Deadline is May 1st. Written and oral comprehensive examinations test the student on fields of knowledge rather than on course work. The student must demonstrate competence in critically appraising historical literature and source materials, especially in the area of concentration. A dissertation committee consisting of three or more faculty members selected by the dissertation director in consultation with the candidate and the department chair supervise writing of the dissertation. Upon its satisfactory completion, the candidate defends the dissertation in a final oral examination focusing on its contribution to knowledge and its relation to related scholarship.
All doctoral students are eligible to apply for financial aid.
This is granted for a maximum of five years and consists of tuition wavers, as well as stipends for fellowships, and assistantships. Summer research grants are available through the Center for Latin American Studies to support research in Latin America. Grants for dissertation year research, in addition to the five years of aid, are also available within the university in Latin American history, European history, and U.S. southern history. We also encourage our students to apply for external grants for dissertation research. Application for financial aid is made on the same form as application for admission and must be received by February 1st.