PhD in History in Fargo United States | North Dakota State University

The department provides a Doctor of Philosophy program in History, which is a research-focused degree. This Ph.D. requires candidates to defend a dissertation grounded in primary sources that offers new scholarly insights. Admission is limited to students possessing an M.A. in History or a closely aligned discipline. Since 1954, North Dakota State University's history graduate program has awarded master's degrees, with a collaborative Ph.D. program established in 2002 between NDSU and the University of North Dakota. Detailed program information appears after the M.S./M.A. requirements section. Faculty members also teach non-history majors and support regional secondary educators needing professional development credits. Both Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees are available, specializing in U.S. history, modern European history, or world history. The M.A. requires either two years of undergraduate foreign language study or passing a standardized language exam. Both degree paths offer thesis or comprehensive study options. The program delivers an intensive, tailored graduate education that fosters accomplished individuals prepared for academic and teaching careers. Degree requirements include 90 post-baccalaureate credits (60 for M.A. holders), with mandatory courses in Historical Research Methods, Historiography, Teaching History Seminar, two research seminars, and two readings courses. Students must complete 36 credits (minimum 27 in History), with 12 credits in a major field and nine credits each in two minor fields (one must be historical).