Application Info

If you are seeking admission for the PhD program in the Department of History, you should:

1. Submit an application
2. Specify the primary field of study
3. Send one copy of your official transcripts
4. Submit the appropriate materials via the application portal

Submit an application

Submit an application, following instructions on the Graduate School’s page. The department’s doctoral code is 7611. We are listed under the College of Social Science. This step initiates your application process by generating an applicant ID. In order for your application to be considered for admission, your application fee must be paid and all required documents must be uploaded to your application by December 1.

After starting your application you will receive an email with a unique applicant ID and password. Log into your personalized online admissions portal using the box at the top of that page. Using your personalized portal allows you to check the status of your application and view supporting documents, as well as make changes to your application information.

Please read the following information to maneuver through the University’s Admission application website.

• You must submit and pay your application fee in order to upload your documents using your ID and password.
• To access a saved application, visit the Office of Admissions application system.
  • Select “Saved Application”
  • Enter your applicant ID and password. This will allow you access to work on your application.

Primary Field of Study

Specify the primary field of study in history for which you are applying.

Official Transcripts

Request that the registrar of each college or university that you attended send one copy of your official transcripts. Domestic schools can send them directly to the Department of History. International Transcripts should be sent directly to the office of admissions. Transcripts for courses completed at Michigan State University need not be requested; you should upload an unofficial copy available to you through SIS. Transcripts uploaded through the portal by the applicant ARE NOT OFFICIAL. Your application will not be reviewed until the official transcripts are received. International applicants must submit transcripts in both the native language and English directly from the institutions they attended. International applicants must also submit an official copy of their diploma in both English and the native language.

Electronic transcripts from domestic schools are permitted if they are sent directly from the university using valid e-transcript service. Please send e-transcripts directly to the Academic Programs Coordinator.

International transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824

Submit the Appropriate Materials

• At least three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals with whom you have studied. Letters of recommendation need to be submitted through the application portal directly by the recommender. The applicant will include each recommender’s email address in their application. Each recommender will receive an email instructing them how to upload their letter into the application. These must be received by December 1.
• One writing sample that indicates your abilities in research and writing.
• A personal statement (500-1000 words). The statement should tell us about your background—challenges you have overcome and accomplishments. It should also help us understand why you wish to pursue a PhD in history and how you see your own role in the profession.
• An academic statement (500-1000 words). The statement should tell us about your background, including information about your accomplishments and challenges that you have overcome.
• Please note: GRE scores are no longer required as part of the History Department application.

For International Students

• If your first language is not English, you must meet MSU's language proficiency.
• You will be asked to upload the information page of your passport in your application. This information will be used by the Office of International Students and Scholars to prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 so that you can apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate. Please print your name on the application exactly as it appears in your passport.
• For more, see the Graduate School’s information for international students pages. Please follow closely the other requirements on the Graduate School’s page for international students.

Deadlines & Contacts

Application fee must be paid and all materials should be received by December 1 for consideration for admittance the following fall term. The graduate committee reviews materials in January.

Requests for assistance for application fees must be submitted no later than November 15.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with questions. Admissions questions should be directed to history@msu.edu, or call (517) 355-7500, 8:00-5:00, Monday through Friday. You are encouraged to directly contact faculty with whom you wish to study.

For additional questions

Aminda Smith
Graduate Director for History
amsmith@msu.edu