History Doctoral Programs in the United States and Canada

Akron, Univ. of

Department Web Site

Areas of Specialization:

early modern and modern Europe, medieval, U.S., public

Program Description

Akron's PhD in History, in consortium with the history department at Kent State University, offers students broad training both as scholars and as teachers. The department's strengths are in American and European history, but it has also developed an increasing focus in non-western history. Doctoral candidates are trained in all three areas, thus preparing themselves well for the kinds of jobs that are out there. Most graduate education is in small, focused seminars and one-on-one interactions with the faculty.

Special Programs or Resources

The department offers graduate courses specifically designed to improve students as teachers. Students finishing their dissertations may apply for a Dissertation Year Fellowship that offers the same level of support as a teaching assistantship, but without a service obligation. Students who are well into writing their dissertations are often hired as instructors in undergraduate courses. The University of Akron holds important archival collections in the history of psychology and the history of rubber working.

Financial Aid

All full-time graduate students are considered for teaching assistantships, which are offered competitively. These assistantships pay for tuition plus a stipend.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 60 hours is required for the PhD. In practice, 5 or 6 years past the MA is normal. Students take both written and oral comprehensive exams in four fields before beginning the dissertation. Specific fields are chosen in consultation with the principal advisor, but must include at least one field each in American, European, and non-western history.

University Information:

University Type: Public

Carnegie Institution Ranking: Doctoral/Research Universities—Intensive

Department Demographics:

First PhD conferred: 1974

History PhDs conferred to Date: 34

Relative Size Based on PhDs Conferred (2000–04): Small [Explain]

Faculty Mix:
	Full Professor	5
	Associate Professor	6
	Assistant Professor	4
	Instructor/Lecturer	2
	Joint Appointment
	Emeritus Faculty	16
	Part-time faculty	1

Relative Size based on Number of Full-time Faculty: Small [Explain]

Number of Graduate Students in Program (Fall 2005): 38
(Graduate student counts include those enrolled in terminal Master's degree program)

Proportion of Full-Time Graduate Students: 53%

New Graduate Students Entering Program, Fall 2004: 17

Relative Size Based on Graduate Student Enrollment (2002–04): Small [Explain]

 

Other Information

     Current Dissertations in Progress

     PhDs Conferred by Department