The Department of History offers the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The department is particularly strong in the fields of Western U.S. history specifically, and American history in general. Modern and early modern European history are other areas of strength. The department offers courses defined by traditional chronological and regional divisions as well as a variety of topical and innovative courses.
The history Ph.D. is a small, select program geared for students with a variety of particular interests. It prepares students to fill jobs as historians with government agencies, public historians (with private firms doing contract historical research; state, local, and private archives; historical societies; and museums), as well as junior colleges, community colleges, and four-year institutions. Although all candidates prepare basic course work and requirements, the training of candidates beyond that varies according to the careers students plan to pursue. The department offers a broad-based Ph.D. in a variety of fields; however, it offers particular emphases in Montana and western U.S. history, environmental and natural resource history, U.S. legal and political history, U.S. women's history, nineteenth and twentieth century U.S. history, and Native American history. It also offers broad preparation for candidates considering teaching positions. Students are expected to complete the program in four years.
The history M.A. is a rigorous degree that should be completed in two years. The course of study emphasizes breadth and depth of understanding and requires a thesis. Many of our M.A. graduates move on to doctoral programs at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Others find employment in education (in junior colleges, community colleges and private high schools), in museums and historical projects, in the public sector, or in private business.
Program
Degree Offered
History
M.A.;Ph.D.
Degrees Offered
Ph.D. History
Requirements
Fifteen (15) credits past the M.A. degree - a total of forty-five (45) credits. Students must demonstrate competence in foreign languages and write an M.A. thesis. If accepted directly into the Ph.D. program without an M.A. degree, students may substitute two research papers for the M.A. thesis requirement, subject to approval by the Graduate Committee. In addition, students must pass written examinations in four fields, pass a comprehensive oral examination, write a doctoral dissertation, and pass an oral defense.
The Department of History has a prospectus ("Graduate Program in History") that details the requirements for course work, foreign languages, field examinations, and dissertation. This may be accessed through the History Department web site.
The Department of History has a prospectus ("Master's Program in History") that details the requirements for course work, foreign language, and thesis. This may be accessed through the History Department web site.
Admissions
1. Application Materials and Deadline
Deadline for Ph.D. - Complete application packet must be received by February 1. All applications received by February 1 will be considered for teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and internships, as available.
Deadline for M.A. - If applying for teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, or internships, complete application packet must be received by February 1. Otherwise, complete application packet must be received by March 15.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of History also requires:
GRE scores.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
A Statement of Purpose (2 -3 pages) describing your background, research interests, professional goals, and reasons for choosing the Department of History at the University of Montana.
A writing sample (preferably a substantial piece of historical writing based on original research using original sources).
Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used there is no need to send paper copies of the letters to the department.)
2. Program Requirements for Admission
The Department of History accepts GRE scores with a test date that is within the past five years or verifiable GRE scores if the test date is over five years old.
3. Assistantship Deadline
Applicants wishing to be considered for teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, or internships must submit a complete application packet by February 1. All completed application packets received on or before February 1 will be considered for teaching assistantships.
4. International Students
The TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam can substitute for the GRE.
See information in the International Admission section on this web site.
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
Teaching Assistantships
Ten teaching assistantships are available to history graduate students. These are awarded on a competitive basis annually. Assistantships for Ph.D. students may be renewed up through the fourth year. assistantships for M.A. students may be renewed for a second year. Teaching assistants handle discussion sections in the American and European surveys. Some money is available for graders in individual courses.
In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a tuition fee waiver (in-state or out-of-state) and a waiver of the registration fee. Other fees charged by the University are not included in the TA fee waiver package. Teaching assistants are required to register for 6 credits each semester. 9 credits is considered full-time.
Research Assistantships
Research money is available for specific projects from various sources, including the A.B. Hammond Fund for Western History (administered by the department) and the Research Advisory Council (administered by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development).
Scholarships/Fellowships
The Moser/McKinney Fellowship includes a stipend and covers the cost of tuition and all fees. It is renewable for a total of four years.
The Cappadocia Scholarship of $3,000 is awarded annually to a graduate student in European history.
