Program Overview
The Ph.D. in History at the University at Albany is a research-intensive program designed for students aspiring to become professional historians. Emphasizing research, writing, and teaching, the program offers specialization in cultural, social and economic, or international history. Graduates pursue careers in academia, government, museums, and various other sectors, leveraging their expertise in critical thinking, communication, and historical analysis.
Program Outline
Overview:
This research-intensive program is designed for students who want to become professional historians and pursue careers in academia, government, museums, or the private sector. The program emphasizes research, writing, and teaching, and provides students with the opportunity to specialize in areas such as cultural history, social and economic history, or international history.
Objectives:
The Ph.D. in History program aims to:
- Develop students' research skills and knowledge of history
- Prepare students for careers in academia and beyond
- Help students become critical thinkers and effective communicators
Description:
The Ph.D. program consists of coursework, a research tool requirement, a dissertation, and a comprehensive examination. Coursework includes core requirements such as a teaching practicum and a colloquium on the theory and practice of history, as well as elective courses that allow students to tailor their program to their interests. The research tool requirement offers students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, foreign languages, or multimedia approaches. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination and write a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of history.
Outline:
Program of Study:
The Ph.D. in History program is organized into the following components:
- Core Requirements:
- Teaching Practicum
- Colloquium on the Theory and Practice of History
- Dissertation Prospectus Workshop
- History research seminars
- Reading seminars in major and minor fields
- Cognate Discipline: Students demonstrate competency in the research methods of at least one cognate discipline.
- Research Tool Requirement: Students demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, foreign languages, or multimedia approaches.
- Comprehensive Doctoral Qualifying Examination: This exam tests the student's knowledge of their major and minor fields, as well as their cognate discipline.
- Dissertation and Oral Dissertation Defense: The culmination of the Ph.D. program, the dissertation is an original research project that significantly contributes to the field of history.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework is assessed through midterms, final exams, papers, and presentations.
- The research tool requirement is evaluated by a faculty member.
- The comprehensive examination is a written exam that tests students' knowledge of their field.
- The dissertation is assessed by a dissertation committee, which typically consists of three faculty members.
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed based on their:
- Ability to conduct research
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Writing and communication skills
- Oral presentation skills
- Overall knowledge of the field of history
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Ph.D. program in History utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and discussions. Students also have the opportunity to gain teaching experience through the teaching practicum.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced historians with expertise in a wide range of fields. Faculty members are actively involved in research, publishing, and presenting at conferences.
Unique Approaches:
The Ph.D. program offers students the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, to conduct original research, and to gain teaching experience.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in History have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academia
- Government
- Museums
- Business
- Nonprofit sector
- Education
- Public policy
- Archival research
- Historical consulting
- Writing and editing
- Journalism
- Law
Potential Job Titles:
- Professor
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum curator
- Consultant
- Policy analyst
- Program director
- Education administrator
- Librarian
- Research analyst
- Writer
- Editor
Other:
- The Ph.D. program in History at the University at Albany is a highly competitive program that attracts students from around the world. The program offers a supportive environment where students can learn and grow as historians.
- The program offers several funding opportunities, including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.
Entry Requirements:
International Students:
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning or its equivalent.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate English language proficiency by scoring at least 79 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 111 on the Duolingo English Test. Alternatively, students can have completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. institution where English was the language of instruction.
EU and Non-EU Domestic Students:
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning or its equivalent.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
International Students:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a writing sample of up to 25 pages (double-spaced) demonstrating their research and writing skills.
- The deadline for application is January 15th for fall admission and November 1st for spring admission.
