PhD program in History at ASU offers outstanding opportunities for graduate study in North American, European, public and global-comparative history.
  • The program requires a minimum of 84 credit hours and may be completed in four to five years.
  • 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.
Location
Ambassadors
How can I help you today?