PhD in History in Bethlehem United States | Lehigh University

To obtain a Ph.D. at Lehigh, students with an M.A. from the university must complete 42 more credit hours, while those transferring with an external M.A. need 48 credit hours. Doctoral candidates are required to pass comprehensive written and oral exams, maintain a 3.5 GPA, and finish a dissertation. In their second semester, Ph.D. students choose one primary specialization and three secondary areas for their comprehensive exams, with the main field aligning with their intended dissertation topic. Minor fields are selected in consultation with faculty advisors. After passing the comprehensive exams, students must get their dissertation proposal approved by a full committee and ultimately defend their completed dissertation before an examination panel.