Application Deadline for Academic Year 2023-24:
Monday December 12, 2022

Application Checklist

All documents requiring submission must be uploaded into the Graduate Division application portal. Visit the Graduate Division’s How to Complete the Online Application or  FAQ for Applicants page for more information. 

  1. Major and Degree Objective
    If you have, or will have an MA by Fall 2023, apply for Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in History (HIST); if you do not have an MA, apply for Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in History (HIST) / Master of Arts (MA) in History (HIST). 
  2. Areas of Research
    In order of preference, enter three Fields of Study that you are interested in. 
  3. Education History
    Include all relevant educational institutions that you have been enrolled for a full academic term. 

    1. Transcripts
      You are required to upload a transcript created by your university. This transcript will be used to review and evaluate your application. It can be an unofficial transcript but must show the institution, your courses, grades and credits. Official transcripts are only required by admitted students. 
  4. Exam Scores  
    GRE Scores are not required.

    • International Applicants – IELTS and TOEFL Scores
      Submit scores to Graduate Division For international applicants required to take the TOEFL or IELTS, the minimum TOEFL score is 550 when taking the paper based test. The minimum IELTS score for consideration is an Overall Band Score of 7 or higher. TOEFL OR IELTS scores can be no more than two years old at the time of application.
  5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  6. Statements & Supplemental Documents
    1. Statement of Purpose
      Give a brief statement outlining your reasons for undertaking a graduate program, your particular area of specialization within the major field, your past academic work, and your plans for future occupation or profession. Also include any additional information that may assist the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UC Santa Barbara.
    2. Personal History and Diversity Statement (PH&DS)
      Please provide any additional information regarding economic challenges in achieving higher education, such as being financially responsible for family members or dependents, having to work significant hours during undergraduate schooling or coming from a family background of limited income. Please describe if you have any unusual or varied life experiences that might contribute to the diversity of the graduate group, such as fluency in other languages, experience living in bicultural communities, academic research interests focusing on cultural, societal, or educational problems as they affect underserved segments of society, or evidence of an intention to use the graduate degree toward serving disadvantaged individuals or populations. The Personal History and Diversity Statement must be written in narrative (essay) form without duplicating content from the Statement of Purpose (SOP). The Personal History and Diversity Statement must have a minimum word count of at least 250 words.
    3. One Writing Sample
      Submit a sample that best demonstrates your writing and research abilities. We strongly recommend that students submit a research paper that draws upon primary and secondary sources. Research paper should be 20-25 pages or a chapter or two of a thesis. Submit in the online graduate application – supplemental documents section
    4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    5. History Department – Supplemental Information Form (required)
  7. Application Fee Payment
    $135 for domestic applicants. $155 for international applicants.

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Don’t forget to submit your FAFSA!

New and continuing domestic students are required to file.

Page last modified: September 12, 2022