Graduate Overview

UB History Graduate Students.

Studying history at the graduate level in the Department of History is rigorous, stimulating and fun. Graduate students and faculty work closely together in a community committed to intellectual and civic engagement.

Students at both the MA and PhD levels receive close mentorship from a faculty that has been recognized with over 25 national fellowships and scholarly prizes in recent years, and whose members are intellectually engaged and publishing path-breaking new research. Our expertise spans time and space, with particular strengths in the fields of Race, Empire and Nation; Medicine, Disability and Science; Early Modern Societies; and The Twentieth Century World. 

Our graduate students establish close relationships with advisors and mentors who guide them on the path to an Advanced Certificate, MA, or PhD. Students take part in small seminars that deepen and broaden their historical knowledge, and then become historians themselves as they make their own contributions through primary research and writing. Doctoral students receive additional training in history pedagogy, with teaching assistantships that get them into the classroom practicing the craft of history education.

All graduate students benefit from events such as scholarly talks on fascinating new research and writing and informal discussions intended to help students navigate the historical profession and the job market.

Office Hours

DGS Office Hours:

  • Mondays: 9–10 a.m.
  • Tuesdays: 3–4 p.m.
  • Or by Appointment

Email the DGS to schedule an appointment. đź‘‰

Dr. Robin Mitchell
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)

Schedule an Appointment

Graduate Degree Options

Interested in taking graduate classes, but not ready to commit to a degree program? Try taking courses as a non-degree student! For more information, contact the Department of History.

Contact Us

Graduate Lounge

All History graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the Graduate Lounge in 551 Park Hall. Whether you’re studying, socializing, attending Graduate History Association meetings, or simply waiting between classes, this welcoming space is here for you.

Lounge Hours

Monday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Unless otherwise noted

Graduate lounge.

Current Student and Recent Alumni Testimonials

  • Joshua Keil
    11/11/24
    If you enjoy learning about history, working with renowned scholars within various fields on a personal basis, creating and conducting your own research limited only by your imagination, and generally enjoy the company of fellow nerds and actually having fun in an academic setting, then I would say “Welcome to the University at Buffalo!” because you’ve found the right place!
  • David Strittmatter
    11/11/24
    Since starting the PhD program here, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of opportunities grad students can take advantage of. Research and conference funding is available from a number of sources, and the department has given me the opportunity to teach three of my own classes.
  • Elisabeth Davis
    11/11/24
    I was drawn to UB by the professors. The professors in in the history department are not only at the top of their field but have a wide field of research. Where else can you find department where one professor studies death in America while another studies nobility in early modern France?
  • Shuko Tamao
    11/11/24
    What drew me to the UB Department of History was the fact that several professors were very well matched to my interest area. I saw how students and faculty members were collegial to each other.
  • Shanleigh Corrallo
    11/11/24
    I currently study African American and urban history following World War II. My focus is on Black Power organizations in Rustbelt areas; I study how these organizations responded to federal initiatives such as urban renewal that often led to the destruction of minority homes and communities. Following graduation, I envision myself working for a think-tank or a non-profit organization in a policy capacity.
  • Derek Taylor
    11/11/24
    Dr. Claire Schen was the biggest single factor that attracted me to UB. Her background in the study of the religious history of Britain caught my eye when I was looking at prospective programs, but more importantly she took time to communicate with me before I applied and after I was accepted in regards to the specifics of the program, her research, and my interests.