Phd History

The tuition fee is 24,000 USD per year.

Understanding the past requires both rigorous analytical methodology and the capacity to synthesize complex, often disparate, cultural narratives. The Ph.D. in History at UNLV is designed for advanced scholars who seek to master the craft of original historical research, writing, and teaching within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Established in 1991, the program emphasizes the development of clear, professional prose and the ability to contribute significant, original findings to the broader field of historical study.

The curriculum is structured around three core areas of concentration:

• North American West: Utilizing UNLV's unique location and extensive regional archives, this track examines the economic, environmental, and social systems of the West, addressing themes that resonate with contemporary national and transnational issues.
• North American Culture and Society: This interdisciplinary concentration explores the cultural forms, religious history, and social structures of the continent, with specialized faculty expertise spanning from the nineteenth century to the modern era.
• European Culture and Society: A transnational approach to the intellectual and cultural history of Europe, covering periods from classical antiquity and the medieval era through the significant political and social shifts of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.

Students operate within a research-intensive culture supported by the university's Lied Library, which houses substantial microfilm collections, dedicated special collections, and a vast array of digital databases. The program prepares graduates for academic careers in four-year universities and community colleges, as well as roles in secondary education and various institutional and professional settings where analytical and historical expertise is required.