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Admission Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in History

  • Overall 3.67 (A-) average on all graduate work attempted (for applicants to the M.A. to Ph.D. track) or overall 3.67 (A-) average on the last sixty (60) hours of undergraduate course credit (for applicants to the B.A. to Ph.D. track).
  • A minimum of 18 hours in history or other relevant courses with a 3.67 (A-) average.  The type of courses accepted will be at the discretion of the History Department. NOTE: Only twelve hours of course work taken as a Post Baccalaureate (PB) student may be counted toward the Ph.D. degree.
  • The Department of History no longer requires a GRE for admission.
  • The ability to demonstrate a reading proficiency in at least one foreign language before or during the first semester of residence in the Ph.D. program (See "Language Requirements" below).
  • Letters of recommendation from three faculty members working in history or a related discipline familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities.
  • A one- to two-page personal statement explicating the applicant’s academic interests is required. This document should provide an intellectual autobiography of the candidate, explain the candidate’s qualifications to study in her/his chosen area, and articulate the candidate’s proposed course of study.
  • A writing sample that ideally demonstrates the candidate’s ability to research and evaluate primary source material while also engaging the historiography relevant to the topic of the paper.
  • Two official transcripts from every college and university attended. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope to the Graduate School.
  • University of Houston online graduate application. International students should note that additional forms might be required.
  • A $25.00 non-refundable application fee. The University of Houston accepts checks, money orders, and Visa and MasterCard credit cards.