Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

All application materials must be postmarked by December 15, 2008 for Fall 2009 admission.

Can I apply online?

Yes. Since 2005 we have accepted only on-line applications . The application is available at http://gradweb.uoregon.edu/online_app/application/guidelines.htm . [Note: The secure online application requires the use of Netscape Navigator® versions 4.06 and greater or Microsoft® Internet Explorer versions 4.0 and greater that support JavaScript, Cookies, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Macintosh® users require Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 4.51 or greater.]

What if some of my materials don’t arrive in time?

We understand that the arrival date of some materials, such as letters of recommendation, is not entirely in your control. We urge you to take the GRE exams and request your recommendations as early as possible (at least six weeks before the application deadline). If you believe your materials are going to arrive late, please contact the Graduate Coordinator rlynn@darkwing.uoregon.edu or call us (541-346-5900) and let us know. The Graduate Coordinator will make a note of it in your file. The Graduate Admissions Committee begins reviewing files immediately after the deadline.

How do I know if my file is missing some material?

After the graduate application is received, the Graduate Coordinator will send you an acknowledgement letter with an I.D., password, and web address. Your I.D. and password will allow you to view the status of your application online and see whether or not we have all of your application materials. The website is updated daily (Monday through Friday).

How many apply and how many are accepted into the program?

Generally speaking, we receive about 120 applications and admit 20 students to the program.

What if my undergraduate degree is not in history?

In order to keep up with the demands of our program, you’ll need to have a good deal of background in history. If this background doesn’t take the form of a History B.A. be sure that your experience in history is visible in your transcripts, your writing samples and your statement of purpose.

What if I don’t have a foreign language?

Once in our graduate program all students are required to master at least one foreign language. The amount of language preparation that students need to indicate on an application for admission varies according to the field (U.S, European, Asian, etc.) and degree (M.A., Ph.D.). Graduate Admissions Committee members will be looking for appropriate linguistic background and skill, so be sure that your application lists your language training.

Can I be admitted to any term other than fall?

No. We admit students once a year, fall term. There are two reasons for the once-a-year policy. First, it ensures that each student starts with all the others in our required introductory sequence course, HIST 612-613-614, Historical Methods and Writing, which is offered from fall to spring quarters each year. Second, it allows every applicant a fair chance to receive a Graduate Teaching Fellowship.

What if my GRE scores are low? Does that mean that I’m out of the running?

No. The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all the materials to get an understanding of the applicant’s potential to do graduate level work.

How important is the statement of purpose?

The statement of purpose is used by the Admissions Committee to evaluate your ability to write, your interest in a specific field of history, and your goals as a future historian. Based on the applicant’s statement of purpose the committee looks for a fit between the applicant’s goals and the department’s program.

What should I submit for my writing sample?

The typed or computer-printed sample of written work can be a seminar paper, term paper, extended book review, or a part of an M.A. thesis. It need not be lengthy, but it should reflect your ability to do research, analyze material, and write.

How long does it take to complete the Master’s program?

The Graduate School requires a minimum of 45 graduate credit hours and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least 30 graduate credit hours must be taken in History, and 24 of the 30 must be graded. Additional credit requirements include: at least 3 credit hours each quarter (including the quarter when the thesis defense is held); and at least 30 graduate credit hours (24 of them graded) taken in residence over at least two quarters. Under ordinary circumstances, it takes students two full years of work to complete this program