History

Department Code
HIST
Interdepartmental Program
No
At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.
Aline Sartor Chicowski

Students in the RATE program address important and enduring questions about rural and agricultural communities throughout world history, technologies developed and employed by these communities, and environmental contexts in which they operate. RATE’s unique focus brings diverse student and faculty interests into dynamic conversation about the past, preparing scholars to share and develop their expertise in a wide range of professional settings.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 6.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: No data
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate appropriate command of scholarly literature in particular areas of historical study as well as an understanding of basic methodologies of historical study in general.
  • Develop research projects that expand historical knowledge and understanding in particular areas.
  • Conduct research and interpret results appropriately, integrating them into existing disciplinary knowledge.
  • Communicate research findings effectively in both oral and written form, and through the use of other media when appropriate, to a variety of audiences.
  • Exhibit professionalism and correct ethical practices in scholarship and other professional conduct.
  • Cultivate an awareness of the full range of career options available to historians and the applicability of historical knowledge in diverse contexts.
515-294-6646

Kathleen Hilliard

khilliar@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 for assistantship consideration

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

 

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Writing sample (20-25 pages) addressed to program director
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 600
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100
    IELTS 7
    PTE 68
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
khilliar@iastate.edu
Program Staff
erandall@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Immerse yourself in the stories, cultures, and events that have shaped civilizations across the globe with our graduate program in History at Iowa State University. This program offers a deep exploration of historical narratives, methodologies, and critical analysis, preparing students for careers in education, research, public history, and beyond.
history-carousel

Please note that this page is for the general history MA program only. For the more specialized PhD program, please look under Rural, Agricultural, Technological, and Environmental History.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.5 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate appropriate command of scholarly literature in particular areas of historical study as well as an understanding of basic methodologies of historical study in general.
  • Develop research projects that expand historical knowledge and understanding in particular areas.
  • Conduct research and interpret results appropriately, integrating them into existing disciplinary knowledge.
  • Communicate research findings effectively in both oral and written form, and through the use of other media when appropriate, to a variety of audiences.
  • Exhibit professionalism and correct ethical practices in scholarship and other professional conduct.
  • Cultivate an awareness of the full range of career options available to historians and the applicability of historical knowledge in diverse contexts.
515-294-6646

Kathleen Hilliard

khilliar@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 for assistantship consideration

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Writing sample to be sent to program Director
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 600
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100
    IELTS 7.5
    PTE 68
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
khilliar@iastate.edu
Program Staff
erandall@iastate.edu
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