PhD in History - United States in Seattle United States | University of Washington

Welcome to the University of Washington's History Graduate Program, where we prepare future historians to deepen academic knowledge about the past while educating and connecting with wider audiences. Our program hosts over 50 MA and PhD candidates across diverse historical disciplines, supported by faculty renowned for their extensive expertise. We champion cross-disciplinary and comparative historical methods, enabling students to collaborate with faculty across multiple fields and with scholars in related UW programs. Both faculty and graduate students actively participate in digital history initiatives that enhance research, education, and public engagement with historical scholarship.

The U.S. history division stands out for its comprehensive coverage and variety. Our faculty specialize in all eras of American history, employing diverse analytical frameworks. Students are urged to enroll in courses across departments and explore multiple perspectives on their research focus. Key thematic strengths include Race and Ethnicity, African-American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Western History, and Labor History. Notably, our department provides specialized graduate training in African-American Intellectual History, Native American History, and Environmental History—areas rarely offered elsewhere.