Apply to the Program

Admission Deadline for Fall 2025: 

January 5th, 2025

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a GradApp account
  2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account".
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and either "History (MA)" or "History (PhD)" under program of study.
  5. Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
  6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Admission Requirements

M.A. Program

Applicants for the M.A. program must have completed the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a major in history or a related discipline before beginning graduate study.  Students without a background in history are advised to take courses on a non-degree basis before applying. 

Ph.D. Program

You must have completed an M.A. in history or a related discipline. Students interested in our Ph.D. program who have not yet completed (or who are not in the process of completing) a master's degree should apply to our M.A. program. 

Application Checklist

Statement of Purpose

Include a statement of purpose (2-5 pages) describing your goals and objectives for pursuing this graduate degree, including career plans. Indicate the field of study, specific topics and/or theoretical approaches, and faculty members with whom you'd like to work.

Letters of Recommendation

You'll need three letters of recommendation. Enter contact information for your referees in the online application. Your referees will be contacted directly by the University of Arizona.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended or are currently attending are required. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with your application. You must submit official transcripts, later on, before you can be officially admitted by the Graduate College.

Curriculum Vitae

You will be asked to outline your education, scholarship, employment, and academic achievements in the Supplemental Questions section of the application.

Writing Sample

Submit a sample of written work that demonstrates your ability to conduct historical research and/or your ability to analyze critically the work of other historians. 

  • M.A. applicants: Submit one writing sample
  • Ph.D. applicants: Submit two writing samples

GRE Scores

The GRE is no longer required by the Department of History.  New applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants)

Self-report your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Official scores must also be submitted via ETS to the Graduate College (Institution Code is 4832). TOEFL score must be dated within 2 years of enrollment.

Applicants will not be admitted unless they achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper based (PB) or 79 internet based (iBT); or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 7 (no subject area below a 6).

See Graduate College requirements for international students.