The Department of History of The University of Memphis welcomes your interest in our graduate program. We offer both master’s and doctoral degree programs, as described in the following pages, and we are proud of the quality of our programs and our faculty.

The University of Memphis is a comprehensive institution serving a diverse student body. The campus is centrally located in an attractive residential area of Memphis, one of the South’s largest cities. As a medical, educational, communication, distribution and transportation center, Memphis offers a rich and full range of research opportunities and cultural experiences. The city, known worldwide for its musical heritage, has many fine restaurants, museums, theaters, and parks. Local museums include the National Civil Rights Museum, the National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis Brooks Art Museum, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and the Pink Palace Museum.

The University of Memphis is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, the seventh largest system of higher education in the nation. The TBR is the governing board for this system which comprises six universities, 14 community colleges and 26 area technology centers. The TBR system enrolls more than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public institutions of higher education.

The Department of History of The University of Memphis sponsors several special community outreach programs. Each year the Belle McWilliams and Memphis Sesquicentennial Lecture Series invite nationally prominent speakers to campus. The Belle McWilliams Foundation also funds a scholarship program in U.S. history. Each year the Department of History hosts the regional History Day competition for junior and senior high school students, the winners advancing to the state finals.

The Graduate History Association (GHA) represents the graduate students and has a vote in departmental meetings. Graduate students also serve on most departmental committees, including all hiring committees and the Graduate Studies Committee. In addition, it sponsors seminars on preparing and presenting academic papers, getting published, preparing the thesis and dissertation, and getting jobs.

The Graduate Association for African-American History (GAAAH) sponsors an annual national graduate student conference in African-American history (MS Word) and other programs in African-American history.

Epsilon Nu Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honorary society, is very active on campus. It brings together undergraduates, graduates, and faculty for many activities, including an annual awards dinner and a monthly scholarly presentation and discussion. Over the years it has brought in such speakers as Willie Morris, Shelby Foote, and C. Vann Woodward. Epsilon Nu Chapter has several times received “Best Chapter” awards for Phi Alpha Theta.

The Department of History and The University of Memphis have much to offer the graduate student in history. Ours is a quality program with high educational standards, yet one with much personal attention and respect for individuality. We award a limited number of assistantships and scholarships yearly.

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