How to Apply

Admissions Requirements

The Graduate Admissions Office must receive and process each of the items listed below before the History Department will consider your application.

  • University of Colorado Boulder Graduate School Online Application
  • Personal Statement of Purpose
  • Academic Writing Sample (10-20 pages)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts required after admission)1
  • Demonstration of English language proficiency may be required for international students2

On April 2, 2021 the History Department faculty unanimously voted to waive the GRE requirement for graduate admission for the next three years (and then permanently, pending review). In reviewing applications, the History Department will not view GRE scores. 

Deadlines

  • Fall Application Deadline: December 1st
  • All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received no later than 10 days after the December 1st deadline. After that date, any incomplete applications will be automatically withdrawn by the Graduate School.
  • At this time, the History Department does not consider mid-year admissions.

Decision Timeline

Admission decisions are sent out no earlier than the third week of February in any given application cycle.
 

1. For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.  Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university. ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts.

2. For information about English language requirements, read CU Boulder Graduate School's proficiency requirements for admissions.