PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in History PHD Program By Washington State University |Top Universities
Main Subject Area

HistoryMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

History

Study Level

PHD

The PhD program in History at WSU trains professional researchers who are competent in historical theory and methods. Our program prepares students for careers in historical research, public history, and teaching at colleges and universities. PhD students must satisfy the requirements in three fields (Primary, General, and World/Comparative), and pass preliminary examinations in Primary and General Fields. The Department of History offers programs of study for full-time and part-time students leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Students entering the PhD program in History are expected to have completed a Masters degree in History or in a related field of study at an accredited college or university, and to show promise of doing excellent work at the doctoral level. All doctoral candidates conduct independent research leading to a written dissertation, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of academic knowledge in History. Research will be focused on a specific Primary Field, which is embedded in a broader General Field that gives a geographical, chronological, and historiographical framework for the research. The program will culminate with a final oral examination. Financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship is available for dedicated, quality full-time PhD students. The program consists of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study will be formulated in close consultation with his/her faculty advisor subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. The student must file a program of study with the Chair of the Department of History by the end of the second semester of enrollment in the doctoral program. The program establishes the student’s committee, outlines a course of study, and proposes a dissertation topic. The Program of Study Form should be submitted to the Chair of the Department of History. If students are seeking the transfer of graduate credits from another institution, they must list those courses when filing their program of study.

Program overview

Main Subject

History

Study Level

PHD

The PhD program in History at WSU trains professional researchers who are competent in historical theory and methods. Our program prepares students for careers in historical research, public history, and teaching at colleges and universities. PhD students must satisfy the requirements in three fields (Primary, General, and World/Comparative), and pass preliminary examinations in Primary and General Fields. The Department of History offers programs of study for full-time and part-time students leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Students entering the PhD program in History are expected to have completed a Masters degree in History or in a related field of study at an accredited college or university, and to show promise of doing excellent work at the doctoral level. All doctoral candidates conduct independent research leading to a written dissertation, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of academic knowledge in History. Research will be focused on a specific Primary Field, which is embedded in a broader General Field that gives a geographical, chronological, and historiographical framework for the research. The program will culminate with a final oral examination. Financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship is available for dedicated, quality full-time PhD students. The program consists of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study will be formulated in close consultation with his/her faculty advisor subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. The student must file a program of study with the Chair of the Department of History by the end of the second semester of enrollment in the doctoral program. The program establishes the student’s committee, outlines a course of study, and proposes a dissertation topic. The Program of Study Form should be submitted to the Chair of the Department of History. If students are seeking the transfer of graduate credits from another institution, they must list those courses when filing their program of study.

Admission requirements

7+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

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