帝王会所

Long-renowned for its specialization in 20th century history and partnership with the Contemporary History Institute, our History Ph.D. program has expanded in recent years to develop professional historians with expert knowledge in fields spanning all chronological periods and geographic areas.

Applications from prospective students interested in any field and time period are welcome, especially those from candidates whose interests align with our faculty鈥檚 regional and/or thematic areas of collective expertise.

Degree Requirements & Dissertation

The OHIO history department鈥檚 graduate coursework covers a broad geographical sweep and an array of thematic areas that combine and overlap. The result for students is an integrative academic experience that prepares them for teaching, research, and non-academic pursuits that demand breadth of knowledge and intellectual dexterity.

• Area of Concentration and Field Requirements
• Research Seminar and Languages
• Advisors and Planning
• Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation Prospectus
• Graduation Requirements
• Financial Aid and Teaching

Area of Concentration and Field Requirements

After choosing a broad area of concentration (United States, Europe, Global/Transnational), Ph.D. students must fulfill the requirements for two separate fields:

1. Primary field related to the area of concentration: a minimum of 6 courses (4 hours each), which must include HIST 6930 - Directed Study in History, a course taken with the student鈥檚 primary advisor to complete the dissertation prospectus.
2. Secondary field outside the area of concentration: a minimum of 3 courses (4 hours each) as approved by the supervisor of this field.

Fields are narrower topics of specialization within areas of concentration, usually defined in terms of national/regional geography, chronology, and subject/theme of study. Students鈥� choice of concentration and field will coincide with their primary advisor鈥檚 own expertise (See Advisors and Planning.)

Students must also take two courses in a third field, which may be satisfied by 1) completing the colloquia in Contemporary History (CH 6010 and CH 6020) offered by the Contemporary History Institute, or 2) taking courses in another discipline or disciplines that complement their historical studies (e.g., economics, political science, etc.)

For students who have completed an M.A. at another university, previous coursework may satisfy some course requirements for the Ph.D. Please consult with the director of graduate studies on this matter.

Research Seminar and Languages

History Graduate Foreign Language Requirement

Students must complete the research seminar (HIST 6800) offered during the spring semester and (optionally) whatever foreign language training will be required for field research, as determined by the primary advisor.

Advisors and Planning

Provisional advisors are assigned upon admission but can be changed according to evolving student research interests. Students should consult on a regular basis with their advisors concerning their program of study. Each semester, they will update a departmental planning form (available as an editable Qualtrics survey) to ensure that they are meeting all course requirements in a timely fashion.

To advance to the dissertation stage of the program (鈥淎BD鈥�), students must select a dissertation committee consisting of 1) their primary advisory, 2) two history faculty members generally familiar with the subject matter, and 3) one additional faculty member with relevant knowledge from outside the history department, who will serve as the dean鈥檚 representative.

A prospectus articulating the student鈥檚 research plan for the proposed dissertation must be defended before the four members of this review committee and officially approved by them before the research portion of the dissertation may begin.

Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation Prospectus

History Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations

Once coursework is completed, students will arrange to take written and oral comprehensive exams with three faculty members they鈥檝e worked with directly (two, including the primary advisory, will oversee the primary field, and one the secondary field).

To advance to the dissertation stage of the program (鈥淎BD鈥�), students must select a dissertation committee consisting of 1) their primary advisory 2) two history faculty members generally familiar with the subject matter 3) one additional faculty member with relevant knowledge from outside the history department, who will serve as the Dean鈥檚 representative.

A prospectus articulating the student鈥檚 research plan for the proposed dissertation must be defended before the four members of this review committee and officially approved by them before the research portion of the dissertation may begin. 

Graduation Requirements: Dissertation & Coursework

Dissertation Prospectus and Dissertation Defense

History Ph.D. students must write and defend a dissertation before their review committee 1) based on original research in primary (first-hand) historical sources and 2) which, in the opinion of the committee members, contributes in a meaningful way to the advancement of the field. The completed, revised dissertation must be submitted to the University鈥檚 Thesis and Dissertation Services prior to the stated deadline for the semester in which they plan to graduate.

In addition, students must complete a minimum of 90 hours above the baccalaureate degree, including a minimum of 12 graduate courses (48 hours) at 帝王会所. Dissertation and thesis hours do not count toward the coursework but do count toward the 90 hours needed for the degree.

Financial Aid and Teaching

History Graduate Student Financial Aid

Students are eligible for teaching assistantships from the History Department or fellowships from the Contemporary History Institute. Financial support includes tuition remission, a partial waiver of some university fees, and an annual stipend of $18,800. This package is renewable up to a maximum of five years (10 semesters) for those who earned their M.A. at an institution other than 帝王会所, or four years (eight semesters) for those who earned their M.A. at 帝王会所.

Once Ph.D. students pass their comprehensive exams and defend their dissertation prospectus, they are eligible to teach a course on their own, an important advantage for those who seek academic employment after completing their degree. This opportunity is subject to availability and awarded according to need and merit.

The Contemporary History Institute also offers a number of competitive, one-year dissertation-writing fellowships for students who have completed their terms as teaching assistants.

Ready for the Next Step?

How to Apply to Graduate School in History

Everyone who applies to graduate school has applied to college, and the first mistake many of them make is to assume that the process for both is more or less the same. It isn鈥檛.

Graduate school is more like an apprenticeship. You seek to become a professional historian. To do so, you must demonstrate the drive and talent necessary to complete the work required of you. Above all, you must craft your application to convince potential advisors, in specific terms, that your interests match up well with theirs and you have something interesting to contribute to their field.

More Tips on How to Apply to Graduate School in History

History Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

Contact the Director

Graduate Studies Director: Dr. Paul Milazzo