Graduate Admissions

Application Deadlines

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. 

Start Your Graduate School Application

Admissions Requirements

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. They must also include the following materials:

  • Transcripts from all schools colleges and universities attended
  • Personal statement
  • A writing sample that comes from a history course and displays your ability to engage in historical analysis using both secondary and primary sources.
  • Letters of recommendation (2 for master's applicants, 3 for PhD applicants)
  • GRE scores are not required.
Non-refundable application fee: $75

After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.

U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.

International Admissions Requirements

In addition to the above materials, international applicants must fill out the supplemental questions on the application and upload the following documentation:

  • English language proficiency test scores. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit language scores. 
    Minimal TOEFL score requirements:
    • Internet based = 79
    • Paper based = 550
    • Computer test = 213

If admitted, international applicants will also need to provide:

  • Complete the Financial Form with supporting bank documents
  • English translation of transcript
  • Proof of degree
  • Copy of passport

PhD Funding Opportunities

Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.

  • UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.

Additional Fellowship Opportunities:

  • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
  • Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
View Presidential and Schomburg Fellowship Details
  • The full funding package includes an additional tuition scholarship and additional financial support from the Department of History.
Note to all PhD applicants

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.

Contact Us

Please contact the Department of History with questions about the application process.