Statement on Doctoral Program

1. mission statement

The mission of the doctoral program in history at Miami University is two-fold: to offer rigorous advanced training in historical research culminating in a doctoral dissertation of publishable quality and to develop teacher-scholars with exemplary teaching skills and experience. The department currently has thirty-three members of the Graduate Faculty, of whom seventeen have Level A Status (which authorizes its holder to advise doctoral students). The doctorate is offered in two broad fields of history, the origins and history of the United States and Europe since 1500. Graduate training in these two areas draw upon the expertise of numerous faculty members, including two University Distinguished Professors and the holders of two named chairs. Doctoral students also prepare minor fields chosen from either of the two major areas or from World and Comparative History or Gender and Women’s History. Minor fields provide breadth and perspective, as well as valuable additional teaching competencies. The department offers unusually extensive attention to teacher preparation and multiple opportunities to teach courses. Students are closely mentored to ensure that they excel in both their research and teaching.

Miami University has granted the Ph.D. in history since 1968, although a hiatus in admissions occurred during the years 1997-2002. During four decades of doctoral education, the department has trained 120 students, many of whom have gone on to teach and research at institutions throughout Ohio and beyond. Recent research conducted by doctoral students ranges widely across American and European history. A list of doctoral dissertations completed since 1994 is available at http://www.units.muohio.edu/history/pages/grad-dissertation.html.

2. admission standards

Students are admitted to doctoral study only after completing a Master's degree, usually at another institution. Only applicants with strong preparation and real promise are admitted to the program. The admissions committee considers previous academic performance as reflected in transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing samples as well as Graduate Record Examination scores in determining admission.

Since the reopening of the program in 2002, the department has admitted a small number of students each year, amounting to nine students added to the program during that time. Students offered places in the doctoral program make up about quarter of all applications received; two thirds who receive an offer accept a place in the program.

3. manner in which program addresses the needs of the state or region

The doctoral program in history at Miami University addresses the need for educators at smaller colleges and university throughout Ohio. By training students with extensive teaching experience and exemplary research skills, Miami’s history department prepares individuals to become successful educators in the 21^st century. Embracing the teacher scholar model, Miami is able to prepare future historians who are well equipped to teach effectively while remaining research active throughout their careers. Miami also emphasizes good citizenship, with its doctoral students playing a leadership role in the graduate program and assisting on departmental hiring and Graduate Studies committees.

4. placement objectives

Most graduates of the doctoral program seek employment at two- and four-year institutions of higher education. Other career options, such as in public history, can also be pursued by those with Miami doctorates in history.

Date of last program review: Fall 2000

Date of next scheduled review: Fall 2007

Date program goals and objectives were revised: Spring 2007

Posted in compliance with RACGS Guidelines and Procedures, Part D., I. A.
(Ohio Board of Regents Advisory Committee on Graduate Study)