History (Ph.D.)

History (Ph.D.) | Graduate

Our Ph.D. in History provides students with a solid foundation in historical theory and analysis, preparing them for academic careers, consulting, public history, and research. U.S. News ranks our History graduate program 48th in the nation and our graduate program in African American History 3rd in the nation.

The Ph.D. program in History at Howard’s Graduate School prepares students with a solid foundation in historical theory and research methodology for a range of careers in academia, consulting, public and institutional history, and senior research analyst positions in the public and private sectors. Our graduate program in History is noted for its strengths in regional, traditional, transnational, and comparative historical study. A spirit of collaborative inquiry defines the Ph.D. program in History, and students benefit from the close mentorship of graduate faculty who are notable for their wide-ranging research in the areas of social, economic, intellectual, and cultural history of the African diaspora as well as transnational, urban, and gender history. You may choose from six distinct fields of specialization: United States, African-American, African, African diaspora, Latin American and Caribbean, or public history. Our students select one major subfield and one minor subfield and pursue significant original research tailored to their individualized program of study. You'll also benefit from quick access to the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian, located just minutes from Howard’s campus. In addition, they can draw on extensive archival collections, library resources, and coursework across our regional academic Washington, DC Consortium of colleges and universities. D.C. is also home to smaller historical organizations like the D.C. Historical Society and the D.C. Preservation League.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  Hybrid format (online and in-person classes)
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)
• Critical writing sample of best academic research or historical analysis (Well-organised, well-written, and well-sourced. The history faculty appreciates papers drawing on primary and secondary sources)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: N/A

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Coworker
• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Other