Application Deadlines

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  • Fall Application Deadline: January 15 for Ph.D., combined M.A./Ph.D., and M.A. applicants
  • Spring Application Deadline: November 1 for M.A. applicants (M.A. applicants are encouraged, when possible, to begin in the fall semester)

*The Admissions committee may consider applications submitted after the due date on a case-by-case basis, but most will be deferred until the next admissions date.

Applying to the History Graduate Program

To request consideration for admissions to the M.A. or Ph.D. program in History you must complete the online application, pay the application fee, and upload the following materials: your personal statement, writing sample, references, and transcripts.

The faculty consider the Personal Statement of Purpose and your Writing Sample to be among the most important parts of the application.

 

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  • Personal Statement of Purpose. Each applicant must compose a statement of purpose no longer than two pages. Your statement should describe your preparation for the program, academic interests, and professional goals. The most useful statements are those that present an intellectual portrait of the applicant, a description of the applicant’s research experience at the undergraduate or master’s level, an account of the historical issues and topics the applicant now finds engaging, and the program of study the candidate envisions for him/herself at MSU, including the names of specific faculty members with whom the candidate would like to work.  Overall, the admissions committee will be looking for a good match between the applicant’s experiences and research interests and the faculty’s areas of strength and research interests.  
  • Writing Sample. A writing sample between 15 - 20 pages must be submitted with your application.  Your writing sample should be a substantial essay, preferably from your work in a history related course, that demonstrates your ability to construct an argument and showcases your ability to engage with sources and conduct research. 
  • Three (3) Professional References. The online application will request information about your references. Once you have submitted your application, each reference will be electronically prompted to submit a reference letter.
  • Official Undergraduate Transcripts (and M.A. transcripts if applying for Ph.D. program). Transcripts are required from all universities you have attended.
    • You will be able to upload your unofficial transcripts when applying to MSU.
    • For admission, you are required to submit official (final) transcripts from each university directly to MSU. Send electronic transcripts to history@montana.edu or mail them to the MSU History Department, PO Box 172320, Bozeman, MT 59717.
    • If you are an undergraduate alumni of MSU, you do not need to submit official transcripts.
  • GRE (Graduate Record Exam) test scores are not required, but scores will be reviewed if submitted.
  • International students: in addition to the above, you will be required to submit the following*:
    • English proficiency scores (at or above):  TOEFL [80] or IELTS [level 7], necessary for applicants who are not U.S. citizens and not from countries where English is the official language. This requirement is waived if the applicant has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in the U.S.
    • Copy of applicant’s passport
    • Degree certificates as well as an English translation for all non-English academic transcripts and credentials. Photocopies can be used to initiate the application process, however official transcripts/credentials are still required upon admission.

Upon admission, international students will be required to show evidence of financial support and proof of funds (if self-funded) to attend.

See International application process.

Note: Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

 

 

Information regarding Graduate Assistantships.

Contact Information

For more information about the Department of History and Philosophy's graduate programs, please contact Dr. Amanda Hendrix-Komoto, Director of Graduate Studies, at amanda.hendrixkomoto@montana.edu or call the main History Department office: (406) 994-4395.