Overview of the Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program is designed to balance structure with creativity and flexibility with rigor. Students are admitted to pursue one of three “major fields”: US history, European, history, or comparative/world history. Students also receive specialized training in digital history and a “minor field” of their own design, in consultation with relevant faculty. The Department also offers several courses in public history that consider the production of knowledge and culture in museums, memorials, and other commemorative practices.

Our location in the Washington, D.C., metro area provides additional opportunities for students, including coursework at area universities through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, vast library resources through the Washington Research Library Consortium, and proximity to the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and other museums and historic sites for research, professional development, and personal enrichment.

Digital History

Digital history is foundational to the doctoral program, which the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) specifically chartered to promote the use of digital tools and new media in historical research. Every student in the program receives training in digital tools and practices via 6 required credits of digital history courses, including the trailblazing course Clio Wired: An Introduction to History and New Media (HIST 696). Students may also submit a digital or hybrid dissertation in lieu of a traditional manuscript, in accordance with specific departmental guidelines.

Our commitment to digital history is exemplified by the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, a departmental initiative dedicated to integrating digital practices into the study and teaching of history. Founded in 1994, the Center is internationally recognized for its contributions to the historical profession and its commitment to democratizing historical research, education, and understanding. The Center provides training and financial support to many of our doctoral students. Learn more about RRCHNM’s graduate student education initiatives here. 

Colloquium

Colloquium (HIST 810) provides a focal point for the History doctoral student community. This required course is designed to enhance professional development and create informal opportunities for students to meet Mason faculty, alumni, regional professional historians, and one another. Colloquium meets in alternating weeks and is scheduled to not conflict with other graduate classes. Events may include presentation of faculty and student research, workshops on various topics, and visiting speakers.

Administrative Structure

The Department Chair has ultimate authority over matters relating to the Ph.D. program.

The Ph.D. Director convenes and chairs the Ph.D. Admissions Committee, advises and recruits prospective students, oversees the Ph.D. Colloquium, advises students on matters pertaining to administrative aspects of the Ph.D. program, and oversees completion of the Program of Study. The Ph.D. Director also notifies students of the results of the Graduate Committee's evaluation.

The Graduate Committee is responsible for ongoing evaluation of Ph.D. students. The Graduate Committee confers departmental prizes and awards, vets minor field proposals, conducts 18-hour reviews, and, if necessary, evaluates students after completion of the M.A. In both cases, the Graduate Committee makes recommendations for a student’s continuance, termination, or probation in the program. Students in the Ph.D. program in History are terminated after receiving more than one unsatisfactory grade (C or F). 

The Graduate Coordinator maintains student records and serves as a point of contact for students needing assistance with tasks like registration, setting up minor fields, formalizing dissertation committees, and scheduling comprehensive exams and dissertation defenses, among others.

Students & Alumni

History doctoral students are a diverse group, including recent graduates from undergrad, mid-career professionals seeking new credentials, veterans and active-duty military personnel, and retirees seeking enrichment. They range in age from early 20s to late 70s! You can meet our students here.

Program graduates have enjoyed great success with new academic appointments and positions in libraries, museums, and research centers. You can browse a select list of our placements here.

Funding for Ph.D. Students

Funding is available for full-time students on competitive basis. Visit "Funding for Ph.D. Students" for a fuller discussion.