The department has built strength in a wide range of U.S. domestic policy issues, although a comparative perspective is encouraged and students whose policy interests center in other areas of the world where the department has expertise are encouraged to apply. Collaborative publication between students and faculty on articles, books, and sponsored research reports is a regular feature of the History and Policy program. But the program allows many opportunities for differentiation, and we encourage History and Policy students to take courses in other departments and professional schools at Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh in order to expand and deepen their policy-specific interests. Doctoral committees typically have an interdisciplinary character, containing not only historians but specialists from other fields. The department is committed to encouraging research in a variety of ways.
Students take a course in historical methods during their second semester in residence.
Student research papers have appeared in such journals as the American Historical Review, the Journal of Urban History, and the Journal of American History. Recent students in both programs have competed successfully for Fulbright, Woodrow Wilson, Guggenheim, National Science Foundation, Hagley Museum, Spencer Foundation, American Association of University Women, and other fellowships. For students who do not have prior professional training, we facilitate internships in such settings as state, city, or county governmental agencies, courts, historical consulting firms, law firms, and professional organizations in order to provide practical experience and enhance research competence. History and Policy students are provided the same opportunities for teaching preparation available in the Social and Cultural History program.