Theoretically sophisticated, comparative, and interdisciplinary approaches are a hallmark of the doctoral program at the University of Chicago. The Department of History offers a comprehensive range of fields of study. We strongly encourage students to take courses outside of History and to compose one of three oral fields in a comparative discipline. A rich series of interdisciplinary workshops and conferences bring together students and faculty from throughout the university for intellectual exchange.
Our distinguished faculty works closely with students in graduate seminars, colloquia, and tutorials that form the core of advanced training at Chicago. As in any program, a student is expected to learn to read critically, to analyze primary sources skillfully, and to write rigorously. At Chicago we also expect students to produce work that significantly advances the frontiers of their field.