Graduate > Admissions FAQ
General Program information
- How long does it take to get the PhD in History at Stanford?
- What are the language requirements for the programs?
- What kind of funding does the Department offer?
- What are the teaching requirements for the program?
- What are the different fields of the doctoral program?
- How can I find faculty in my field of interest?
- If prior graduate work was taken towards a graduate degree, can it be transferred?
Admissions
- How selective is the application process?
- Is an MA in History required to apply to the PhD?
- Is an undergraduate degree in History required to apply?
- What kind of GRE scores are needed in order to be considered?
- When should I take the GRE?
- What kind of writing sample is required?
- Is the Admissions Committee or the Director of Graduate Admissions available for contact prior or during the admissions process?
- When are decision letters sent out?
- If the applicant was not admitted, is reapplying an option?
- Does admission to the MA program lead into the PhD program?
- Can deferrals be granted?
How long does it take to get the PhD in History at Stanford?
Time to degree varies by field. US History typically takes 5-6 years. Other fields, at least 6 years. The timeline breakdown is typically the following:
- 1st and 2nd years: Coursework completing requirements for the primary and secondary fields
- 3rd year: Take the orals exam (primary field) and complete teaching requirements
- 4th and 5th years: Researching and writing
- 6th year: Complete writing
Non-US fields may take an extra year for research (due to extra travel and language training).
Back to topWhat are the language requirements for the programs?
It is expected that applicants (both PhD and MA) in non-US fields have good proficiency in at least one foreign language relevant to the field before they are admitted. Most non-US fields have two foreign language required for the PhD. The US field has none.
Back to topWhat kind of funding does the Department offer?
The History Department fellowship provides a 5 year package that pays for tuition plus stipend for the PhD program only. The fellowship is a combination of fellowship stipends, TAships and RAships. There is no funding for the MA program. Although our fellowships are merit based, admission is sometimes offered without funding to applications who indicate on the application that they do not need financial assistance.
Back to topWhat are the teaching requirements for the program?
The program requires that PhD students on fellowship to teach 4 times by the end of their 3rd year. The Department offers much in the way of pedagogical training, beginning in the 1st year. 1st year students are typically not allowed to TA, unless it is optimum for both the student and the department. This would also require approval by both the Director of Graduate Teaching and adviser of the student. Students not on Department Fellowship must fulfill a minimum program requirement of two quarters of teaching, for which will be unpaid.
Back to topWhat are the different fields of the doctoral program?
Africa, Britain, Early Modern Europe, East Asia (China/Japan/Korea), Eastern Europe/Russia, History of Science, Jewish History, Latin America, Medieval, Middle East, Modern Europe, and the US.
Back to topHow can I find faculty in my field of interest?
The Department of History's faculty web pages are categorized by area of interest. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty directly regarding research interests. All inquiries for admission should go directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Back to topIf prior graduate work was taken towards a graduate degree, can it be transferred?
Up to 45 units (quarter system) of graduate coursework taken towards a graduate degree may be transferred towards the PhD degree. No transfer credit may be applied to the terminal MA program.
Back to topHow selective is the application process?
We are able to make about 20 - 25 offers with fellowships out of 300+ applications to yield a cohort of about 15.
Back to topIs an MA in History required to apply to the PhD?
No, only a fraction of admits come into the program with an MA.
Back to topIs an undergraduate degree in History required to apply?
While most applicants have an undergraduate degree in History, admission to the program has been offered to students from other disciplines. However, such students had taken an exceptional number of undergraduate History courses and were very well-prepared for a doctoral program in History.
Back to topWhat kind of GRE scores are needed in order to be considered?
The Department does not establish any minimum or optimum scores for applicants. The GRE is only one component of a quite detailed application. While the verbal and analytical scores are looked at, much of the information that is used to make a decision comes from the statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are often the best indicators of the applicant’s ability to do sustain graduate level work. While it may be helpful to have high GREs and a strong GPA, they are not stand-alone indicators of an applicant’s success or potential. The general GRE exam is required for both the PhD and MA applications.
Back to topWhen should I take the GRE?
It is strongly recommended that you sit for the October exam. Those scores are sure to make it into your file in a timely manner. Scores from the December exam will be accepted but there is no guarantee that the scores may make it to your file in time for evaluation.
Back to topWhat kind of writing sample is required?
The writing sample should be on a historical topic, 10-25pp.
Back to topIs the Admissions Committee or the Director of Graduate Admissions available for contact prior or during the admissions process?
No, the Admissions Committee is typically formed anew each academic year at the time of admission. The same is for the Director of Graduate Admissions. All contact regarding the admissions process should be made to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Back to topWhen are decision letters sent out?
Decisions are sent out before or by early-March.
Back to topIf the applicant was not admitted, is reapplying an option?
Application files are kept for 3 years. All material is kept except for the writing sample. If/when reapplying, a new application must be submitted along with the application fee. The same writing sample may be resubmitted. Please check with the Graduate Program Coordinator to make sure the materials are there.
Back to topDoes admission to the MA program lead into the PhD program?
No, the MA program is a terminal one-year program.
Back to topCan deferrals be granted?
Yes, deferrals may be granted on the approval of the Department
Back to top