Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study at George Mason University, applicants to the PhD in History should submit the following:

  1. University online application
  2. Departmental application form
  3. Three letters of recommendation – from professional colleagues or academic mentors
  4. GRE scores – required
  5. Goals statement – explains the applicant’s academic credentials, professional background, and intellectual interest in George Mason University’s doctoral program in history, and ultimate career goals
  6. Writing sample – which consists of a history essay, research paper, or professional paper
  7. Official transcripts – from previous institutions of higher education. Foreign students must have their transcripts evaluated by a university-approved accrediting service
  8. Assistantship application

Applications are due January 15. All application materials should be sent to:

CHSS Graduate Admissions
George Mason University
College Hall, Room C119
4400 University Drive, MSN 2D2
Fairfax, VA 22030

Admission decisions are ordinarily sent in early March.

Reduction of Credit

A reduction of credits for students entering the doctoral program is possible for students with a master’s degree or other graduate course work: the number of credits required may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits, subject to the approval of the program faculty. Requests for reduction of credits are reviewed by the PhD Graduate Director only after acceptance to the PhD program.