Top History Programs

The U.S. News & World Report 2010 rankings for top graduate programs in History provide a comprehensive view of the most prestigious and academically rigorous institutions for students pursuing advanced degrees in the field of history. These rankings are widely respected and serve as an essential reference point for prospective graduate students, historians, and scholars seeking to assess the relative strengths of these programs in terms of faculty research, departmental resources, academic reputation, and overall graduate training opportunities. The 2010 rankings highlight a mix of long-standing elite institutions and centers of historical scholarship known for their dedication to interdisciplinary research, extensive archival resources, and commitment to producing the next generation of prominent historians.

At the very top of the U.S. News rankings for 2010 are four universities that share the number one spot: Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of California–Berkeley, and Yale University. These institutions are considered the gold standard for graduate study in history, offering both breadth and depth in the study of historical topics across multiple time periods, regions, and methodologies. Each of these universities has achieved a reputation for academic excellence, employing world-class faculty members, cutting-edge research facilities, and extensive resources to support students’ scholarly endeavors.

Princeton University has long stood out as a leader in history, with its commitment to interdisciplinary study and its emphasis on fostering innovative research approaches. The university boasts a distinguished faculty that has made significant contributions to the fields of American, European, and global history. Princeton's graduate students benefit from individualized attention and access to extensive archival collections, contributing to the university’s reputation as a world leader in historical research and scholarship.

Stanford University, also sharing the top spot in the 2010 rankings, is renowned for its focus on interdisciplinary study, innovative research methods, and dedication to preparing students for both academic and professional careers. The Stanford Department of History is notable for its diverse academic strengths, ranging from early modern studies to contemporary history, with a specific emphasis on integrating fields such as political science, economics, and cultural studies. Stanford's commitment to excellence is reflected in its faculty's cutting-edge research and the university’s dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment for graduate students.

Similarly, the University of California–Berkeley holds its place as one of the leading history graduate programs in the nation. Berkeley is celebrated for its strong emphasis on both teaching and research and for providing students with opportunities to explore a wide range of historical fields. As one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States, Berkeley offers graduate students access to a wide variety of archives and resources, as well as distinguished faculty members specializing in various historical eras and methodologies. Berkeley’s interdisciplinary focus and emphasis on global historical perspectives make it an attractive choice for students seeking a well-rounded and comprehensive graduate education in history.

Yale University, the fourth institution sharing the number one ranking in 2010, is another powerhouse in the field of history. Yale’s history department is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the United States and has a rich tradition of scholarship in diverse areas of history, from early modern Europe to American history and global history. Yale is renowned for its emphasis on research-based training, providing students with opportunities to engage with primary source materials, develop specialized research interests, and contribute to groundbreaking research. Yale’s unique resources, such as its extensive archives and world-class faculty members, further solidify its place at the top of the rankings.

The fifth position in the 2010 U.S. News rankings is shared by two additional powerhouse institutions: Harvard University and the University of Chicago. While not at the very top, both of these institutions maintain their standing as two of the most prestigious and competitive programs in history. Harvard University offers its graduate students access to its distinguished faculty members and a vast array of resources, including its expansive library system and archival collections. Harvard’s history department is highly interdisciplinary, emphasizing a wide range of geographical areas and time periods, from ancient history through modern times.

Likewise, the University of Chicago is another highly regarded institution for graduate study in history, offering students exceptional research opportunities and access to prominent scholars in various fields. Chicago’s history department places a strong emphasis on critical historical methodologies and intellectual engagement, training students to approach historical scholarship with rigor, originality, and depth. The university's commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment, combined with its extensive resources, ensures that students receive the academic training necessary to excel in historical research and professional careers.

The shared ranking of Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, and Yale as the top four universities reflects their unmatched reputation, academic resources, and emphasis on producing innovative research. These institutions are widely respected for their ability to attract and support leading scholars in the field of history and for their commitment to advancing the discipline through research, teaching, and interdisciplinary inquiry. At the same time, the inclusion of Harvard University and the University of Chicago in the fifth spot highlights the dynamic nature of the academic environment in history and the emphasis on both methodological diversity and geographic breadth in graduate studies.

For students considering graduate study in history, these programs represent some of the most selective and academically rigorous pathways to pursuing advanced degrees. Each of these universities offers access to world-class faculty members, robust research methodologies, interdisciplinary opportunities, and extensive libraries and archives. These resources enable graduate students to engage deeply with their areas of research, whether they are focusing on European history, American history, East Asian studies, global history, or other specialized fields. Furthermore, these institutions’ interdisciplinary approaches allow students to combine history with related fields such as anthropology, political science, economics, and cultural studies, equipping them with a wide range of intellectual tools to conduct innovative research.

The rankings from U.S. News further underscore the global appeal of American graduate programs in history, as many students from other countries seek opportunities to study at these elite institutions. The wealth of opportunities available at these universities, coupled with their academic prestige, fosters both personal and professional growth for graduate students. Many students graduate from these programs well-prepared to embark on careers in academia, public history, cultural heritage, research, or policy-making.

In conclusion, the U.S. News & World Report 2010 ranking of the top history graduate programs reveals the continued dominance of elite American institutions in the field of historical scholarship and research. Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of California–Berkeley, and Yale University share the top position, each representing excellence in research, teaching, and academic resources. Harvard University and the University of Chicago follow closely behind, highlighting their commitment to advancing scholarship and supporting graduate education. These programs are well-known for their outstanding faculty, extensive research opportunities, and historical collections, which provide graduate students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive academic landscape. As students seek to contribute to the study of history in innovative and interdisciplinary ways, these programs continue to lead the way, setting the standard for excellence in the field of graduate historical study.

Ranking of Top History Graduate Programs:
1 Princeton University
1 Stanford University
1 University of California--Berkeley
1 Yale University
5 Harvard University
5 University of Chicago
7 Columbia University
7 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
9 Johns Hopkins University
9 University of California--Los Angeles
9 University of Pennsylvania
12 Cornell University
12 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
14 Duke University
14 Northwestern University
14 University of Wisconsin--Madison
17 Brown University
17 New York University
17 University of Texas--Austin
20 Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey--New Brunswick
20 University of Virginia (Corcoran)
22 Indiana University--Bloomington
22 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
24 Ohio State University
24 University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
Source: US News & World Report 2010