Doctor of Philosophy in Public History

The goal of the doctoral program in Public History is to train leaders in the public interpretation and application of history. We expect students to produce work that significantly advances the frontiers of Public History, both as a practical discipline and as an intellectual enterprise. Public History is unlike traditional historical studies in that students do not necessarily specialize in geo-temporal or historically thematic fields. Rather, students attend to how and why history is publicly employedpublic interpretation, memorialization and commemoration, political appropriation, media uses, community activism and uplift, educational uses, digital dissemination, and so on. Still, during their careers at NC State, students are expected to read critically, analyze primary and secondary sources skillfully, and write rigorously. The doctoral curriculum is fairly flexible, to be tailored to the students professional aspirations. Although we do not have designated tracks of study, we recommend that students, in consultation with their primary adviser, conceptualize a curriculum structured in one of the following ways: Early American public history: 7 public history courses, 7 history courses primarily in US, 2 interdisciplinary courses, dissertation focus on the public history of early America (pre-1877). Modern American public history: 7 public history courses, 7 history courses primarily in US, 2 interdisciplinary courses, dissertation focus on the public history of modern America (post-1877). World Heritage: 7 public history courses (with 587, 594, and 789 highly recommended), 7 history courses (5-6 in non-US history), 2 interdisciplinary courses, dissertation focus on public history in a geo-temporal or thematic topic outside US history.

Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcript(s) or request official transcript(s) for each post-secondary institution other than NC State attended. NC State undergraduates do not need to upload or request transcripts. If you are accepted into the program, you must submit official transcripts at that time.

Personal Statement: A personal statement or statement of purpose of approximately three double-spaced pages in length is required as a part of your application. All applicants should explain their goals in pursuing the graduate degree. History M.A. applicants are encouraged to identify potential advisors and historical fields in their statement.

Writing Sample: A writing sample of about ten double-spaced pages is required as part of your application. The writing sample should demonstrate the ability to engage with historiography and to interpret primary sources. Upload the required writing sample in the spot for Other Documents on the Personal Statement/Resume/CV/Essay section.

Resum or CV: A resum or CV is optional though encouraged. Upload the optional resum or CV in the spot for Resum/CV on the Personal Statement / Resume / CV / Essay section. IELTS Academic-6.5 or higher (minimum of 6.5 in each sub score), Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of: Listening 18 points, Reading 18 points, Writing 18 points, Speaking 18 points for admission , Toefl paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).