The department offers programs leading to the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in history. Applicants for the graduate program must have completed the equivalent of the bachelor's degree with a major in history or related subject and are required to submit scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. M.A. applicants must submit a writing sample. Ph.D. applicants must also submit two writing samples. Application deadlines: October 1 and January 15. All Ph.D. students must participate in a formal review of their program during the first year of doctoral studies. Master of Arts: At least 24 units must be completed in history, including 18 units in one of the following areas: Early Europe, Modern Europe, Latin America, United States, and Asia. The student who elects to submit a thesis will receive thesis credit for 6 units and will be required to complete at least 12 additional units at the 695-696 level in history. The student who elects to present two research seminar papers (6 units) in lieu of thesis is required to complete at least 18 units at the 695-696 level in history. Each student must demonstrate reading knowledge of a second language. During the first year of study, all graduate students must take History 695k, the department's course in historiography/methodology. This course cannot count as part of the 18 units required in the fields listed above, or as part of the 12 units of 695 or 696. Each student must pass a final examination in his or her major field. A total of 30 units is required for the degree. Doctor of Philosophy: In consultation with an advisor, each beginning student will select primary and secondary areas of concentration within the history major. Each student must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two second languages. In United States history, students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one second language. All students must take History 695k during the first year in the program. Prior to admission to formal candidacy, each student must pass an examination covering the major and minor fields. Following this examination, the candidate must prepare and defend a dissertation displaying mature research in original sources, competence in assembling and presenting historical data, and critical scholarship. Primary areas of concentration: Early Europe, Modern Europe, Latin America, and United States. Secondary areas of concentration: Any primary area of concentration other than the chosen one; an approved minor in another department; or Asian history; comparative women's history; comparative/world history.