All students in the Ph.D. program in History at Carleton complete the following degree requirements:

  • HIST 6808 (Historical Theory and Method – 1.0 credit)
  • HIST 6906 (Ph.D. Major Field Tutorials – 3 terms/1.5 credits)
  • HIST 6907 (Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam – 0.5 credit)
  • 1.0 credit in Cognate Area courses
  • 1.0 credit in Professional Development Project courses
  • HIST 6909 (Ph.D. Thesis)

Guidelines for Completion of Doctoral Degree

Ph.D. Tutorials and Comprehensive Examination

All students complete 1.5 credits of tutorials (HIST 6906) in their major field in their first year. After completing three terms of tutorials, students will undertake a comprehensive examination in the major field, normally in September of their second year of the program. The exam has both written and oral components.

Cognate Area

All students complete 1.0 credit in a cognate area that complements their major field of study. The requirement is met through completion of 1.0 credit in HIST courses at the 5000- or 6000-level or, with permission of the Graduate Supervisor, in graduate level courses from another unit at Carleton or the University of Ottawa.

Professional Development Project

All students undertake a professional development project (1.0 credit) that enhances and complements their program of study and career goals. The nature of the professional development project is flexible and is to be determined jointly by the student, their dissertation advisor, and the Graduate Supervisor.

PhD Courses

With departmental approval, PhD students are eligible to enrol in courses in other departments and programs at Carleton, and at the University of Ottawa.

Please see the PhD Handbook for further information on program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with an M.A. degree will be expected to have at least high honours standing.

Language Requirement

All students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English allied to their program of study. The appropriate language requirement will be determined in conjunction with their dissertation advisor and the Graduate Supervisor. Proficiency is normally demonstrated through completion of the departmental language exam or course credits approved by the department. Language requirements must be met by the end of the student’s second year of study.

Residence Requirement

The normal residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a minimum of two years of full-time study.

Collaborative Ph.D. with a Specialization in Political Economy

The Department of History and the Institute of Political Economy offer a Collaborative Program in Political Economy at the Ph.D. level. For further details, see the Institute of Political Economy and the graduate calendar.

Information on this page is only a guideline and is subject to change. Please be sure to consult the graduate calendar for official program information.