How to Apply

We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024. We will begin accepting applications for Fall 2025 on September 1, 2024.

All applications are completed online using the online application system. As you complete the application, be sure to upload all of the required materials.
 

A Letter to applicants from our Director of Graduate Studies 

Applicants, Please read this letter from our Director of Graduate Studies.

 

About our program

 
This Department of History only admits students to our PhD students in Fall semesters; we do not offer a terminal MA degree. 
 
To earn a PhD, students must complete 63 graduate course credits; demonstrate proficiency in a language, or two, other than English (sub-field specific); pass preliminary exams in a timely manner; and research, write, and defend a substantial, original piece of scholarship that meets department standards. In addition, students participate in other professional development opportunities, such as: presenting at conferences, publishing, applying for outside grants and fellowships, community engagement, etc. Students entering with a bachelor's degree are expected to pass their preliminary examinations by the end of their 6th semester (3rd year) in the program; students entering with an appropriate MA may transfer up to 12 credits and are expected to pass their preliminary examinations by the end of their 4th semester (2nd year). Of those students who earn their PhD, 55% do so within 7 years. 
 
As of 2022, all newly admitted students are guaranteed six academic years of support (including five summers), tuition and fees assistance, and individual healthcare. Financial support comes in the form of either Graduate Assistant positions or fellowships. Graduate Assistant positions are a form of work-study in which financial support is provided in exchange for labor as Teaching Assistants, Reader-Graders, Research Assistants, or Graduate Student Instructors. Fellowships are non-service dependent awards. Between one third to one half of financial support comes in the form of Graduate Assistant positions. We do encourage all our students to apply for outside funding from the very beginning. See funding options here
 
The Department of History is able to provide three application fee waivers on a competitive basis to applicants applying from the following countries only: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, South Sudan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide application fee waivers to applicants from other countries. 
 
If you are interested in applying for an application fee waiver, you must submit all materials as a single PDF (excluding letters of recommendation) to histdgs@umn.edu.  Deadline: is 11:59 PM Central Standard Time, 23 November 2023. Please CC the DGS directly at Skari002@umn.edu. DO NOT submit your application officially yet! Your application will be evaluated and you will be notified by the end of day 27 November 2023 if you have been selected to receive a waiver. Further instructions will be sent at that time. 
 
As always, McNair Scholars may request an application fee waiver from the Graduate School's Diversity Office here