Princeton University Department of History

The Department of History at Princeton is one of the most respected and influential in the world. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or exploring interdisciplinary paths in the humanities, Princeton’s history department offers unmatched academic depth and professional opportunities. From medieval Europe to modern China, from colonialism to the Cold War, the department’s curriculum spans centuries and continents. And just as important as the courses is the culture of inquiry—students are encouraged to question and contribute to the historical conversation.

What Programs Does the Princeton University Department of History Offer?

Princeton’s Department of History offers two main academic tracks:

• A Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) in History for undergraduates
• A Ph.D. in History for graduate students

There are no standalone master’s programs, but the department encourages undergraduates to explore advanced-level seminars and research projects under faculty supervision.

Undergraduate Programs in History

Here’s a summary of key academic expectations and opportunities:

Students can also engage with faculty through research assistantships and department-sponsored reading groups. The program builds not only subject-matter expertise, but also core transferable skills such as argumentation, source analysis, and academic writing—skills that are highly valued across industries.

Graduate Programs and Specializations

Princeton’s doctoral program in history is intensely competitive and focused on original scholarship. Fields of specialization include:

• Early Modern Europe
• Modern U.S. and Latin American History
• Middle East and Islamic History
• African History
• South and East Asia
• Ancient and Medieval History

Graduate students receive full funding and are expected to produce publishable research by the time they defend their dissertation.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities with Art and Archaeology

“I do think there is space in the discipline for developing new software— but I’m not sure how you would get involved in such a thing. Thats a role that you have to make for yourself”

– Reddit

The department encourages students to connect art history, archaeology, architecture, material culture, and museum studies. It’s a good fit for those who want to understand both what people created and how those creations shaped the world. Many students double-major or add certificates in fields like history, classics, anthropology, or East Asian studies. Courses are often cross-listed, so it’s easy to build an interdisciplinary path.

Fieldwork is a big part of the program. Students join archaeological digs in places like Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. They study artifacts, make digital models, and write research papers.

The department also works closely with the Princeton University Art Museum. Students can help with exhibits, get curatorial experience, or take classes using real museum pieces. These opportunities help prepare students for grad school or careers in museums, research, and cultural heritage.

Here is a look at how students might combine disciplines:

How Does the Faculty of the Princeton University Department of History Contribute to Research?

Princeton’s history faculty are global leaders in their fields. Many have published seminal books, won national fellowships (like Guggenheim or MacArthur), and serve on editorial boards of top journals. More importantly, faculty are deeply involved in mentoring undergraduates and graduate students—offering everything from research assistantships to co-authored publications. You’ll find professors here who are not only writing new histories of empire or revolution but also challenging how those stories are told in public discourse.

What Resources Are Available to Students in the Department of History?

One of the top research resources at Princeton is the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, home to rare documents and university archives—great for students doing original research. Firestone Library, one of the largest university libraries in the world, offers private study spaces, millions of sources, and support from subject librarians.

For students writing junior papers or senior theses, the department offers research grants. These can be used for travel, interviews, or finding materials not available online. Princeton also partners with major institutions like the Library of Congress and the British Library, giving students access to global resources.

The department also supports career development. Students can join workshops and panels about careers in history, public service, journalism, and more. Alumni and guest speakers often visit to talk about how they’ve used their history degrees. The department also helps students find internships at places like museums, archives, and think tanks.

Here’s what’s available:

These resources don’t just enhance academic success—they help students develop as historians, thinkers, and communicators ready to contribute in a variety of fields. Legacy Online School recommends leveraging all these tools as early as possible, especially if students are considering graduate studies or research-based careers.

Access to Historical Databases and Journals

Students get full access to:

• ProQuest Historical Newspapers
• EBSCO Historical Abstracts
• Slavery & Anti-Slavery Archive
• Empire Online
• Women and Social Movements in America

These tools are not just supplementary—they’re foundational for primary source research and advanced historiography.

Events and Workshops for Student Engagement

The department hosts:

• Weekly colloquia where faculty, graduate students, or visiting scholars present new research
• Undergraduate thesis workshops
• Public lectures with international historians and journalists
• Reading groups that bring together students from different programs to discuss shared themes (e.g., decolonization, environmental history)

How Does the Princeton University Department of History Engage with the Community?

Here’s how Princeton’s Department of History typically engages with the community:

By supporting both scholarly and civic partnerships, the department ensures that history remains not only a field of study but also a tool for public engagement and societal understanding. Legacy Online School encourages students to view these opportunities not just as extracurriculars—but as ways to amplify the real-world impact of their education.

What Is the History of Princeton University’s Department of History?

“I’d say Princeton is probably the best grad offer in the country at the moment. The history department is fantastic. Also Philly is right next door”

– Reddit

Since the 19th century, Princeton’s History Department has been a leader in the field, known for producing groundbreaking research and training generations of scholars, educators, and public leaders.

Its roots go back to the early days of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), where history was first taught as part of moral philosophy. As history became its own academic field, Princeton built a strong program with expert faculty and a focus on primary sources, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary study.

By the 20th century, the department was widely respected for its work in American, European, and intellectual history. Professors like Arthur Link, James McPherson, and Nancy Weiss Malkiel helped shape national conversations on civil rights, public memory, and education. Their work had real impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Today, the department continues to grow. Students can study everything from environmental history and colonialism to gender studies and digital humanities. While research in archives is still key, the department also embraces new methods and global viewpoints. Faculty come from diverse backgrounds, and students are encouraged to question old narratives and explore new ones.

At its core, the department stands for thoughtful research, ethical scholarship, and the idea that understanding the past helps us build a better future. That mission continues to guide its work and its role in the Princeton community.

Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School

Sources: Princeton University, Reddit