Doctor of Philosphy in History- Africa in Providence United States | Brown University

African history spans the 15th to 20th centuries, encompassing the Atlantic Slave Trade, colonial rule, and independence movements. Our expertise focuses on French-speaking North Africa, Portuguese-speaking Central Africa, and English-speaking South Africa. Our research examines global connections through the Atlantic World, European empires, scientific exchanges, and anti-colonial struggles. Brown's African history scholars have worked in Algeria, Brazil, France, Britain, Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Key research areas involve imperialism, enslavement, commerce, health systems, colonial settlements, activism, scientific developments, and ecological studies.

Brown's History PhD program offers a close-knit environment with faculty mentorship, leveraging the university's distinctive undergraduate culture and flexible curriculum. Our globally recognized scholars provide training for diverse career paths in research universities, liberal arts colleges, and public history institutions. The department prepares doctoral candidates across multiple historical fields, methodologies, and world regions, emphasizing collaborative scholarship and interdisciplinary dialogue. Professional development courses equip students with teaching, research, and publishing skills. Each cohort of 10-12 students progresses together through initial coursework before undertaking archival research worldwide in their fourth year. The final phase involves producing an original dissertation, with program completion typically requiring 5-7 years depending on research needs, language preparation, and source availability.