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The University of Pennsylvania's Graduate Program in History boasts a renowned legacy of excellence. Established as one of America's earliest doctoral programs in history (awarding its first Ph.D. in 1891), the Department remains at the forefront of academic innovation. Over recent decades, faculty specializing in American, European, and World History have emerged as prominent leaders in their respective disciplines. Currently, Penn's History Department stands among the nation's elite for its comprehensive scope and scholarly rigor, spanning historical studies from the medieval era to contemporary times.
Applicants for master’s and doctoral programs must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited School or University prior to intended matriculation date.
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.