In addition to two proseminars in national and transnational history, students take first-year courses in social and cultural theory and issues in history and policy. These courses introduce students to the distinctive features of our curriculum and the interests of our faculty, as well as helping them develop a coherent peer intellectual culture. Students have ample opportunity to pursue more specialized interests via elective and readings courses, starting in the first year but especially during their second year in residence. With permission of the Director of Graduate Studies, Carnegie Mellon students may supplement their studies with elective courses offered by the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh. The department is committed to encouraging research.
Students take a course in historical methods during their second semester in residence.
Beginning the summer following the second semester, they devote a full year to original research, sometimes in collaboration with a faculty member, and they present their results at the department's Graduate History Forum or a student-planned Graduate Student Conference . Student research papers have appeared in such journals as the American Historical Review, the Journal of Urban History, the Journal of Social History, and the Journal of American History. Throughout their residency, students can take courses in the History and Policy program that complement their social and cultural history interests. Recent students in both programs have competed successfully for Chateaubriand, Fulbright, Woodrow Wilson, Guggenheim, National Science Foundation, Hagley Museum and Library, Spencer Foundation, American Association of University Women, and other fellowships. Social and cultural history graduates usually pursue academic careers at the university level.