Graduate Admission

PLEASE NOTE: For applications for admission to begin in the 2025-26 academic year, the Department of History is accepting applications from prospective Ph.D. students in the field of Medieval History, and from students in all fields for our M.A. and graduate joint degree programs. Please direct any questions to Dr. Stephen West, Director of Graduate Studies. 

The Department of History places emphasis on developing close mentoring relationships between faculty and students. Accordingly, our admissions process, particularly for the Ph.D., seeks to ensure that students’ interests match faculty expertise. We encourage prospective students to contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), Dr. Stephen West, as well as any faculty members whose work interests them.

We have approximately 20 graduate students in the program at any one time. Our graduate students are a close-knit, accomplished, and supportive group. The DGS can facilitate putting applicants in touch with current students, who can discuss the program and the experience of living and studying in Washington, D.C.

Detailed instructions for applying and further particulars about what we look for in students can be found here.

In order to receive full consideration for admission and financial aid, applications must be received by February 1.