History (Ph.D)

The doctoral history program seeks, through a structured program of seminars, individual tutelage, examinations, research, and writing, to assist qualified students toward the goal of becoming mature, independent historians in the fields of history where the faculty has the expertise to guide them. The special strength of the graduate training in the Akron-Kent consortium is the close interaction between faculty members and graduate students. Full-time students may apply to become TAs, where they will be guided and mentored in the fine art of teaching college-level courses, a vital preparation for those intending to pursue careers in higher education.

Admission Requirements

Students planning to apply for the PhD program should have a Masters degree in history or the equivalent with a grade-point average of 3.5 or better at the MA level. The deadline for applications including requests for financial aid should be made before February 1, although applicants not requiring financial aid may submit their complete applications as little as a month before classes begin. Graduate applications may be obtained either from the Graduate School or directly from the History Department.

Akron Advantage

A unique combination of initiatives, traits, competencies and past successes at The University of Akron give our students a competitive edge after graduation. There are many components to this "Akron Advantage", including Documented Excellence through the University

Additional Information

The University of Akron and Kent State University have formed a consortium to promote doctoral study of history in northeast Ohio. The two universities, located less than 15 miles apart, boast between them an excellent faculty with the expertise to supervise doctoral training in most aspects of history. Students apply to and enroll in one or the other university, but are encouraged to take seminars on both campuses and to have faculty members from both departments serve on their dissertation committees.