PhD in History at Pennsylvania State University

Graduate instruction at the master's and doctoral degree level is offered in the following areas:

• United States (19th and 20th century)
• Europe (Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern)
• Asia (Late Imperial and 20th century)
• Latin America (Colonial and Modern)
• Middle East

Only students focusing their course of study on the department's five primary areas of strength (Colonial Latin America, Early Modern Global, United States, China, and Middle East) are admitted into the graduate program. Courses in all other areas are offered on a regular basis and encouraged as secondary areas of focus.

1. Demonstrate command of current and past historiographical theory and methods.
2. Evaluate and master primary and secondary source material relevant to a particular historical period and theoretical topic consistent with highest ethical standards and practices of the discipline.
3. Formulate and execute independent research around historical argument on the basis of evidence that further knowledge and theory in the field of historical studies.
4. Articulate arguments and ideas with clarity in oral presentations and written formats in accordance with the conventions of the discipline.
5. Create historical arguments that demonstrate knowledge of professional standards of scholarly and professional work through their written and oral works and interaction with colleagues.