Thank you for your interest in graduate study at the University of South Carolina. Electronic application forms and various materials outlining our programs in history can be found at the Graduate School's Home Page www.gradschool.sc.edu. This information will probably answer most of your questions about admission procedures and requirements for each degree. We also encourage you to visit the History Departments website: www.cas.sc.edu/hist.

Our greatest strengths as a department lie in American history (particularly Southern History), Public History, and modern European history. In the area of Southern history, Professors Daniel Littlefield and Dan T. Carter have recently joined our distinguished graduate faculty. We also have fine scholars in other fields. These strengths are reflected in the holdings of the various libraries of the University.

The department awards a limited number of assistantships on a competitive basis, starting at $10,000 for the academic year. To apply for an assistantship, simply check the box on the application form; assistantships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, not need.

The department's Graduate Studies Committee makes admissions decisions only once a year, in January. You should submit to the Graduate School your application, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and Graduate Record Examination General Test scores, by January 5th. By that same date, you should send directly to the History Department a one-page typewritten statement of purpose explaining why you think the University of South Carolina is an appropriate place for you to pursue your particular interests in graduate school. The Graduate Studies Committee would also like either a senior thesis or a graduate seminar paper that illustrates your writing style and use of historical sources.

For procedural information please contact Melissa Kupfer at 803-777-4492 or e-mail
kupferm@gwm.sc.edu

If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 803-777-5195 or e-mail tjbrown@sc.edu.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas J. Brown
Director of Graduate Studies