Graduate Admissions

The graduate program in history is a compact program with traditional strengths in medieval and modern Europe and emerging programs in U.S. and Latin American history. Course offerings typically focus on Europe and the Americas, the heart of our M.A. and Ph.D. programs, although the department regularly offers courses on transnational or global themes. One of the great strengths of the program is that graduate students take only graduate courses. Although some of these courses (at the 5000 level) include a few advanced undergraduate history majors, no graduate students take undergraduate lecture-style courses. The graduate syllabuses are demanding, normally requiring a minimum of 300-400 pages per week of common reading, discussion, and writing assignments that typically add up to 20-25 pages, most of which require additional outside reading and library research. Consult our course offerings and syllabuses by clicking on the appropriate link above.

Starting in the Fall of 2003, the Ph.D. is offered in all areas of Europe and the Americas from the middle ages up to the twentieth century. Students interested in applying for an M.A. or Ph.D. degree in the Department of History should contact the director of graduate studies. You may also wish to contact faculty in your field directly via email, letter, or phone. The following links take you to the website of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Open the GSAS on-line inquiry form if you have any general questions regarding graduate school at Fordham. Follow this link to apply on-line. All non-matriculated students who are interested in taking classes should fill out an application form.

Each year, the Department of History receives several inquiries from students who are interested in applying for an M.A. in Medieval Studies. For more information, consult the website for the Center for Medieval Studies.

In general, the following are necessary to be considered for admission for a graduate degree in the Department of History.

Admission Requirements for the M.A.

Bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university

Six courses in history in undergraduate program

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

For foreign students, English proficiency exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

GPA of at least 3.0 (B)

A writing sample, minimum of 5-7 pages, is strongly advised

Three letters of recommendation from former professors

Official transcripts of school records

Admission Requirements for the Ph.D.

All of the above. In addition, you will need:

Master’s degree in history from an approved college or university

GPA of at least 3.5 (B+)

A writing sample, minimum of 5-7 pages, is strongly advised