Doctor of Philosophy in History

The Department of History offers broad training in history, in combination with depth in a research specialty. The Doctor of Philosophy is the degree objective for students, and the Master's degree an interim stage towards that goal. The program is designed to provide students with research training leading to the doctoral degree, pedagogical training and instructional opportunities in preparation for teaching at a range of post-secondary institutions, and a broader array of skills and professional development training to provide students with the versatility required to use their historical training in non-academic as well as academic settings. Students specializing in public historical studies receive training that prepares them for careers in the community at large, working in a variety of historical institutions (museums, preservation firms, oral history projects) or as private consultants. Graduates of our program are also prepared to teach public history at the college and university level, and often pursue careers combining opportunities in both academic and non-academic areas.

Applicants must meet general university requirements for admission to graduate standing and should have completed an undergraduate major in History or related fields (approximately 40 upper-division quarter units or approximately 24 upper-division semester units).

The minimum score for consideration is 550 when taking the paper-based TOEFL, or 80 when taking the internet-based test. UCSB also considers a minimal score of 7 on the IELTS.

Deadline: Fall Only: December 13