How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in History?

For the student who loves history and conducting historical research, a doctorate in the discipline can be a challenging, but rewarding, experience. Doctoral programs require many long hours reading and absorbing material in books and academic journals. Students also spend years conducting their own historical research. A doctorate in history requires a large investment of time, for the degree takes years to complete.

Time Frame

According to the American Historical Association (AHA), doctoral students in history take an average of 8 years to complete their degrees.

Types

The AHA further reported that the 8 years usually involves about 3.5 years of required coursework and exam preparation, plus more than 4 years of dissertation work.

Features

A doctorate in history requires students to complete required coursework, including a concentration in a specific area of history in which a student wishes to specialize. Students must then complete written comprehensive examinations.

Geography

The AHA reported that students specializing in European history complete required coursework in less time than students who specialize in Latin American or African history. The association cautioned, however, that it has only limited data on these differences.

Function

The final task for a doctorate is the completion and successful defense of a thesis, or dissertation. This work should demonstrate a student's mastery of her subject as well as an ability to conduct scholarly research.

References

• How Long to Get a PhD?

Resources

• American Historical Association--Advice on Doctoral Programs