Global History

The Bachelor of Arts in Global History at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to explore the interconnectedness of diverse civilizations, cultures, and historical processes across the globe. This program emphasizes the critical analysis of historical events, developments, and movements from ancient to modern times, fostering a nuanced understanding of how different societies have shaped and influenced one another throughout history. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will engage with a wide range of sources, including documents, artifacts, and digital media, to develop their analytical, research, and writing skills. The curriculum covers major themes such as globalization, imperialism, trade networks, cultural exchanges, social movements, and political transformations, allowing students to contextualize contemporary issues within a broad historical framework. Tufts’ emphasis on global perspectives encourages students to think beyond national narratives, promoting an appreciation of diversity and cross-cultural interactions. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad, internships, and research projects, enabling students to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of global history in real-world contexts. Graduates of the Global History program are well-equipped for careers in education, research, international relations, public policy, journalism, and cultural preservation, among others. The program prepares students to become informed global citizens, capable of analyzing complex issues with historical insight and critical thinking. With dedicated faculty members who are experts in various regions and themes of world history, Tufts provides a rigorous and engaging academic environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. Whether you are interested in understanding the past to shape the future or seeking to delve into the intricate stories that connect diverse peoples and societies, the Global History program at Tufts University offers a stimulating and comprehensive educational experience designed to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.

Requirements for completion: proficiency in two foreign languages; completion of sixteen courses at the graduate level, including the Historiographical Proseminar and two Graduate Colloquia; at least three semesters of independent readings or research; oral and written examinations in three fields, based on course work and readings, administered by the appropriate members of the department; dissertation directed by the supervising faculty, to be read and defended before a committee including the adviser, at least one other member of the department, and a third faculty member in the field, drawn, if possible, from another institution. This defense will also include presenting a chapter to the Graduate-Faculty Roundtable.

Additional requirements for the Ph.D. in Global History

• Three graduate fields:
  • a major field in a specific regional/national area directly related to the thesis topic.
  • a second regional/national field that complements the major field.
  • a thematic field that emphasizes global history approaches.
• At least one of the fields should be in non-European/U.S. history.
• Demonstrated competence in two languages besides English.
• At least one graduate course in another discipline.

1. Online application for admission
2. Scanned copies of all college transcripts
3. Letters of Recommendation: one for certificate programs, two for the engineering management program, and three for all other degree programs
4. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
5. Personal statement elaborating on your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts
6. Application fee of $85 
7. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
8. Achieved competitive scores on both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE
9. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet based exam is required for M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. applicants, and a minimum score of 85 is required for M.F.A. applicants. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. 
10. Proficiency in one foreign language.
11. Submit a statement of intent, detailing the planned dissertation field.
12. GRE General Test scores and writing sample required. 

Scholarships

For students who show scholarly promise, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering offer scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships to full-time students in doctoral programs. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers awards to full-time students in master’s programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these awards.

• Tuition Scholarships are available in most master's and doctoral programs for qualified students.
• Teaching Assistantships are offered by most departments.
• Research Assistantships are generally available in the science and engineering areas.
• Fellowships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement and a well-articulated plan of study.

The Global History program at Tufts University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the diverse historical developments across different regions and cultures worldwide. This program emphasizes the interconnectedness of historical events and processes, encouraging students to analyze historical phenomena within a global context rather than through a solely national or local lens. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including imperialism, migration, trade, cultural exchanges, social movements, and global conflicts, among others. The curriculum typically combines coursework in history, political science, anthropology, and international relations, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective. Students engage with primary and secondary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and undertake research projects that contribute to their understanding of complex global dynamics. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, public policy, international organizations, and diverse fields that require a nuanced understanding of global historical processes. Tufts University’s faculty in this program are renowned scholars with expertise spanning multiple regions and time periods, providing mentorship and fostering an intellectually vibrant academic community. The program also emphasizes language proficiency and fieldwork experiences, encouraging students to gain a deeper appreciation of diverse cultural contexts. Overall, the Global History program aims to develop informed, globally minded citizens capable of contributing thoughtfully to discussions on international issues and historical understanding.