We are looking for applicants with a record of outstanding achievement and evidence of potential success in graduate studies, attributes which can be measured in various ways such as grades, recommendations, written work, and test scores. Students with a master’s degree from an accredited institution may apply for admission to the doctoral program. Students with a bachelor’s degree only and with very strong credentials may be admitted into the doctoral program. Applicants must meet the admissions requirements set by both the graduate school, which are listed in its materials, and the department of history.

Because one of the strengths of our program is a close working relationship between faculty members and students, we cannot always accept qualified applicants when no one in the department can provide the guidance they need in their area of interest. Applicants should explore the listing of faculty on our website and contact the DGS or relevant faculty members if they have any questions.

Application Requirements 

  1. A completed application form.
  2. A completed financial aid application, if seeking aid.
  3. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from applicant’s former professors.
  4. Recent Graduate Record Examination scores on the General Test.
  5. TOEFL scores (for international students).
  6. Official transcripts.
  7. A detailed statement from the student indicating:
    1. the student’s background and education;
    2. the student’s interests (field, topic, etc.); 
    3. why the student wants to pursue a graduate degree in history at the University of Miami;
    4. what the student plans to do with the degree upon completion. This statement constitutes a very important part of the application review process and should indicate the student’s understanding of the professional nature of the training that the student is about to begin.
  8. A representative writing sample.

Deadlines

January 5: Applications for admission and aid for Fall semester.

Curriculum Requirements 

HIS 600 level or higher 30
HIS 721
Historiography 1
HIS 701
& HIS 702
Research Seminar Part 1
and Research Seminar Part 2 2
Comprehensive Exam 3
M.A. Thesis (Optional) 4
Total Credit Hours 530
1

This course is normally given in the fall semester. All students are required to take the Historiography course in their first year. This course counts for 3 of the 30 credits.

2

 Typically, students take HIS 701 and HIS 702 in their 2nd and 3rd semesters in the program.  The credit hours from these courses are included in the total required.

3

 The comprehensive examination for the M.A. degree in history is an oral examination in two fields that will normally not exceed two hours. Although the exam is in two fields, all members of the advisory committee will participate. Students selecting the thesis examination should expect questioning on the thesis as well as their fields during the examination. For such students the comprehensive exam also will act as a thesis defense. For a list of fields, see below.

4

 Students may, if they wish, write an M.A. thesis. Students who elect this option should consult with their advisor. Any student writing a thesis should register for 6 credit hours of HIS 810, which count toward the 30 required credit hours.

5

Students must apply for graduation in their penultimate semester (i.e. fall semester for spring semester graduation).

Committee

Upon admission to the master’s program in history, the student is assigned a provisional major advisor. An advisory committee of three, including the major advisor and a faculty member representing the student’s secondary field, must be formed no later than the student’s second semester in the program. There are then two options for completing the masters. One requires 30 credit hours of coursework and an exam. The other requires 24 credit hours of coursework, a master’s thesis (6 thesis credit hours), and an exam. In the case of both options, one member of the committee may be from a cognate discipline, but this is not required. It is the responsibility of the student and the advisor to form the committee and to notify the DGS of its composition. The major advisor chairs the advisory committee and oversees the student’s course of study and progress in the program. The advisory committee also administers the oral comprehensive exam that is given in the case of either option. In the case of the second (thesis) option, the advisory committee and the thesis committee are usually, but not necessarily, composed of the same faculty members.