History

Learn from internationally recognized scholars in a program with excellent student-to-supervisor ratios. Departmental expertise is wide-ranging; our historians are specialists in histories of Africa, Canada, China, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Students learn valuable skills in argumentative writing, critical thinking, public speaking, and grant proposal writing. Typically, students base their doctoral research in archival work within Canada and abroad. Students will complete a dissertation that contributes meaningfully to their chosen fields as they gain experience in teaching at an undergraduate level, present at conferences, and prepare research for publication.

Completing this program

• Core Courses: Reading courses in primary and secondary areas of study.
• Additional Courses: Elective graduate seminars (may include one course from another department).  Must include Historiography and the Theories of History if not completed in the MA program.
• Language: Students demonstrate reading knowledge of a second language relevant to the student's research prior to the candidacy examination.
• Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams in primary and secondary areas.
• Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Outcomes

Academic teaching and research, research consulting, public history, education, professional writing and editing, journalism, civil service and diplomacy.

A PhD in history is usually considered a final degree.