All students in the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in History program must demonstrate proficiency in at least one research skill relevant to their scholarly agenda. This requirement ensures students are equipped with the tools necessary to engage critically with sources, historiography, and methodology in their fields. Students typically meet this requirement by demonstrating a reading knowledge of a foreign language, especially when working in non-English archives or historiographies. However, students whose research relies on quantitative analysis, digital tools, or other methodological competencies may fulfill the requirement through alternative means. The choice of research skill must be approved by the major professor, in consultation with the advisory committee and Director of Graduate Studies. Unless prior approval is given, students must fulfill this requirement by the end of their third semester of full-time enrollment. Approved ways to fulfill the research skills requirement include: Earning a grade of B+ or higher in a course specifically designed for graduate students to acquire reading knowledge of a foreign language (e.g., SPAN 2500, GRMN 3500, FREN 2500), or in a graduate-level class that is taught in a foreign language. Passing a language proficiency exam administered by the appropriate language department or approved faculty member. Documenting an average of 3.5 or higher in all courses of a two-year undergraduate language sequence (with committee and coordinator approval). Completing with a A- or higher a graduate course in digital humanities, GIS, textual analysis, or quantitative methods (e.g., HIST 7500, GEOG 6370, or other pre-approved courses). Completing a specialized technical methods course (e.g., in coding, statistics, archival practices, or other methods), with prior approval and with a grade of B+ or higher. If students wish to use a course taken at a previous institution, they must pass a methodological exam administered by an appropriate faculty member. Substitutions or alternatives must be justified in writing as directly relevant to the student's thesis research and approved by the major professor and Director of Graduate Studies.
