Doctor of Philosophy - History
About the Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is the ultimate expression of the History Department’s mission to generate and disseminate new knowledge of the past through research, reflection, and publication. The Ph.D. has three major subplans (post-M.A. or post-B.A.):
- North American West
- North American culture and society
- European culture and society
Students can minor in public, North American, world, and European history.
The Ph.D. teaches students how to sharpen their skills of problem solving, critical thinking, and clear communication, as demonstrated by the completion of a doctoral dissertation of substantial scope combining imagination and scholarly excellence.
Receive Guidance from Our Renowned Faculty
Our graduate faculty engage in relevant, thought-provoking, and award-winning research in each of our major areas of focus. They are dedicated to mentoring students eager to pursue their own careers in a range of industries and professions.
“The History Department at UNLV provided me with so many unexpected opportunities. I conducted research in archives across the country, attended and presented at conferences, engaged in public history projects at the Walking Box Ranch and Hoover Dam, and had the ability to work with the community whose history I study. UNLV opened doors for my growth as a scholar and on a personal level.”Mary Ludwig (Class of 2024); Employment Upon Graduation: Assistant Professor, Department of History, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Professional Opportunities
- Graduate Assistantships: The UNLV History Department offers a limited number of graduate assistant (GA) positions to top candidates in the graduate program. These state-funded packages include a tuition waiver, stipend/living allowance, and health insurance in exchange for 20 hours a week of work as a teaching assistant in the department. Visit the Graduate College’s Graduate Assistantships page for more information about GA positions.
- Public History Internships: Students minoring in public history complete an internship as part of their degree requirements. This offers them a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, and establish professional contacts, in museums, archives, and libraries in Las Vegas, Nevada, and beyond.
- Annual Prizes and Scholarships: The History Department also has a series of prizes and scholarships, which it awards every year. Students can use these cash awards to fund travel for research and scholarly conferences.
Helpful Links
Contact
For more information, visit our faculty/staff directory and contact our graduate coordinator.