PhD

Public History

Learn more about studying Public History as an international student.

Add application

Add an application for this program to manage progress and next steps.

Add this program to your longlist or shortlist to track your options.

Image reflecting the subject area of Humanities & Law, relating to the program.
Middle Tennessee State University university logo

Key facts

  • Degree type
    Doctorate
  • Duration
    3 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    38,560USD
  • Start date
    Jan, Aug, Sep
  • QS Ranking
    Not QS Ranked

Program overview

What Middle Tennessee State University says about their program:

MTSU’s doctoral program was the first in the U.S. to declare public history as the major field of study. The Ph.D. in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University is an innovative, practice-based, individualized program of study. This program provides a community of nationally recognized scholars and cultural heritage professionals cooperating to train the next generation of leaders in the field. The Department of History offers the doctorate in partnership with the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, and the Center for Popular Music, along with the Walker Library Media Studio for digital collections and initiatives. Interdisciplinary education is offered for specialized practice in historic preservation and cultural resource management, museum management, archival management, oral history, and public archaeology. A year-long residency is at the heart of the Public History doctoral program, designed to assist candidates in melding scholarship and theory with professional practice. A limited number of 12-month long doctoral assistantships are awarded on a calendar-year basis, with four years of funding available.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Official high school or university transcripts
  • GPA of 2.75
  • ACT/SAT are optional

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • GRE, GMAT, or MAT depending on the program
  • GPA of 2.75 (Grade Point Average of 4.0 scale) is required for unconditional admission
  • Required minimum scores vary by academic departments
  • Submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript from a NACES evaluation service for all non-US college/university transcripts

English proficiency

Undergraduate

  • IELTS

    score of 5.5 or above

  • TOEFL iBT

    score of 61 or above (Computer-based 173 or above or paper-based 500 or above. The MTSU institution code is 1466.)

  • Duolingo English Test

    with a score of 85 or above

  • iTEP

    score of 3.5 or above

  • For transfer students, completion of English 1010 and 1020 at a US university
  • The ELS completion certificate of level

Postgraduate

  • TOEFL IBT

    minimum score 71; TEST CODE for MTSU is 1466

  • IELTS

    overall score of 6

  • UMELI

    minimum score of 85

  • ELS Level 112 Certificate of Completion
  • Duolingo English Test

    minimum score of 95

Documents required

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Copy of your passport photo page showing expiration date
  • Proof of current financial affidavit
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

We're still gathering required grade information for this program

Check back soon, or visit the official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Scholarships at Middle Tennessee State University

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Official page

    Middle Tennessee State University awards International Merit Scholarships worth $6,000, $12,000, or $16,000 per academic year, applied toward out-of-state undergraduate tuition costs. The award is open specifically to international students on F-1 visas: any first-year or transfer applicant admitted to MTSU on an F-1 visa is automatically considered, with no separate application required. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until the roughly $2,000,000 annual fund is exhausted, and notification is included in the admission letter. Once awarded, the scholarship is renewable annually for full-time enrollment (excluding summer terms) provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Because eligibility is explicitly tied to F-1 international student status rather than US citizenship or residency, this award is squarely aimed at international undergraduates.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$26,000 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$38,000 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Middle Tennessee State University?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,228
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,006
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$147
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$53
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$38
Monthly grocery basket$166
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15
Gym membership$25

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced) and numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Middle Tennessee State University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements