University of Minnesota
Department of History
history@umn.edu
612-624-2800


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General Qualifications

Admission to graduate work in History is granted by the Graduate School to applicants who both meet the general requirements of the Graduate School and are selected for admission by the Department of History. The following minimum qualifications are normally required for admission to graduate study, but the selection process is highly competitive:

  1. A demonstrated aptitude for history. This normally includes:
    • At least a B+ average and ideally higher in history and related social sciences and humanities subjects
    • Competitive GRE scores on the basic general test (not the specialty tests). GRE scores must be within the last 5 years. (GRE Institution code: UMN-6874, Interest Code: History-2799)
    • Strong letters of recommendation from faculty
    • Strong writing sample of 10-30 pages to demonstrate research skills
  2. Coursework in history and related areas:
    • The completion of general undergraduate survey courses in two or three broad areas of history, e.g., African, ancient, Asian, English, European, Latin American, medieval, United States.
    • Two years of advanced undergraduate work in two of the named areas.
    • Training in a foreign language.

We recognize that not every applicant will possess all of these qualifications and that in some cases other coursework or personal experience may make it possible for us to be flexible.

 

Application

Thank you for your interest in the graduate program of the Department of History at the University of Minnesota. All materials are submitted electronically through the ApplyYourself application system. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants using this system.

A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department’s admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials. You can expect a decision by late March or early April.

Application Deadlines

The deadline for filing of applications for admission and financial aid is December 1.

Admission Decisions

Nearly all admission decisions are made by early February for students planning to enroll in the fall, including awards of teaching assistantships and fellowships.

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Graduate Features

Graduate Studies
Rachel Ayers
1130 Heller Hall
271 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: 612-624-5840
Email: histdgs@umn.edu

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