Doctorate

History (PhD)

The Catholic University of America's History Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive education designed to develop advanced research skills and deep historical knowledge. Students engage in extensive coursework, seminars, and original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field of history. The program covers diverse historical periods and regions, supported by expert faculty and access to rich archival resources in Washington, D.C. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, public history, and other fields requiring strong analytical and scholarly abilities. Join us to advance your expertise and make significant contributions to historical scholarship.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) External Link

The Ph.D. in History program consists of a minimum of 53 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree plus a dissertation.

The Ph.D. requirements include

a minimum of 54 credit-hours of coursework, or 18 courses (up to 24 graduate-level credit-hours may be transferred from another university)
of these courses one must be History 601 (Historical Analysis and Methodology), four must be research seminars (800-level courses or History 793, Directed Research), and the remainder are colloquia or readings courses
proficiency in two foreign languages (except for students in medieval history, who must demonstrate proficiency in three foreign languages, of which one must be Latin)
a comprehensive examination lasting four hours per day on three consecutive days, after or near completion of coursework
completion of a dissertation, including developing a formal proposal, research and writing, and an oral defense of the completed dissertation

$1,250 / credit hour

More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.

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History (PhD)

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History (PhD)

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