Fall 2008
Dear Prospective Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the graduate history program at the University of California, Irvine. Although the University was only founded in 1965, the Department of History has achieved a high standard of excellence in teaching and historical research. It is particularly noted for its encouragement of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches to scholarship and for providing students with advanced training in both historical methods and theory. Students often combine work in American, European, Middle Eastern, or Asian history with a thematic emphasis such as Critical Theory or Feminist Studies. The relatively small size of the graduate program allows for close collaboration between students and faculty in developing programs of study tailored to individual interests and goals.
We are delighted that you are considering applying to UCI. Apply online using UCI’s electronic application form, available at the website of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies: http://www.rgs.uci.edu/grad. Beginning Fall 2005, paper applications are no longer available. PLEASE NOTE: If you think you may meet eligibility requirements for Diversity fellowships (Cota-Robles or Graduate Opportunity Fellowship), be sure to read the information on the Research and Graduate Studies website and submit a Diversity Supplemental Application if you qualify. Our departmental brochure and other application instructions specific to our program may be accessed at our departmental website: http://www.hnet.uci.edu/history (Graduate Program Information).
In evaluating applications for the program each year, the Admissions Committee carefully examines each individual's total dossier, including GRE scores, transcripts of college and university grades, letters of recommendation, the application Statement of Purpose and samples of written work from previous courses. Weakness in any one of these areas can be offset by strength in others. Candidates with non-history undergraduate degrees may be admitted, but if their degrees are not in closely related fields, we would like to see completion of a substantial number of history courses.
All students admitted to our program are required to begin in the fall quarter. Applications must be submitted electronically by January 2. Applicants need to send letters of recommendation, transcripts, and at least one sample of their written work, preferably a 10+ page paper produced for a college-level history course, to the History Department.. Applicants who believe they are qualified for fellowship nomination should ensure arrival in the department of ALL materials for completion of the application file by DECEMBER 15. Files cannot be evaluated until all required transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and writing sample have been received.
Applicants desiring a terminal MA degree are considered for admission to our MA program, but they are not eligible for fellowship nomination.
Link for information about and applications for on-campus housing for graduate students: http://www.housing.uci.edu/gfh/application.htm. Rents for graduate student housing are approximately one-third those in the surrounding community, but there is a 12-18 month wait for the least expensive accommodations. Interested students should therefore apply immediately.
Although UCI’s most prestigious fellowships are sometimes awarded to extremely distinguished foreign applicants, financial aid and fellowship nomination are not normally available for those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. (International applicants should see the page included in this message entitled "Important Information for Potential International Applicants".) Link for UCI’s Financial Aid website (for U.S. citizens): http://www.fao.uci.edu/. Financial Aid is not administered by the History Department; please access the website instead of addressing questions to the department.
Please send GRE scores (as well as TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English) as early as possible. Applicants whose scores are not received by January 15 are seriously disadvantaged. The paper-based GRE exam is no longer available in the United States. Information on the Computer Adaptive Test version of the GRE (as well as on the TOEFL) can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service at 609-771-7670 or http://www.ets.org. The link to find a test site, usually Prometric Testing Centers located inside Sylvan Learning Centers: http://etsis4.ets.org/tcenter/cbt_dm.cfm. GRE scores are available to you immediately, and if necessary, you may phone or e-mail them to us (history@uci.edu) in order to meet the deadline for the fellowship competition. Please include your percentile ranking as well. The history subject exam is not required for admission consideration.
Information on financial aid, housing, and the GRE can also be accessed at http://www.rgs.uci.edu/grad/. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at jwassers@uci.edu or Alicia Sanchez, the Graduate Administrator, at asanchez@uci.edu.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wasserstrom
Vice Chair and Director, Graduate Studies
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Supplemental Instructions for On-Line Applicants
Supplemental Instructions for International Applicants
Link for information about and applications for on-campus housing for graduate students: www.housing.uci.edu/gfh/application.htm Rents for graduate student housing are approximately one-third those in the surrounding community, but there is a 12-18 month wait for most accommodations. Interested students should therefore apply immediately.
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