#  Graduate Program 

 



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###  **Graduate Program Overview**  


 The goal of the doctoral program is to train students to become both skilled scholars and conscientious teachers. Throughout the program students work with **advisors** and other [faculty members](/faculty_alpha) as they engage in [coursework](/graduate-program-coursework)**,** prepare for and take the [general exam](/graduate-program-general-exam), work as [teaching fellows](/graduate-program-teaching), and research and write the [dissertation](/graduate-program-dissertation). On average it takes seven years to receive the doctoral degree\*. Most graduates have pursued academic careers at universities and colleges in the United States and abroad, while others have gone on to successful careers in law and in government.

 As a large research university, Harvard offers many resources and opportunities for its students in the form of **lectures**, **conferences**, **research centers**, [fellowships, and grants](/graduate-program-financial-aid-fellowships). Students have access to the more than **80** [libraries](/library-privileges) and **15 million volumes** that comprise the Harvard University Library, the largest university library in the world.

 Additionally, students may take courses offered by **other departments in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences,** or at **other Harvard schools**, such as [Harvard Divinity School](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/), [Harvard Law School](http://www.law.harvard.edu/), [Harvard Graduate School of Education](http://www.gse.harvard.edu/), and [Harvard Kennedy School](http://www.hks.harvard.edu/).

 In coordination with Harvard Law School, students may pursue both a **PhD in history** and a **JD at the Law School**. To learn more about this course of study consult the [Coordinated JD/PhD program overview.](/file_url/2512)

 *\* The History Department does not offer a terminal master's program.*



 

 **[Graduate Student Resources](http://projects.iq.harvard.edu/graduate_resources)**

 **[Academic Calendar (GSAS)](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/academic_calendar/important-dates.php)**

 **[Recent PhDs](/people-categories/recent-phds)**



 

##  Graduate Program Contacts: 

 

##  Director of Graduate Studies 

 



  [### Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof

 ](/people/jesse-hoffnung-garskof)Professor of History

Director of Graduate Studies

 

 

 Office Hours: B y Appointment Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof is Professor of History at Harvard University. His research and teaching focus on the history of Latinx people in the United States, the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, immigration and... 

 

 

      ![Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof](/sites/g/files/omnuum4421/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/history/files/picture_of_jesse_hoffnung-garskof.png?itok=pND4Tzql)