Required Documents for the Graduate Application in History

The following documents should be submitted as part of the online application. We recommend that you print this page as a reference or checklist when completing your application. DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED. Missing documents will delay the processing of your application. 

Deadlines:

 To be considered for a University Fellowship or a Departmental Assistantship, your COMPLETED application packet must be received by December 1st.

Departmental Requirements:

Master's:

• 3.3 upper-division grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must have completed 18 semester hours of history course work;
• Before August 1, 2011:  a minimum score of 1100 on the combined Verbal and Quantitative portions of the general aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  After August 1, 2011: Verbal scores in the 82nd percentile range or higher are typical among successful candidates, though such scores provide no guarantee of acceptance.  (The department accepts GRE scores no more than five years old.)

Doctoral:

• Master's Degree from an accredited/approved institution with at least a 3.65 grade point average;

• Before August 1, 2011:  a minimum score of 1100 on the combined Verbal and Quantitative portions of the general aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  After August 1, 2011: Verbal scores in the 82nd percentile range or higher are typical among successful candidates, though such scores provide no guarantee of acceptance.  (The department accepts GRE scores no more than five years old.)

All Master's and Doctoral applicants must provide the following:

• Statement of Purpose – Your statement (200-500 words) should describe your qualifications and long-term goals, as well as your desired major area of historical study at FSU (specify both time period and region). List up to three faculty members with whom you would like to work. Please look over our faculty list. Also, indicate whether or not you wish to be considered for a departmental assistantship/fellowship.
• Writing Sample - Submit a writing sample that represents your best work. It will be evaluated on its analytic power, creativity, and clarity of expression. Ideally it should be a research paper which demonstrates your facility with primary documents.
• Transcripts - To expedite the review process submit unofficial copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.  Please note official transcripts must be sent directly to:  Florida State University, Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 3062400, Tallahassee, FL  32306-2400.
• GRE Scores - To expedite the review process submit an unofficial copy of your GRE scores and, if applicable, TOEFL scores. Official GRE/TOEFL scores must be sent by ETS to the Office of Admissions.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resumé - Please submit your most recent curriculum vitae or resumé. Be sure to include the following: Publications, Honors (scholarships, fellowships, academic honors), Foreign Language(s) taken (indicate the language, level, year, grade and institution), Professional Experience (museum volunteer, secondary school teacher, etc.).
• Letters of Recommendation - Please submit three letters of recommendation preferably from university faculty who are familiar with your academic work.

• University Online Application