General Information

The graduate program in the history of science at the University of Oklahoma was founded in 1954. Students work toward M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in close contact with the faculty. In 2006-2007 there are 20 resident students in the graduate program. 

The department offers courses of study that presume the student's broad historical interest in science's place in civilization. Department faculty members have scholarly interests ranging widely within the history of science in European and American cultures.

Each graduate student's program of study couples development of appropriate research specializations with establishment of a framework of general historical knowledge of science's growth, and the cultural context of the scientific enterprise, from Antiquity to modern times. Students are encouraged to pursue diverse topics of study and research in topical courses and seminars. General Examinations call for the student to demonstrate broad learning of the history of science since its ancient beginnings, as well as acquisition of appropriate research skills including an ability to read historical materials in languages relevant to the student's area of scholarly specialization. 

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Application Instructions

Applicants should submit completed forms and official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records. (Please note: Even when your intention is to work toward the doctoral degree, indicate on the application form that you are applying initially for admission to the Master's program -- code 2216 M; exceptions may be made for applicants who have already earned a Master's degree in the field. See the department's Ph.D. program information sheet for more details.)  Applicants to the Dual Degree Program in History of Science and Library and Information Studies should use code 4952M.

Each applicant should arrange to have three confidential letters of reference sent directly to the department. In addition, applicants should provide Graduate Record Examination scores (only the general test is necessary). In order to evaluate your aptitude and interest in the history of science, the department requests that you submit a 750-1000 word essay identifying your goals and particular interests in the history of science. This essay is a very important part of the application process, and you should prepare it carefully. In your essay, please try to address the following:

• your preparation for graduate study in the history of science at the University of Oklahoma
• previous reading in or study of the history of science or related fields
• particular regional, temporal, or topical interests within the general field of history of science
• specific reasons for seeking admission to the graduate program in history of science at the University of Oklahoma, and
• your career goals and how graduate study in the history of science at the University of Oklahoma will contribute to their attainment

 
The department also asks each applicant to supply a writing sample. This could be a recent research or analytical paper submitted for an academic course or, alternatively, an original essay composed for this application. The essay should illustrate both the applicant's ability to address a research problem and his or her writing ability. We request only one sample, but a second may be included if desired. Please send no more than two.
These materials--letters of reference, GRE score, essay, and writing sample--should be sent to the department, not to Admissions and Records.

The graduate program's structure is such that new students normally begin the course of study during the Fall semester. In unusual circumstances, admission to the program starting in the Spring may be possible; any applicant requesting admission for the Spring semester should explain the situation warranting a departure from the usual schedule.

We especially wish to encourage applications from students with disabilities and from minority students. The University has a number of resources and programs to support diversity in the student body.

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