History Doctoral Degree Requirements

Program | Faculty | Master's | Doctoral | Courses

More complete information on graduate study in history may be found in the departmental statement, Graduate Program in History, available from the History Office. The University of Massachusetts/Five College Graduate Program in History offers doctoral work in three major areas of history: Europe, United States and Latin America. Each of these areas is divided into various fields.

Prior to admission as a Ph.D. candidate, candidates must have an M.A. degree from this or another university.

Course Work

Four courses in the 600-800 series are required, including two graduate research seminars.

Language Proficiency

Candidates must pass the departmental examination demonstrating reading ability in one foreign language. Students specializing in areas for which knowledge of more than one foreign language is usual for scholarly work must demonstrate reading proficiency in the relevant languages.

Preliminary Comprehensive Examination

Candidates must pass the general examination in three fields. Not more than two can be in the candidate's area of specialization. With the approval of the major adviser and of the departmental Graduate Program Director, the candidate may offer one field in a department other than history.

Dissertation

A dissertation is required. Doctoral degree candidates shall complete all requirements within four calendar years of initial registration.

Residence

Minimum: full-time residence at the University of Massachusetts for one academic year.