Admissions

History PhD Criteria

Generally, the Department seeks students who have successfully earned a BA or MA degree in history. We will also consider students who have a degree in a related field such as anthropology, political science, or sociology, with the understanding that they might be asked to complete leveling work.

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Part-Time and Full-Time Doctoral Students

The Department will consider applications from students wishing to participate in the doctoral program on a part-time basis, meaning less than 9 credit hours per semester. Graduate courses are usually, but not always, offered in the evenings. Doctoral students admitted for full-time study (9 credit hours per semester) will be considered for a multi-year Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) package. These highly competitive awards carry an annual stipend and cover 100% of tuition and fees for up to nine (9) hours of coursework per semester. They are renewable for up to six years, conditional on good performance in academic work and teaching duties. In addition to completing coursework and fulfilling assigned duties as teaching assistants, GTA recipients are required to attend Departmental seminars and other functions throughout the academic year.

PhD Application Process

The Department of History considers the following four (4) criteria in assessing applicants to the PhD Program.

  1. Undergraduate or Graduate GPA, as shown on transcripts. 
  2. Three letters of recommendation (ideally, from professors who know you and your work; if those are unavailable for any reason, we will consider professional references).
  3. A writing sample. The Department prefers that applicants send a primary source-based research paper not to exceed twenty-five pages. This essay should demonstrate the applicant's research, writing, and analytical skills. However, other writing samples are acceptable. 
  4. A letter of intent (approximately two pages). In the letter of intent, please explain your past background in history, future goals, and indicate your research interests—including current vision for a potential dissertation topic. We encourage you to also indicate a professor or professors in the department you are particularly interested in working with. 

Application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation should be submitted via the ApplyUTA portal

The letter of intent and writing sample should be emailed directly to the PhD advisor at HistoryPhD@uta.edu

Note: The priority deadline for admissions consideration is February 15. The PhD admissions committee will continue to consider applications on a rolling basis through June 15.

Pending policy review by the University of Texas Board of Regents, the GRE is no longer a requirement for applicants to the History & Geography graduate programs. The History & Geography graduate programs will not consider GRE scores when making admissions decisions. If you have taken the GRE, please refrain from submitting your scores as they will not be considered as a component of your application. 

If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact the PhD advisor directly at paul.conrad@uta.edu.