The Department of History offers several degree options for graduate historical study.
Students may pursue a MA in History or a PhD in History. Individuals may also pursue an Advanced Certificate in History.
To apply, prospective students must complete and submit an online application.
Applications to the Master's program must include a personal statement, transcripts from all schools colleges and universities attended, two letters of recommendation, and a sample of written work. We prefer that the writing sample comes from a history course and that it displays your ability to engage in historical analysis using both secondary and primary sources.
Applications to the PhD program must include three letters of recommendation, a sample of written work, a statement of purpose, a current CV, and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
GRE scores are not required for MA or PhD applicants.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
To be reviewed for admission you must fill out the supplemental questions on the application for international students and upload the following documentation to your application.
International applicants must provide the following:
1. Complete the Financial Form with supporting bank documents;
2. Officially verified TOEFL score from ETS;
3. English translation of transcript;
4. Proof of degree; and
5. Copy of passport.
International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores.
Minimal TOEFL score requirements:
If you wish to be considered for a Presidential Fellowship and/or a Schomburg Fellowship, please include in your Statement of Purpose a brief explanation of why you believe you may be eligible.
Healthcare: Health Insurance is available to full-time PhD students with a Teaching Assistantship.
Dissertation Fellowships: Advanced PhD students may compete each year for additional support designated to travel and living expenses to conduct dissertation research. The Department of History may fund up to $3000 for dissertation research. Funding is dependent upon availability. Students may apply for Dissertation Fellowships more than once.
Further opportunities for funding are often available for advanced PhD students, including the opportunity to teach their own undergraduate courses as paid adjunct or teaching associates. In this way, our very best students frequently receive 6 or possibly 7 years of total support.
Please contact us for more information about department specific grants and fellowships. Please see the Graduate school’s list of scholarships and grants for additional funding opportunities.
Students can begin the Master's program in either the Fall or Spring semester. The target application date for Fall admission is April 1, and for Spring admission, October 1. Admissions are rolling.
PhD applications are only accepted for Fall start dates and must be received by December 1.
Application Fee
All applications require a nonrefundable $75 fee, paid electronically. Payments may be made online in your Slate application portal.
Please contact the Department of History with questions about the application process.
Incoming freshman or undergraduate transfer applicants who are interested in pursuing history must first apply and be accepted to the University at Buffalo.
When applying, you should indicate your intended major on the application form. All relevant information, including admissions criteria; the online application; dates and deadlines; and standardized test score requirements, can be found by visiting UB Undergraduate Admissions.
If you are a current undergraduate student changing to the major (Bachelor of Arts) or minor in History, please complete and submit the CAS Major/Minor Change Request form.
Submit the CAS Major/Minor Change Request form to request one of the following changes to your academic plan:
For more information please email dushist@buffalo.edu or call the Department of History at (716) 645-3433.