Fully-Funded PhD Programs in History

<p>There are several history PhD programs that offer full funding for students for a total of five years. This funding usually comes in the form of a fellowship that includes a tuition waiver and a stipend and may require that PhD students act as graduate teaching assistants or research assistants. History PhD programs are intensive, requiring students to complete coursework, research, exams, and a dissertation, and below you can explore some course topics that are representative of certain historical areas. </p> <h3 id="section---HistoricalResearchAndWriting"> Historical Research and Writing</h3> <p>To prepare you to conduct research for and write your dissertation, you usually take one or more courses that center on techniques for academic research. These courses could focus on how to source and evaluate historical documents and materials through the lenses of different critical theories, such as deconstruction or feminist theory. Some courses might also teach you to then combine your knowledge of how history texts are written with your primary research skills to develop your own dissertation. </p> <h3 id="section---AmericanHistory">American History</h3> <p>One area of history you can concentrate your PhD studies in is American history, which could include classes about American history dating from the early colonial times, the post-1865 era, and modern times. You could also study African American history, including slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Other topics you could learn about are the civil rights movements, Native American history, and America during War World II. </p> <h3 id="section---AfricanAndMiddleEastHistory">African and Middle East History</h3> <p>Another field you could choose is that of African and/or Middle East history, which is a wide-ranging field that could cover topics that date back to the 16th century and earlier. The coursework you may take could center on everything from early Christianity and Islam to the current Israel/Palestine conflicts. Other classes could focus on the African Diaspora, the history of the Ottoman Empire, and the Crusades. </p> <h3 id="section---EuropeanHistory">European History</h3> <p>The European history area also allows you study a diverse set of historical topics that span Ancient Greek times to modern European history. Some sample courses and topics include medieval studies, such as medieval Christianity and the Renaissance, imperial Russia and the Soviet Union, and the history of Jewish society. You might also take courses on War World II and fascism. </p> <h3 id="section---LatinAmericaAndTheCaribbean">Latin America and the Caribbean</h3> <p>In this historical area of study, you can focus on different geographical areas of Latin America, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or South America. Specific course topics could include the study of Mexican history dating back to the Aztecs, the Spanish inquisition, and the modern history of Central America. You might also study topics like the Cuban revolution, early Caribbean history, and post-colonial history. </p> <h2 id="section---EntranceRequirementsForHistoryPhDPrograms">Entrance Requirements for History PhD Programs</h2> <p>To apply to a PhD program in history, you need to hold at least a bachelor's degree in history or the humanities. However, some programs require that applicants hold a master's degree in history, as programs that require only a bachelor's degree, generally, allow students to earn a master's degree on their way to the PhD. Most PhD programs also require you to submit GRE scores. Other application materials may include a writing sample, letters of recommendation, a CV, and a statement of purpose. </p> <h2 id="section---HistoryCareerOutlook"> History Career Outlook</h2> <h3 id="section---Historian"> Historian</h3> <p>Historians use their knowledge and research skills to uncover, analyze, and preserve the past. They can work in a range of different organizations, including for the government, historical societies, private businesses, or nonprofits. Historians who work in research-focused positions in academia or government generally need a PhD. </p> <h3 id="section---HistoryProfessor"> History Professor</h3> <p>History professors work in universities or community colleges where they teach courses that center on their area of historical expertise. Along with teaching duties, professors also must conduct their own research, do work for their department, and mentor students outside of the classroom. To become a history professor at a 4-year university, you need a PhD. </p> <h3 id="section---Archivist"> Archivist</h3> <p>An archivist is someone who examines and evaluates historical materials and documents. Usually, they preserve materials, create classification systems, and organize collections. Although archivist positions generally only require a master's degree in history, archival studies, or a similar field, a PhD may help you specialize in one area of history or help develop your research skills. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th> Median Annual Salary (2019) </th><th> Estimated Job Growth (2018-2028)</th></tr> <tr><td> Historians </td><td> $63,680 </td><td> 6%</td></tr> <tr><td> History Teachers, Postsecondary </td><td>$75,170 </td><td> 6%</td></tr> <tr><td> Archivists </td><td>$53,950 </td><td> 9%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p>There are several PhD programs in history that offer full funding to students for five years through a fellowship that may require teaching or research duties. PhD students are able to specialize in one historical area, such as American history or African history, and may pursue careers that include historian, archivist, and professor.</p>