Major Field and Comprehensive Exam
Note for US history doctoral students who started the program prior to Fall 2026:
The Ph.D. in History degree requirements were substantially revised for the 2026-27 University Catalog. Comprehensive exam preparation for US history students is shifting away from individualized sections and towards an in-class experience. US history students on prior catalog years will work with the Ph.D. Director and their major field advisor to determine the best method of completing the major field, depending on which path will serve their interests best. Students in European history and comparative/world history will continue as previously.
What is a Major Field?
A major field organizes what kind of historian the student is training to become. Students may pursue one of three major fields, determined during the admissions process, when applicants use the goals statement to identify their historical interests and faculty with whom they would like to work.
Major fields include:
1. American history. Origins to the present.
2. European history. The Graduate Committee and the major field advisor must approve the specific period focus of a European history field (either pre- or post-1789).
3. Comparative/world history. Examples include comparative cultural history, industrialization, Latin America, or the Islamic world, among others. The Graduate Committee and major field advisor must approve the specific scope and/or chronology.
Major Field Courses
Students complete 9 credits of regular graduate-level History coursework. In addition, for students admitted in Fall 2026 or later:
Americanists will take HIST 801: Doctoral Readings for Major Field (Formation of the US) and HIST 802: Doctoral Readings for Major Field (Development of the US) to provide an overview of major historiographic trends in US history.
Europeanists or comparative/world students will take 6 credits of HIST 803: Doctoral Readings for Major Field to provide a historiographic overview of their major field. HIST 803 is typically conducted as an individualized section course.
In addition to courses, students will demonstrate mastery of their major field by sitting for—and passing—an oral comprehensive exam.
The Oral Comprehensive Exam
Overview of the Oral Exam
At an appropriate point in their program, students will take, and must pass, an oral examination covering the major field. There is no written major field examination. Students are expected to work with their major field advisor and other committee members to develop a list of books and topics for which they are responsible.
Any questions within the scope of the major field are permitted, and contents of the oral exam may not be limited to course material. The focus, however, will be on testing the student’s mastery of the key historiographic, interpretive, and theoretical debates in the field. Students are expected to demonstrate a broad familiarity with the historical literature and the ability to work historical problems under pressure. (This is an essential skill for classroom Q&A, conference presentations, and job interviews.) The general standard for passing the comprehensive oral exam is demonstration of knowledge sufficient to teach an undergraduate survey course in the student's major field.
Oral Exam Format
The oral examination will last approximately two hours. The student will be examined by a committee of three HARTH faculty representing the broad sweep of the field’s chronology or scope. Oral comprehensive exams are not open to the public, but other faculty are welcome to attend. Students are permitted to have a printed list of readings, paper, and a writing utensil with them during the exam.
Committee Assessment of the Exam
After the conclusion of the exam, the student will leave the room and the committee will confer. Possible grades are Pass, Fail, and Pass with Distinction. (A mark of superlative achievement, Pass with Distinction is rarely awarded.) After the committee has concluded its deliberation, the chair will inform the student of the result. Students are responsible for bringing a Major Field Oral Examination form to the exam. Committee members will sign this form, which the student emails to the Graduate Coordinator.
A student who fails the oral examination can retake it no sooner than three months and no later than six months after failing it. Oral exams can be taken three times. The third failed attempt will result in dismissal from the program.
Planning & Scheduling
Students are resposible for completing the following steps:
1. Complete major field courses. Seminars comprising the major field are usually a mix of transfer credits and courses taken at Mason. Students will conduct their major field readings (HIST 801, 802, 803) at Mason. Visit “How to Register for Courses” for information on registering for individualized section courses.
2. Assemble an examination committee. Typically, but not always, students choose their dissertation advisor as their major field advisor, who chairs the examination committee. In consultation with the major field advisor, students choose two additional faculty members. In general, committee members are History faculty with whom the student has taken HIST 801, HIST 802, HIST 803, or another graduate course.
3. Prepare for the exam. The student will consult with committee members to compile appropriate reading lists for the major field examination. The three reading lists should total 75-100 books.
Students are advised but not required to meet with their comprehensive exam committee members individually to discuss the readings and conduct one or more practice sessions. If a committee member has reservations about going forward with the exam, they usually raise their concerns prior to the exam, to facilitate a postponement. Our goal is to have students succeed!
4. Schedule the Exam. Students will contact their exam committee members to select a date. At least one month before the exam, the student must notify the Graduate Coordinator of the exam date and time, and the Graduate Coordinator will reserve a room.