Ph.D. in History

The Ph.D. program in history at the University of California, Santa Cruz, emphasizes an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach to historical studies.

We offer a rigorous program of instruction and independent work that trains students in the techniques of original historical research and equips them to teach university-level courses in history. We only admit those highly motivated students who are most qualified to pursue advanced studies in history. We also only admit those applicants who can best benefit from the specific strengths of our faculty.

Just as the work of most professional historians centers around both research and teaching, training in these areas constitutes the two essential poles of the graduate program in history.

What does it mean to be human, to analyze and construct the human experience? These are the fundamental questions that guide and unite the learning, teaching and scholarship conducted in University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz’s Humanities Division.

The exploration and discussion of this query has culminated in some of humanity’s most deeply and widely valued beliefs and teachings about ourselves and the world in which we live.

Built in 2006, the Humanities buildings provide 85,000 square feet of classrooms, teaching and research space, language and computer labs, and offices. The Humanities Division is one of the original academic areas of research and teaching in the university.