Doctoral Degree in History
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A doctorate in History is ideal for students who are passionate about understanding past events, interpreting historical sources, and conducting in-depth research across a wide range of time periods and cultures. This program prepares graduates for careers as university professors, historians in museums or archives, policy advisors, or researchers in think tanks, equipping them with the expertise to shape historical scholarship, inform public discourse, and contribute to educational and cultural institutions.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in History offers advanced scholarly training for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the past and contribute original research to the historical field. With a strong emphasis on historiography, archival research, and critical analysis, students work closely with faculty to explore specialized areas across global, national, and thematic contexts. The program prepares graduates for academic careers, public history roles, publishing, and research positions in government and cultural institutions, where historical insight informs contemporary understanding and decision-making.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Admission is competitive, with eight to twelve students admitted each year. The department admits students to its graduate program who wish to obtain a free-standing M.A. degree, who have earned an M.A. degree at another institution and wish to earn the Ph.D. degree, and who hope to earn both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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