Admission Requirements
Admission to graduate study in History at Penn State is based on a number of considerations. Above all we seek intellectually curious, highly motivated students whose interests suggest a good fit with our departmental strengths. We welcome well-qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds. In recent years, offers of admission have been extended to about 25% of applicants.
How does the admissions process work? The Department has a “recruitment and admissions” committee, which evaluates applications. This committee consists of representatives from each of the major fields of study offered by the department, plus the Director of Graduate Studies. In addition, usually an individual student’s file will be passed on for comment to specific faculty members with whom the applicant is likely to study.
What does the committee look for? The committee takes test scores, recommendations, and GPA into account, of course. And, most successful applicants do score above 1,300 on the verbal and quantitative GRE, and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. But outstanding numbers don’t necessarily guarantee admission, and neither do lower ones inevitably mean rejection. The committee scrutinizes the Statement of Intent and the writing sample with special care. We are looking for evidence of intellectual engagement; openness to new ideas and methods; capacity for originality; and the ability to think critically and to write clearly. “Fit” with our areas of strength is important, too. Where relevant, appropriate language preparation must be demonstrated.
Applicants to the doctoral program in history must hold or be near the completion of a master's degree. All other applicants will be considered for admission to the master's program, even if it is their ultimate intention to pursue a doctoral degree at Penn State. After completing two semesters in the master's program, superior students may be considered for expedited admission to the doctoral program.
Successful applicants are admitted to the History graduate program in the fall semester only. Applications should be submitted between August 1 and January 15 for consideration for entrance the following fall semester. The Graduate Record Examination should be taken early enough to insure forwarding of scores in time for consideration by the admissions committee.
How To Apply
Applicants to the master's or doctoral programs in History must submit:
- a completed electronic Graduate School Application and payment of application fee.
- two copies of official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken,
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, General Test (paper or computer-based)((School Code: 2660; Dept Code 2799))
- three letters of recommendation from qualified persons (preferably faculty) familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential for graduate studies in history.
- a narrative statement of intent outlining (1-3 pages) proposed fields of study and career goals
- a sample of work (undergraduate thesis, Master's thesis, seminar paper) demonstrating the applicant's competence in historical research, analysis, and writing. This sample should be at least ten pages in length and demonstrates one's best writing, research, and analytical skills.
- a completed Graduate Assistantship application form. (All applicants are automatically considered for fellowships.)
- A completed “Applicant’s Field Preference” sheet.
- If you are an International student, a completed International Student Preliminary Application and an Application for Visa Document.
- TOEFL score (applicants whose native language is not English)
- Please send your official transcripts to:
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of History
108 Weaver Building
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
