Overview

Through guided steps of coursework, preparation for the comprehensive oral examination, archival research, and dissertation writing, students learn to develop and execute original research designs leading to scholarly publications that make original and important contributions to the historical discipline.

At the same time, the department also prepares students to become the next generation of effective history teachers, able to instruct on a wide range of topics.

To that end, all incoming History doctoral students at Boston University take a core of classes in African, American, and European historiographies to learn about histories and methodologies outside their chosen field.

PhD students also serve as Teaching Fellows in a wide range of lecture courses, acquiring professional and pedagogical skills under the guidance of faculty mentors.

Careers

The department’s graduates have become professors at research universities, colleges, and community colleges, and staff members at research libraries, museums, and archives.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

European Historiography
American Historiography
African Historiography
The Historian’s Craft

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Credits

64 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

History View 170 other PhDs in History in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Boston University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts
Three recommendations
Personal statement
Curriculum Vitae
Foreign language(s) proficiency (please list the languages in which you are fluent)
Writing sample
Official GRE General Test score report (is not required for the Fall 2023 admissions cycle)

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 60 months.
National

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 60 months.
In-State

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 60 months.

Living costs for Boston

1560 - 3239 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About