PhD in History

The graduate program in history at North Dakota State University has offered a master's degree since the Graduate School was founded in 1954 and a Ph.D. in History since 2002.

Our program offers Ph.D., M.A., and M.S. degrees. Most graduate courses are held during the workday, but a number of courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening each semester to accommodate working professionals within driving distance of NDSU. Online courses are not offered.

Prior to formal application, we encourage prospective students to start an e-mail dialogue with one or two non-emeriti faculty members in your field of interest. You will need to have at least one faculty member who is interested in working with you before you apply.

Admission Requirements

Preference for admission into the Ph.D. program with full graduate standing will be given to applicants who have a GPA of at least 3.5 in history courses in an earned bachelor's or master's degree.

Applicants shall submit a statement of intent clearly outlining their research interests, potential major adviser, career goals, and purpose for seeking a Ph.D. in History.

Applicants will submit a substantial paper submitted for a class in History to provide evidence of the ability to research thoroughly, to interpret and analyze primary and secondary sources, to synthesize information, to organize thoughts logically, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

The GRE examination is required.

The TOEFL is required for students for whom English is not a native language.

Residency Requirements

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program are required to complete at least one academic year (18 credits minimum) in residence on campus.

Most graduate courses are held during the workday, but a number of courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening each semester to accommodate working professionals within driving distance of NDSU. Online courses are not typically offered.

Financial Assistance

Both teaching and research assistantships are available. Graduate assistants work between 10 and 20 hours per week, and the appointments include a tuition waiver. Students wishing to apply for assistantships should indicate this in their application. The deadline for assistantship applications is March 1.

The department awards and renews assistantships based on maintenance of good standing in the program and full-time registration during the appointment, demonstration of historical knowledge and good communication skills, progress towards completion of a degree, financial need, and minority status in cases of equally qualified candidates.

Master's students can generally expect a maximum of 2 years of funding, while doctoral students are typically awarded no more than 4 years of support.