Learn how to apply for the History Ph.D. and Master of Arts degree.
Ph.D. & M.A. Application Process
Our graduate programs ranks among the top 20 programs in the country. We admit students for the fall semester only, and our goal is to provide a collegial, intimate, and intellectually vibrant learning environment. Your GPA, GRE scores, faculty recommendations, personal statement, and writing sample are weighed by several professors in our department, including persons knowledgeable in your area of interest.
Each year about 8 new students join our doctoral program and we occasionally accept students to the Master of Arts (M.A.) program. Please be aware that we do not offer student funding support for M.A. degree candidates, and only those that can pay their own tuition should apply.
You can apply to our Ph.D. and M.A. program through the Duke Graduate School. See the Graduate School website for procedures and deadlines. We also encourage you to review our Frequently Asked Questions page to review the average academic profile of our students with respect to GPA, GRE and TOEFL scores, and for tips on the writing samples you will submit as part of your application.
GRE scores are not required. Applicants still have the option to submit GRE scores, but applications with GRE scores will not receive any preferential treatment.
Program Admission Announcements
We review doctoral student applications and award fellowships to applicants by mid-February. We usually invite select candidates to visit the Duke campus for a weekend at the end of February to meet our faculty and graduate students.
Master of Arts Program Admission Announcements
The History Department is not currently accepting applications for the A.M. degree.
