History, Ph.D.

The graduate program in history at Saint Louis University is one of the oldest in the country, granting its first Ph.D. in 1919. Today, the tradition of excellence is continued by training students in a variety of historical fields.

SLU's Doctor of Philosophy in History program ranks among the top history programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. SLU's history program offers students internationally renowned faculty, an outstanding mentoring program and high-quality professional training.

Curriculum Overview

History doctoral students at SLU choose a specialized area of study from the following concentrations:

• American history
• Early modern European
• Medieval European

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

History graduate students at SLU benefit from the rich archival and institutional resources available in St. Louis and Madrid, including sites such as the Jesuit Archives and Research Center, the Missouri Historical Society, the Gateway Arch National Park, the Circuit Court Records Project, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, the Sheldon Galleries, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Historic Landmarks Association. The timing of coursework also facilitates trips abroad for students studying history outside of U.S. borders.

Careers

Many students at the doctoral level will become professional historians and teach at the college level, however, our students have the opportunity to train for a diversity of careers that use the research and communication skills that they learn in the doctoral program. Recent graduates work in both the public and private sectors in jobs that focus on such diverse contexts as corporate sales, digital humanities, federal policy and grant administration. We will prepare you for a career that makes use of your talents.

Admission Requirements

Student transcripts, grade point average and English proficiency (if applicable). Each item in the application package is required for an applicant to be reviewed.

• A master’s degree in the field or the equivalent.
• An official transcript of undergraduate record and, for applicants to the Ph.D. program, graduate record
• A current resume
• Three letters of recommendation assessing potential in graduate studies
• A letter of intent describing professional and intellectual goals, and interest in graduate studies. The letter should include the specific field of historical study, a vision of how to contribute to existing research and criticism in an area of interest, and the SLU faculty members the applicant is interested in working with. While plans may well change as a result of further study, the statement will help the department assess the grasp of the field, and the ability to describe ideas coherently and compellingly.
• A 15- to 20-page writing sample which demonstrates competence in historical writing and analysis, and which may be an excerpt from a longer piece.
• Student interview

Language Requirements

Proof of competency in non-English languages is required through a written examination administered by the department or successful completion of graduate translation courses.

Doctoral students in medieval and early modern European history are required to display reading proficiency in Latin as well as one additional non-English language. Ph.D. students in world history or modern European history must demonstrate proficiency in two non-English languages. Doctoral students in U.S. history are required to demonstrate proficiency in one non-English language. 

Requirements for International Students

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application and Assistantship Deadline

Completed applications with all admission and financial aid materials must be received by Jan. 15 for the following fall semester. Students are not admitted in the spring or summer semester.

Review Process

A standing graduate applicant review committee meets just after the expiration of the application deadline. The committee reviews each item of every complete application. The committee makes its applicant selections by the beginning of March.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Demonstrate research skills in archival and published primary sources, as well as fieldwork.
2. Demonstrate advanced analysis of historiographic interpretation, and knowledge of the state of major and minor fields of study.
3. Demonstrate an advanced historical knowledge of major and minor fields of study.
4. Demonstrate current knowledge of interpretive methods and theories.
5. Demonstrate cohesive organization and effective argumentation.

None of the doctoral courses may be at the undergraduate level, and no more than six credits may be taken in a related department without the permission of the director of graduate studies.

Proof of competency in non-English languages is required through a written examination administered by the department or successful completion of graduate translation courses.

Doctoral students in medieval and early modern European history are required to display reading proficiency in Latin as well as one additional non-English language. Ph.D. students in world history or modern European history must demonstrate proficiency in two non-English languages. Doctoral students in U.S. history are required to demonstrate proficiency in one non-English language. 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Secondary Concentration Courses

American History

Early Modern European History

Late Antique/Byzantine History

Medieval European History

Modern European History

World History

Non-Course Requirements

Following the completion of coursework, students must complete and pass a comprehensive examination that has both written and oral components.

The written examination consists of two four-hour written examinations, one each in the major and minor fields. The examinations are based on the texts on the preparatory reading list and selected from a set of choices developed by the examiners. The oral examination committee is comprised of three faculty members from the major field of study and two faculty members from the minor field. The oral examination lasts two hours and is taken the week following the written examinations. The examination committee will ask about the written examination, as well as texts on the preparatory reading list.

After successfully completing the oral examination, students will meet with an adviser to discuss and give final approval to the prospectus. Students will then file an approved copy of the dissertation prospectus with the Department and proceed to write the dissertation. Twelve credits are given for the writing of the dissertation. Completed dissertations are assessed by the committee and are formally accepted after a public defense.

Early Modern European Concentration

Medieval European Concentration

American Concentration

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Early Modern European Concentration 

Medieval European Concentration 

American Concentration 

For more information about history graduate study at SLU, please email history@slu.edu or call 314-977-2910 to connect with the graduate program coordinator.