Graduate Program

The graduate program in history at Washington University is committed to promoting innovative research and preparing students for academic careers. Although the department offers doctoral training in any historical specialization covered by a tenured faculty member, it specializes in the history of Africa, American civil rights, Britain, Central Europe, and Empire. These core fields draw on the expertise of substantial segments of the faculty and provide significant opportunities for innovative graduate study that bridges conventional historical fields and fosters interdisciplinary research.

The graduate program admits only a small number of graduate students each year to promote a close working relationship between students and faculty. We invite applications from mature and self-directed students with well-defined research interests. Our seminars are small and flexible, and we encourage students to develop creative, self-tailored programs of doctoral study. The History department funds most doctoral candidates for six years at highly competitive levels and is committed to providing additional financial resources to support advanced research.