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Ph.D. in History

Study the lessons of the past and make important contributions as a scholar, teacher and historian.

In an increasingly complex world, it's more important than ever to understand and learn from the past. With a Ph.D. in History from UND, you’ll prepare to make your mark in education, research and beyond.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
3-5 years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn a Ph.D. in history?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The study of history provides fascinating insights into the events that have shaped our world. A Ph.D. in History from UND will give you the skills to share important historical lessons with tomorrow's leaders and to contribute to knowledge in the field.

As a Ph.D. student, you'll write an original dissertation based on extensive research in primary and secondary sources and study a variety of areas, including:

Major History Fields

  • Great Plains History
  • Rural History
  • North American History
  • Western European History

Minor History Fields

  • Public History
  • World History

The Ph.D. program is offered in collaboration with North Dakota State University and incorporates coursework on both campuses.

History Ph.D. at UND

  • Enjoy access to library resources including more than two million volumes.

  • Collaborate with faculty members who are specialists in the areas of American, ancient, European and African history.

  • Hear from visiting speakers on a variety of historical topics.

  • Present your work at regional and national conferences and gain experience teaching your own courses.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

History Careers 

79K

Median annual salary for postsecondary history teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

12%

Anticipated job growth for postsecondary teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Ph.D. in history provides a springboard to dynamic careers in history and in many other fields. Popular career choices for Ph.D. graduates include:

  • History professor at a college or university
  • Public historian
  • Museum curator and archivist
  • Journalism
  • Business
  • Government

With a Ph.D. in history, you'll succeed in any career that depends on advanced skills in research, critical thinking, and oral and written expression.

History Ph.D. Courses

HIST 515. Research Seminar in European History. 3 Credits.

Required for all candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Arts, and Master of Arts who do not take History 511. This course requires preparation of a research paper. The subject of the research will be within an announced general topic area of European History. Repeatable. Repeatable.

HIST 503. Advanced Historical Methods and Portfolio Preparation. 3 Credits.

This course builds upon and refines the skills necessary to conduct and present historical research within professional contexts, and helps support students in the preparation of their graduate portfolio and component documents. Prerequisite: Permission from the History Department Director of Graduate Studies. On demand.

HIST 585. Directed Readings. 3 Credits.

Independent, directed readings on a topic tailored to the individual needs of the student. Doctoral students may repeat this course to a maximum of 6 credits; Masters students may not repeat the course. Prerequisite: Graduate status.

HIST 344. Ancient Rome. 3 Credits.

A survey of the prehistory, historical development, and ultimate decline in Rome. In addition to inquiries into the military, political, cultural, economic, and religious experiences of the ancient Romans, this course will attempt to delineate those qualities of life that were peculiarly Roman. S, odd years.

HIST 592. Readings in World History. 3 Credits.

This course focuses upon the reading and understanding of World History historiography, theories and methods through thematic and comparative readings. Repeatable. Repeatable.

HIST 481. Public History Practice. 3 Credits.

A practicum in which the student learns through experience the techniques of public history work. F,S.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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