Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

History, PhD


College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences  > Department of History  > History, PhD

The Department of History offers PhD degrees in United States, European, Latin American, Ancient, Modern Arab/Middle East, and Transnational history in all chronological periods.  Transnational scholarship may include America and the world; the Atlantic World; comparative history involving study of two or more countries, regions, or continents; energy and the environment; gender; immigration history; international relations; the Pacific Rim; and race and ethnicity.  Students may base their Transnational work in any of the regions where the department has faculty resources:  Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Modern Arab/Middle East, or the United States.

 

Admission Requirements


The University of Houston sets minimum standards for graduate admissions, but the Department of History has established supplemental requirements.  All students seeking admission into the graduate program in History must complete an online application from the University Office of Admissions.  The deadline for applications is January 1. All application materials must be received by that date. All applications are accepted to begin in the Fall semester only.  Please consult the History Department website: http://www.uh.edu/class/historyor contact the graduate advising assistant for detailed information on requirements and procedures.

  1. Overall 3.67 (A-) average on all graduate work attempted (for applicants to the M.A. to Ph.D. track) or overall 3.67 (A-) average on the last sixty (60) hours of undergraduate course credit (for applicants to the B.A. to Ph.D. track).
  2. A minimum of 18 hours in history or other relevant courses with a 3.67 (A-) average.
  3. Acceptable GRE scores.
  4. Demonstrate a reading proficiency in at least one foreign language before or during the first semester of residence in the Ph.D. program.
  5. Three letters of recommendation.
  6. A one- to two-page personal statement indicating the applicant’s academic interests is required.
  7. A writing sample.
  8. Official transcripts from every college and university attended.
  9. University of Houston on-line graduate application.
  10. A non-refundable application fee. 

Degree Options and Requirements


B.A. to Ph.D. Track:

The Ph.D. Program provides the training necessary for careers in college teaching and historical research. Some students also may wish to pursue the Ph.D. for careers in a variety of public history or applied history fields. This track is intended for students who have earned a B.A. in history or a related discipline. Reading knowledge in at least one foreign language is required.  The degree requires a minimum of fifty-four (54) hours of credit in graduate-level (6000) courses, including coursework and nine (9) dissertation credit hours.

M.A. to Ph.D. Track:

The Department of History offers a separate curriculum plan for graduate students who have earned an M.A. in history or a related discipline. Reading knowledge in at least one foreign language is required.  The degree requires a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of credit in graduate-level (6000) courses, including coursework and nine (9) dissertation credit hours.

The Ph.D. degree is awarded on the completion of a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. The dissertation should be based upon original, independent research drawing heavily from primary sources.  From the beginning of the doctoral program, the student should be investigating possible topics in conjunction with the faculty advisor.

Additional information concerning required courses in major and minor fields, examinations, residency requirements, and the like should be obtained from the Department of History’s website: http://www.uh.edu/class/history/