Admissions Requirements
See M.A. Degree Requirements and Ph.D. Degree Requirements for Admissions requirements.
Checklist for Graduate Admissions
How to Apply
Applications to the Graduate School must be made on-line. Click here for the on-line application. There is a $60 application fee or $75 international application fee that may be paid with a credit card. All supporting materials, listed below, must be uploaded to your online application. Do not send hardcopies to the department. The Purdue History Department NO LONGER REQUIRES GRE SCORES.
- Department
- Indicate "History" as your program and specify your "Area of Interest" in the appropriate box. Ph.D. students must name the professor or professors with whom they wish to study. Please consult Areas of Study, the DOH Faculty Directory, or contact Professor Kathryn Cramer Brownell, Director of Graduate Education, (765.496.2478 or brownell@purdue.edu) for consultation.
- Degree or Enrollment Objective
- If you are seeking an M.A. only, please select "Master's Degree" as your degree objective. If you are seeking a Ph.D. please select "Doctoral Degree" even if you do not yet hold an M.A. If you wish to take course work, but are not immediately interested in a degree program, select "Postbaccalaureate" on the form. If you apply for Postbaccalaureate status, you may eliminate items 4, 6, and 7 below. Items 1, 2, 3, and 5 are required.
- Statement of Purpose
- In this statement, be sure to describe your preparation for history and research and writing, paying particular attention to foreign languages and other research skills. Statements that show some knowledge of what our program has to offer and that discuss the work of particular professors in our department are more compelling than generic statements. Upload this document directly to your online application. (Approximately 500 words)
- Transcripts
- For review purposes, we will accept transcripts uploaded to the online application system. These transcripts are considered UNOFFICIAL. Once you are admitted, the graduate school will require that you produce OFFICIAL transcripts for all the institutions listed on your application. This may be accomplished either via a sealed and stamped original hardcopy from the institution or an official electronic submission that the institution submits directly to the graduate school at gradadm@purdue.edu. Transcripts from foreign institutions must include the English translation as well as the version in its original language. International students must supply copies of baccalaureate or master’s degree diplomas in the original language and with English translation.
- TOEFL Scores
- Required if your native language is not English. The TOEFL Test of Written English (TWE) is also required. The Graduate School requires that you score the following minimums to qualify for admission:
- Writing: 19
- Speaking: 18
- Listening: 14
- Reading: 19
- Total: 77
- Required if your native language is not English. The TOEFL Test of Written English (TWE) is also required. The Graduate School requires that you score the following minimums to qualify for admission:
- Letters of Recommendation
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation from persons familiar with your academic ability. Once you list the recommenders and their email addresses on your online application, they will be sent an email prompt to upload a letter.
- Writing Sample
- An academic paper written in English, consisting of at least 2500 words but no more than 15 pages. Upload this directly to your online application.
Applicants must use the on-line application to apply and submit all required materials. If you have questions, please contact the graduate advisor, O.T. Ford at otford@purdue.edu or 765-494-6730.
Applications for admission that include requests for financial support must be complete and in our office by December 15.
Applicants not seeking support should have completed application to us by April 1 (for fall semester) or September 1 (for spring semester). You can expect a decision within six to eight weeks of the December 15, April 1, or September 1 deadline, or the date your file is complete. We look forward to reviewing your completed application for admission to our program.