The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History program at Washington State University is designed for students aiming to become professional historians. This program requires students to have already completed a Master's degree in History or a related field. The core of the doctoral program involves conducting independent research that culminates in a significant written dissertation. This research is focused on a specific historical field, framed within a broader geographical, chronological, and historiographical context, with the goal of making a substantial contribution to academic knowledge. The program concludes with a final oral examination.
Graduates of the PhD in History program are prepared for a wide range of professional roles in academia, research, and cultural heritage management.
International students may need to meet higher English proficiency scores than the Graduate School minimums if specified by the program. A Language Background Form and a Preferred Fields of Study Form are required. While competency in a foreign language is desired, it is not a mandatory requirement for admission.
Financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships is available for qualified full-time PhD students.
Applicants must have completed a Master's degree in History or a related field from an accredited college or university. Competency in a foreign language is desired but not mandatory for admission.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 75 or an IELTS score of 6.5. Program-specific requirements may be higher than the Graduate School minimums.
The application process involves submitting university and program-specific forms, academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. All documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
The application deadline for Fall admission to the PhD in History program is January 10.
Financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships is available for qualified full-time PhD students. Out of 13 graduate students in the program, 11 currently receive assistantships.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as university teachers and researchers, museum curators, historians for private and governmental organizations, cultural resource management specialists, and librarians.