Thank you for your interest in the PhD program in History at Rice University.
Applications for fall 2027 are now open. The deadline is 10:59pm CST on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
Apply here: http://gradapply.rice.edu/
Special note on Application Fee Waivers:
All questions regarding application fee waivers will be addressed only after GPS Doctoral Application Fee Waiver Weeks begin (October 14-November 1, 2027). If you are need of a fee waiver: mark your calendar, bookmark the fee waiver weeks webpage, and follow the instructions.
Special note on English Proficiency Requirements for international applicants:
There are several places on the application where students can provide evidence of English language proficiency to receive a waiver. There is no need to email the department asking for a waiver. For more detailed information, refer directly to the graduate admissions webpage regarding language proficiency requirements: https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/language-proficiency-requirements.
Frequent Inquiries:
- Applications are for the PhD program only; the Department of History does not accept students seeking a terminal Master’s degree.
- Applications are accepted annually for fall matriculation only; there is no spring matriculation.
- The PhD program in History is a full-time, funded program and does not offer online or distance courses.
Program Eligibility:
Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree, or who will complete a bachelor's degree by the start of the admission term, are eligible to apply. Applicants of all academic backgrounds are considered for the PhD program. In general, a minimum of a 3.0 (B) GPA is required. A GRE score is not required.
For more information about graduate program qualifications, visit the office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Reviewing the department's Before You Apply page is recommended.
Application Requirements
The following materials must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered for admission:
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A statement describing the applicant’s educational objectives, professional goals, historical interests and intended area of study. Additionally, the statement should discuss any scholarly research, writing, or similar research currently being pursued. Statements should be no longer than three pages (double-spaced).
WRITING SAMPLE
A sample of the applicant's academic writing, preferably one that uses primary sources. It should be no longer than 25 pages in length. If it is part of a longer essay, the applicant can submit the longer piece and specify which 25 pages should be read.
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Three letters of recommendation by individuals best qualified to testify to the applicant’s capacity for graduate work in history are required. Academic references representing the applicant’s major field are preferred. If this is not possible, individuals who can comment on qualities relevant to the applicant’s academic goals and research will be accepted. Recommenders named in the application form will be sent an automated email requesting that they complete an online evaluation and upload the letter of recommendation. We advise applicants to make sure recommenders know to expect this email and to give them sufficient time to complete this task ahead of the application deadline.
UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Unofficial transcripts from previous colleges and universities where a degree was received. The department will review unofficial transcripts during the admissions process; official transcripts will be required after acceptance into the graduate program.
OFFICIAL TEST SCORES
A GRE score is not required. If you have a GRE score, feel free to submit it, but it is not necessary.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (International applicants only)
There are several places on the application where students can provide evidence of English language proficiency to receive a waiver. For more information, refer directly to the graduate admissions webpage regarding language proficiency requirements: https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/language-proficiency-requirements.
Once a completed application is submitted, the applicant will be able to pay the application fee of $85 and monitor the status of their application on the Application Status page. See information about Application Fee Waivers in the paragraph at the top of this page.
Application information and supporting documents cannot be edited after final submission.
To maintain the integrity of the application review, please refrain from using artificial intelligence tools to generate, analyze, or draft any part of your application, including your letters of recommendation. All application materials are confidential and should not be shared or processed by any external platforms, including AI systems.
Inquiries regarding the application process can be directed to Humanities Graduate Admissions: humagradadmissions@rice.edu.