History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at Purdue University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the past, equipping them with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of historical processes and contexts. The program is designed to foster a nuanced appreciation of historical developments from ancient times to the modern era, encompassing a wide range of geographic regions and thematic areas. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources, develop research skills, and learn to construct well-supported historical arguments.

The curriculum includes core courses in American, European, Asian, and world history, along with specialized electives that allow students to focus on specific periods, regions, or themes such as political history, cultural history, economic history, and social movements. Additionally, students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary approaches by integrating fields like political science, sociology, and international studies, broadening their understanding and perspectives.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and service-learning opportunities, helping students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts and prepare for diverse career paths. Graduates of the History major at Purdue University are well-prepared for careers in education, archives, museums, government agencies, international organizations, journalism, and graduate studies.

Faculty members are committed to providing personalized mentorship and academic support, ensuring that students develop their skills and interests fully. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning, the Bachelor of Arts in History at Purdue University aims to cultivate informed, critical, and culturally aware graduates ready to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the wider world.

Masters candidates may choose a thesis or non-thesis program. On the thesis track students complete 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis research. Non-thesis candidates earn their degree entirely through 30 hours of coursework. All M.A. students take the Graduate Colloquium and at least 3 more courses at the 600 level (you must earn a B- or better to include a course on your plan of study). Non-thesis students take at least 2 reading seminars and 1 research seminar in addition to the Graduate Colloquium; thesis-option students must take at least 1 reading seminar, 1 research seminar, and 6 hours of 698 Thesis Research.  M.A. candidates must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B). There is no general language requirement, but language proficiency may be required for some fields. 

Courses Explained 

• • READING SURVEYSEMINARS called “Problems in XXX History,” designed to orient students for teaching undergraduate surveys and introduce historical and historiographical themes, trends, and questions.  At least one seminar will be offered each year in early and modern Europe, early and modern America, and some aspect of world or global history

  • SEQUENCE SEMINARS (paired reading plus research) one semester of focused reading and historiography followed by a semester of research, yielding an original article.  These are to be taken as a linked pair, not separately, and will be taught by the same instructor or by two collaborators sharing the seminar from the start.  Content is intended to be expansive, flexible, accessible to non-specialists but more focused than content in Reading Survey Seminars.

  • WILD CARD SEMINARS (reading or research) offering thematic or specialized content.  These are ad hoc offerings growing out of student demand or faculty initiative.  At least one will be offered each year in some area of history.

  • HISTORY 590s (three types):

  1. Linked 590, in which a student audits a 300- or 400-level course, does extra reading, writes reviews or papers as required by faculty

  2. Field Prep 590, in which students pursue directed readings for field preparations, meeting and writing reviews or papers as required by faculty

  3. Research 590, in which students wishing to write an original research paper in a field not offered in regular seminars may do so under supervision of a faculty mentor.  May be linked with a lecture course.  This augments but does not replace the required research seminars.

  4. All History 590 registrations must be reviewed in light of the student’s Plan of Study by the Graduate Committe

Fields of Study

The Major Professor guides the preparation of the Major Field (called "Primary Area on the Plan of Study"). A major field covers a substantial area and/or span of time. The exact content and scope of a major field is determined by you and your major professor. Ordinarily students take 15 hours of coursework in their major field.

You also must identify a Minor Field (also called by the Graduate School a "related area") that lies outside the major field in time, place, or significant theme. A thematic minor (such as gender in history or imperialism) may include material that overlaps with the major field as long as the majority of reading is theoretical or lies outside the major area. With the approval of the major professor, a relevant minor field may be prepared outside the Department of History. 

Procedures in the MA program 

Purdue’s program in history is small enough so that each student receives substantial individual attention. A significant factor in the program is the strong link between each student and her or his Major Professor. Whether or not the student writes an M.A. thesis, the advice and counsel of this experienced mentor is very important to the educational process. 

Upon entering the program each student meets with the Director of Graduate Education to make initial plans, but as soon as possible academic guidance is transferred to the Major Professor. The selection of a Major Professor should be completed during the student’s first year in the program.

Plan of Study: Each student must file a Plan of Study with the Graduate School. This document lists all relevant coursework and identifies the Advisory Committee (3 individuals: Major and minor professors and one additional advisor). A plan of study must show credit for 598 (or equivalent), at least of 15 hours in the Major Field (“primary area”) and at least 6 hours in the Minor Field (“related area”). All candidates for the M.A. will show at least 30 total hours of graduate coursework (for thesis-option candidates 6 hours will be 698). Only courses with earned grades of B or better may be included on the POS.

The POS must be filed BEFORE the start of the semester in which a student intends to graduate, as determined by Graduate School deadlines. 

Suggested Program Map

Masters Candidates, 2 year map

Required for MA:  30 credit hours total including Hist 610-611, at least one additional research seminar, 5 additional courses 590 and above.

Goal for year 1:  introduce the history profession

Goal for year 2:  field differentiation, professional identity, original research paper (or thesis)

Progress Toward Degree: Ordinarily the M.A. takes two years. Midway through their second and fourth semesters the records of full time M.A. candidates will be reviewed by the DOGE for evidence of progress toward the degree. Second semester candidates must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in at least 6 credit hours of coursework and should be registered for enough courses to bring the total for year one to at least 15 hours (at least 6 at the 600 level). To be in “good” standing fourth semester candidates must have maintained a 3.0 average in at least 24 hours of coursework and be registered for enough hours to attain 30 by the end of year two. “Good” standing is a requirement for continuation of any graduate staff appointment.

After 2 semesters below GPA of 3.0 or if a student falls below the cumulative minimum credit hours the file must be reviewed by the Graduate Committee, which may find that such student is making “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” progress toward the degree and recommend remedial action and/or termination of a graduate staff appointment.

Non-traditional MA students taking courses part-time may be excused from this assessment of progress toward degree.

Exams: Non-thesis candidates for the M.A. currently do not take a final exam. Thesis option candidates will be examined by the members of their advisory committee at an oral thesis defense, which typically is one hour in length.

• Purdue University Graduate School on-line application form.
• Official copies of all transcripts for college-level study. International students must provide official transcripts in the language of origin along with English translations and a copy of the Bachelor's Degree diploma. 
• Your statement of purpose specifying fields of interest and potential major professor(s).
• Acceptable performance on the general portion of the GRE.
• English language proficiency (international students supply the TOEFL).
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of “B” or better.
• Usually not less than 24 undergraduate semester hours of history courses with at least a “B” average. (Well qualified students with fewer hours may be admitted to the program conditionally, and they may be required to take additional courses to prepare for the M.A. degree.)
• Three letters of recommendation.
• A writing sample (written in English, not translated), usually a term paper.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Finance studies for the History program at Purdue University - West Lafayette are designed to provide students with comprehensive financial information to support their educational pursuits. Undergraduate students enrolled in the History program are typically considered on a tuition payment basis, with costs varying depending on residency status, course load, and specific program requirements. As of the latest available data, the standard tuition rate for in-state undergraduate students at Purdue University–West Lafayette is approximately $10,000 per academic year, while out-of-state students pay around $28,000 annually. These fees cover instruction, academic resources, and access to university facilities.

In addition to tuition, students should account for mandatory fees that support student services, campus maintenance, and technology infrastructure. These fees generally amount to several hundred dollars per year. Housing and meal plans are separate expenses that can significantly influence the overall cost of attendance. On-campus housing costs vary but typically average between $8,000 and $10,000 per year, depending on the type of residence and meal plan selected. Off-campus accommodation costs depend on location and preferences but generally range from $6,000 to $12,000 annually.

Financial aid options are available to support students pursuing a History degree. The university administers federal and state grants, scholarships, and work-study programs to assist with tuition and living expenses. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, while need-based grants are available for students demonstrating financial need. Purdue’s Office of Financial Aid provides detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial assistance. Additionally, students may explore external scholarship opportunities from private foundations, professional organizations, and historical societies. Many students also consider student loans, which must be repaid after graduation, as a financing option.

Part-time employment opportunities on campus can help students offset living expenses, and the university offers various work opportunities within academic departments, libraries, and administrative offices. Furthermore, some students may qualify for multi-year scholarships or departmental funding, which can reduce the financial burden over the course of their studies.

Overall, financing a History program at Purdue University involves planning for tuition, fees, housing, textbooks, and personal expenses. With available financial aid options, many students find that a combination of scholarships, grants, and employment can make their education affordable. Purdue’s commitment to providing accessible education and supporting diverse financial backgrounds helps ensure that students can pursue their academic goals without undue financial hardship.

The History program at Purdue University in West Lafayette offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the diverse fields of historical study. This program aims to develop students' critical thinking, research skills, and understanding of historical contexts across different regions and time periods. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics, including American history, European history, Asian history, Latin American history, and world history, among others. The curriculum is designed to provide both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and career goals.

Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History can expect to engage in extensive coursework that includes both lecture-based classes and research projects. They are encouraged to develop their analytical abilities through historiographical debates, primary and secondary source analysis, and writing assignments. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding historical methodologies and employing critical inquiry to interpret past events. Students may have opportunities to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and undergraduate research projects, which enhance their practical understanding of historical work and prepare them for careers in education, research, government, or the private sector.

Graduate students in the History program have access to advanced coursework, seminars, and opportunities for original research. The program supports students seeking a Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in History. Faculty members are distinguished scholars specializing in various historical fields, guiding students through comprehensive thesis and dissertation projects. The department offers resources such as libraries, archives, and digital learning tools, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly inquiry and innovation.

Purdue University’s History Department encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, political science, and other fields to enrich historical understanding. The program also emphasizes the development of teaching skills and supports students interested in academic careers. Graduates from the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, public history, museum curation, publishing, and policymaking.

Overall, Purdue’s History program provides a dynamic and supportive environment for students passionate about understanding the complexities of the past and applying this knowledge to contemporary issues. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for diverse professional paths upon graduation.