PhD Admission Requirements | Department of History
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PhD Admission Requirements

January 15, 2025 is the deadline for admission to the UNT PhD program in History for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The UNT Department of History takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants for admission to our graduate programs. Letters of intent that contextualize a prospective student's application play a significant role in our admissions decisions. GRE scores are NOT required, but are highly recommended. We do NOT have a minimum GPA or GRE score requirement, nor do we have a minimum undergraduate credit-hour in history requirement. However, the general guidelines below provide a broad picture of some of the common characteristics of successful applicants to our PhD program.

We do not require a MA degree for admission to the PhD program. However, many of our admitted students have already earned one, either in History or in a field of study related to their arena of specific research interest.

Application Process

For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the Graduate Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit materials including transcripts. Applicants must also submit additional application materials (statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and writing samples) electronically to the Graduate Student & Program Specialist at HistoryGradProgram@unt.edu, submit them online at https://apply.history.unt.edu/, or by mail to - Graduate Student & Program Specialist University of North Texas - History Dept. 1155 Union Circle #310650 Denton, TX 76203-5017.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY OUR DEPARTMENT:

  • Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose explains why you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in History at UNT. This letter should describe the central insights and intellectual questions that motivate your interests in history; the specific fields of historical study in which you are interested; and the broader goals you hope to achieve through your research and scholarship.
  • Sample of writing. A piece of professional/academic writing from the master's degree.
  • At least three (3) letters of recommendation. At least three letters should come from people who are familiar with your post-secondary academic record and are able to speak to your potential for success in the Ph.D. history program. Applicants must include recommenders name and email address when filling out their History application, in order for each recommender to receive the link to upload their recommendation letters. There is no specific recommendation form required.

Please note: If an applicant's application file is incomplete by the department's current application deadline, they may register as a Non-Degree Seeking student with Toulouse Graduate School and enroll in graduate history courses (with the written permission of the appropriate instructor; note instructors are not required to give permission) while they complete all of the history admission requirements. In such cases, students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of history graduate course work to count towards the completion of their history degree if they are later admitted unconditionally to the History graduate program. Admission to the History graduate program is not guaranteed by enrolling as a non-degree student. Applicants should visit and review the Toulouse Graduate School website before applying - https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions/other-graduate-opportunities. Transfer applications have the same deadline as our admission deadline.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS

International applicants should consult with the Toulouse School Office of International Admissions for more specific information related to application deadlines recommended for I-20 processing, if admitted.

  • International Transcripts: The Toulouse office of International Admissions requires international transcripts to be provided in both English and your native language, if applicable. English translations must be from either the academic institution or a certified translator. They accept notarized or copied transcripts from foreign schools only for processing your application. If admitted, original and official documents will be required before you can register for classes.
  • English Language Proficiency: UNT degree program applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Minimum TOEFL score requirement is 79; Minimum IELTS score is 6.5; Minimum PTE score is 53. UNT-International provides a complete list of ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Admission Questions

Please contact the Graduate Student & Program Specialist, Cairan Bergstrom, via email at historygradprogram@unt.edu or by phone at 940-565-2489.